INFORMATION FOR PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS

Academic links and collaborations

UCL’s academic departments cultivate mutually beneficial links and partnerships with research institutions, professional bodies and employers. Such links extend internationally, nationally and locally, since London is home to a significant concentration of such organisations. In many subjects London and its resources are drawn upon as a topic for investigation or to illustrate issues under discussion.

Subject entries in this Prospectus provide information on the special associations UCL academic departments have with organisations and institutions in London. Through the Centre for Ecology and Evolution, UCL staff in life, medical and environmental science disciplines work with staff at the Institute of Zoology, located at London Zoo in Regent’s Park, and the Natural History Museum. The many museums and galleries of London provide students of history, archaeology and history of art with access to the objects, artefacts and works being studied. Studying in London provides a uniquely rewarding dimension to your graduate studies. A vast array of academic resources, cultural riches and social opportunities await you, together with the benefits of access to the professional and international networks enjoyed by a capital city which plays a significant role on the world stage.

Expansion, redevelopment and construction works are taking place all over London, with major projects including the creation of the 560-acre Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park (due to open in phases from July 2013), and the construction of Crossrail, a 74-mile stretch of railway connecting the capital to commuter areas east and west of London, due to open to passenger services in 2017. These activities provide fascinating case studies for students in fields such as geography, civil engineering, architecture and planning.

In subjects such as architecture and law, practising professionals provide teaching and guest lectures, and being a political science or law student in London means you are able to observe your subjects in action from the public galleries of the Houses of Parliament, Royal Courts of Justice and the Central Criminal Court (Old Bailey). Your tutor or supervisor, together with your own curiosity, will help you identify the resources of most relevance and interest to you. Outlined here, by way of introduction, are just some of the many facilities and resources available.

Libraries and archives

In addition to the UCL Library, you will also have access to the University of London Research Library Services, including the Senate House Library and the specialist libraries of the institutes of the School of Advanced Study. The British Library is only a ten-minute walk from UCL’s Bloomsbury campus; it holds more than 150 million items, including books, manuscripts, maps, newspapers, magazines, prints and drawings, music scores and sound recordings, and provides a specialist service for academic researchers.

London is also home to many specialist libraries and archives, including the National Archives at Kew and the London Metropolitan Archives. In these collections you can access unique and detailed materials relevant to an enormous range of interests, from the history of medicine to slavery and child labour, British film, art and architecture to psychoanalysis, to name but a few. 

Museums and galleries

Many nationally and internationally renowned collections are housed in London’s famous museums and galleries, which include the British Museum, Science Museum, Natural History Museum, Victoria and Albert Museum, National Gallery, National Portrait Gallery and the Tate Modern and Tate Britain galleries. UCL maintains good relations with many of London’s museums and galleries, and their collections form a resource for research across a range of fields, as well as professional insights for students undertaking degrees in museum and heritage studies, and conservation. Of course, the exhibits and collections are also open to the public for general interest.

Professional institutions and societies

Many of the UK’s professional societies and institutions have their headquarters in London; examples include the Bar Council, British Medical Association, Royal Academy of Engineering, Royal Institute of British Architects, Royal Town Planning Institute, Royal Historical Society and Royal Geographical Society. Each offers services and support to professionals within its own field, but may be slightly different in its operation and administration. In general, however, these institutions can provide opportunities to attend lectures, debates and events, to meet with prospective employers, and to access specialised library resources.

The diversity of London is one of its major strengths and attractions. Whatever your interests, you will find resources, activities and facilities available, together with many opportunities to extend your experiences by trying something new. 

Performing arts

London is well known for its many theatres, cinemas and music venues. Students of literature, both in English and other languages, will find the dramatic works of their studies brought to life at theatres such as the National Theatre and the Barbican, together with authentic recreations of Shakespearean performances at the Globe. The British Film Institute screens films at both the South Bank and IMAX, and holds the National Archive of moving image material, as well as a specialist library, providing particular benefit to students of film and cultural studies. In addition to the scholarly aspects of performing arts in London, the theatres, cinemas, concert halls and gig venues provide a wonderful source of entertainment and enjoyment. From acclaimed drama, ballet and opera to lively musicals, from art-house cinema to blockbuster movies, from classical orchestras to jazz and rock artists, from local pub gigs to stadium tours, you will be able to sample them all. For some performances you may be able to obtain student discounts or last-minute cut-price tickets. The diversity of London is one of its major strengths and attractions. Whatever your interests, you will find resources, activities and facilities available, together with many opportunities to extend your experiences by trying something new.

Sports, parks and outdoor activities

London has facilities for an enormous range of sporting activities, whether you wish to participate or be a spectator. UCL’s own sports facilities are described on page 18. Internationally famous venues, such as Wimbledon for tennis, Twickenham for rugby, Lord’s and the Oval for cricket and Wembley for football, are located in the capital, as well as countless other sports arenas, pitches, clubs and centres. Central London boasts some of the finest parks and green spaces available in any city worldwide. Some are equipped with courts and pitches for sports, many are used as venues for musical and community events, and all provide the opportunity to enjoy peace and tranquillity as a break from the bustle of the capital’s streets.

Events, socialising, leisure and shopping

London, by day or night, is animated and energetic. With a population embracing so many cultures and interests, London hosts a huge number of specialist events and celebrations. On such occasions parks, shopping streets and squares are given over to processions, performances and stalls. The many and varied cultures of the London population also provide you with a choice of interesting and diverse cuisines, at a range of prices, when dining out. If you are planning a night out with friends, restaurants, cafés and bars are plentiful, and you have a huge choice of clubs for music, dancing and comedy. Shopping in London can range from large department stores to local farmers’ markets, and whether you simply require basics such as food, or wish to find boutiques or supplies for a hobby, your needs will be met.