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Learning Resources & Key Facilities - published for 2023-24
14.1 Information on university-wide learning resources and key contacts for support
14.1.1 UCL Library Services
UCL Library Services provides support to students online and in person via our libraries. UCL has 14 libraries covering a wide range of specialist subjects with expert staff that students can ask for help. UCL Library Services provides access to a huge range of digital and print resources. The UCL Library Services page has information for students about using the library, services available, electronic resources and training and support. Subject guides provide targeted information on resources and support available, and online reading lists, which are also linked to Moodle modules, will provide students with access to core readings for their modules.
Further Information:
14.1.2 UCL Information Services Division (ISD)
The UCL Information Services Division (ISD), the primary provider of IT services to UCL, offers guidance on all of ISD’s key services, including email and calendar services, user IDs and passwords, print, copy and scanning, Wi-Fi and networks on their web pages. ‘How to’ guides and individual help and support is available from IT Services.
There are also opportunities for Digital Skills Development through face-to-face training in areas such as data analysis, programming, desktop applications and more, along with individual support through drop-ins.
UCL also has a licence for LinkedIn Learning which provides thousands of high quality video-based courses from programming to presentation skills:
Learning on Screen (“bob”) provides students with access to a vast archive of 65 free-to-air channel programming for educational usage – you can view TV programmes and films, and listen to radio programmes. In addition, Kanopy (“thoughtful entertainment”) is available to UCL students, and offers a wide range of movies:
New students are encouraged to complete the ‘Digital Education at UCL’ course which is available on Moodle, UCL’s virtual learning environment, to familiarise themselves with the tools and technology available to support their digital learning experience.
ISD provides desktop computers and laptops for loan in a number of learning spaces.
Computers at UCL run a Desktop@UCL service which provides access to hundreds of software applications to support students. Students also have access to a range of free and discounted software.
Visit the IT Essential for new students page for details of all IT services available:
All students are encouraged to download the UCLGo app, available for iOS and Android devices and on the web. The app gives access to the timetable, Moodle, email, Portico, and library loans. It has maps to locate lecture theatres, water fountains, computers and study spaces on campus. It has checklists of things students need to do and sends important alerts, as well as having opt-in notifications on topics of interest. You can also see lists of events hosted by the UCL Students' Union and UCL departments.
14.1.3 UCL Centre for Languages & International Education (CLIE)
The UCL Centre for Languages & International Education (CLIE) provides modern foreign language, British Sign Language and English for Academic Purposes (EAP) modules for UCL students. CLIE also heads the UCL Academic Communication Centre (ACC). The ACC offers discipline-specific academic communication support to both native and non-native English speakers currently studying an undergraduate or postgraduate degree at UCL. Evening courses are offered in nine foreign languages across a range of levels to support UCL students, staff and London’s wider academic and professional community. Students can access language-learning resources online through the CLIE Self-Access Centre, including films and documentaries and books for self-study.
Further information:
14.1.4 Sustainable UCL
UCL launched its Sustainability Strategy in 2019 – one of the most ambitious across the UK higher education sector. It includes many headline commitments – to be a net zero carbon institution by 2030; to be single use plastic free; and that every student has the opportunity to engage with sustainability during their time at UCL. The Sustainable UCL team offers students many different opportunities to learn about sustainability as part of their studies or extracurricular activities.
In particular, students can engage with sustainability in their free-time by joining one of UCL’s green clubs and societies or taking part in UCL’s Student Sustainability Council to help direct UCL’s sustainability vision and represent the students’ voice on sustainability.
Further information:
- Sustainable UCL Website
- Sustainability Student Opportunity Website
- Sustainability Strategy
- Green clubs and societies
- Student Sustainability Council
14.2 Information on department/faculty library spaces/resources, IT provision/support, social spaces etc.
14.2.1 How to access Moodle and support contacts
Moodle is UCL's online learning space. It includes a wide range of tools which can be used to support learning and teaching. Moodle is used to supplement taught modules, in some cases just by providing essential information and materials, but it can also be integrated more fully, becoming an essential component of a module. Some modules may use Moodle to provide access to readings, videos, activities, collaboration tools and assessments.
Further information:
14.3 Portico – what it is, why it is important and who to contact for support
14.3.1 Portico
Portico is the main UCL student information system which is used by all students for:
- Updating personal data such as addresses or contact numbers
- Completing online module registration
- Viewing information about programmes/modules
- Viewing examination timetables and results
- Viewing module results
- Pre-enrolment and re-enrolment
- Applying for programme transfer
- Plan and record skills development
- Applying for graduation ceremonies
Further information:
14.4 Research Student Log
14.4.1 Research Student Log
To fulfil UCL’s commitment to the quality of its research programmes, the Doctoral School provides the Research Student Log for the use of all research students at UCL. The Log is a mandatory component of all UCL research degree programmes (including the MRes) and has been prepared to assist students throughout their degree programme at UCL. It provides a framework for recording details related to the student’s graduate research programme, scheduled supervisory meetings and activities concerning the development of academic and key skills. The Log will also help students to assess their progress and to plan and chart evidence of the development of academic and discipline-specific skills and key skills.
Further information:
Research Student Log