5 Hours of Study

Hours of Study - published for 2023-24

5.1 Hours of study 

Undergraduate degrees

The workload for all IoA undergraduate degrees is 120 credits per year. On average it is expected that you spend approximately 150 hours studying for each 15 credit module (including contact time, private study during the term, undertaking of coursework assignments, preparation for exams). Each 15 credit module will usually include 2 hours of staff-led sessions per week, but this may vary, and laboratory classes typically involve more staff-led sessions. This time is made up of formal learning and teaching events such as lectures, seminars, practical sessions and tutorials, as well as independent study.

Postgraduate degrees

The workload for all IoA postgraduate degrees is 180 credits per year.  On average it is expected that you spend approximately 150 hours studying for each 15 credit module (including contact time, private study during the term, undertaking of coursework assignments, preparation for exams). Each 15 credit module will usually include 2 hours of staff-led sessions per week, but this may vary, and laboratory classes typically involve more staff-led sessions. This time is made up of formal learning and teaching events such as lectures, seminars, practical sessions and tutorials, as well as independent study.

5.2 Personal study time 

Studying for a degree involves much more than being taught in lectures and classes. You will do most of the work on your own, making use of the Library, laboratories, museums and collections; you will prepare material for class discussion; consolidate what you have been taught; undertake wider reading of books and journal articles and newspapers; and write essays, or do practical exercises.

You should make time in the vacations to prepare for the term (or year) ahead and it is important that you plan your study time throughout the academic year.

5.3 Attendance requirements  

5.3.1 Attendance Requirements 

UCL expects students to attend all the scheduled learning events which appear on their timetable as this gives students the best chance of academic success. This includes all events set out in the programme handbook or those provided to students during a module, including personal tutorials. 

A new Attendance policy is currently under development and will be available from the main Students’ webpages: 

• Students’ webpages

Each Faculty has set its own minimum attendance requirements. Failure to meet these requirements will lead to a follow up, based on the level of non-attendance.

The thresholds on your programme are:

5.3.2  Degree Apprenticeships Attendance Requirements

The Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) requires UCL to share details of an apprentice’s attendance, progress, and any issues with a current employer as stated in the Degree Apprenticeship Funding Rules.

Apprentices are expected to attend all scheduled learning events which appear on their timetable. Unexplained absences will be recorded and communicated to the apprentices’ employer.

Further information: 

• Student visa responsibilities