For someone who thrives on variety, BASc offers a refreshing break from traditional degrees. Being able to explore different fields and see how they connect has opened up new ways of thinking, making learning both challenging and rewarding.
Hi, I’m Shayna Gail Velasquez, a first-year student at UCL studying Arts and Sciences (BASc).
If you’re someone who loves exploring different areas and hates being confined to one subject, this course is perfect for you. It’s all about interdisciplinarity - you get to choose two of the four pathways offered: Science and Engineering, Health and Environment, Societies, and Cultures, alongside a foreign language.
I’m majoring in Science and Engineering and minoring in Cultures, which lets me dive into computer science and maths whilst pursuing my passion for filmmaking. For someone who thrives on variety, BASc offers a refreshing break from traditional degrees. Being able to explore different fields and see how they connect has opened up new ways of thinking, making learning both challenging and rewarding. I’ve never been the type to stick to just one thing, so being able to combine these interests felt like hitting the jackpot.
What I love most about this course is the control I have over my education. In my first semester, I took Logic, Computation and Language Theory, Mathematical Methods, Approaches to Knowledge, and French. The freedom of choice makes the course feel truly tailored to me.
Unlike only studying computer science, the course I was initially enrolled in at another university, where I felt limited, BASc allows me to combine my interests and explore an array of fields. The lecturers are passionate and engaging, making learning all the more enjoyable.
This semester, I’m really excited to dive into the Documentary Filmmaking module. It’s a perfect way to reconnect with my creative side whilst balancing it with my language, maths and computer science classes. It feels like the ideal mix that aligns with my goals.
Balancing everything sounds intense, but I love the beautiful chaos of it all. Switching between different subjects keeps things fresh, and it prevents burnout from focusing too much on one area.
Having a day off midweek is also a great bonus-last semester, I had Thursdays free to catch up on work or relax after commuting over an hour to campus. This semester, my Wednesdays are free, which will be perfect for breaking up the week.
Staying on top of everything means getting your organisation game on point. I’m all about to-do lists, Notion and Google Calendar - swear by its notifications to keep me on track.
Studying with friends makes a huge difference too. We rotate between the Main Library, Senate Library, or a cosy café, depending on whether we’re craving quiet focus or a bit of background noise.
Pro tip: bring a reusable cup to save money on drinks, and don’t miss Black Sheep Coffee’s £2 deal on Mondays - it’s a great way to treat yourself without breaking the bank! My friends and I even turned it into a little tradition: every Monday, we grab a bite together, which has become our quirky way of tricking ourselves into showing up bright and early.
Of course, it hasn’t all been smooth sailing. Finding my way around campus was a bit chaotic at first (I definitely regret skipping the campus tour), but once you get the hang of it, UCL’s tight-knit atmosphere really grows on you.
I feel at home here, enjoying the mix of historic and modern spaces-especially the Student Centre and Print Room Café.
BASc is such a unique degree, and I think it deserves more recognition. Being able to learn a bit about everything whilst still focusing on what you love? That’s the dream. If you’re curious, feel free to reach out to current BASc students on LinkedIn or message me on Instagram (@shayna.gail).
Arts and Sciences isn’t just about studying - it’s about creating a degree that works for you. If you love learning and can’t pick just one path, trust me, this is where you want to be.
Shayna Gail Velasquez, UCL Arts and Sciences
Prices were correct at the time of publishing this blog post.
About the Arts and Sciences BASc
You can now apply directly to your major pathway. The pathway you apply to determines your specialist subjects. We offer a cultures pathway, a societies pathway and two sciences pathways.
Published: 9 June 2026