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Advice and further information for prospective and incoming students to the Institute for Global Prosperity's Postgraduate Taught programmes
- How do the part-time and modular/flexible study options work?
In the part-time study mode, programmes are completed in 2 years (i.e. double the length of the corresponding full-time programme), with the student enrolling on all modules over this period of time, according to your circumstances and in discussion with your programme director or personal tutor. Part-time students must register on between 60-120 credits per year (full time is 180 credits for the year). Part-time UK students are eligible for government-sponsored student loans.
In the modular-flexible study mode students can take up to a maximum of 5 years to complete their programme. Study is undertaken on a module-by-module basis, with the student accumulating credit by selecting which module(s) to complete at the beginning of any given year. Students can seek advice from programme directors and personal tutors about the recommended period of time in which to complete your studies and which modules to select depending on your circumstances.
- Is it realistic to take the modular-flexible course alongside a full-time job?
For the modular-flexible mode of learning you can distribute your modules over a period of up to 5 years. The modules include four core modules, two electives and a dissertation. Each module is scheduled to have two hours of teaching per week. On top of this, you will need your own time to read through materials and work on assignments.
It is unlikely to be compatible with somebody working full-time, 9-to-5, but it depends on your working arrangements and whether you will be able to take the time off. It is up to you in discussion with us on how you distribute the workload. You will also need to remember to allow time for the dissertation.
- How do elective modules work?
As part of your programme, you must choose up to 30 elective credits. These can be from departmental optional modules or some of the core modules from other IGP programmes (subject to capacity). Alternatively, your choice can be drawn from across UCL. If you wish to select a module from outside the IGP, you must seek permission from both the Programme Director and, in turn, the Module Leader of the module concerned. We encourage students to think broadly, but permission to take any elective module is subject to timetabling and availability.
- Does IGP offer a PhD degree for Global Prosperity?
Yes, you can find all information here: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/bartlett/igp/programmes/global-prosperity-mphilphd. Please reach out to us at igp@ucl.ac.uk if you are interested.
- Does IGP offer funding and scholarship to masters students?
You can find all information on funding here: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/bartlett/igp/study/funding-your-study-institute-global-prosperity
A range of financial awards aimed at assisting both prospective and current students with their studies are available from UCL, The Bartlett Faculty, and individual departments within the Faculty.
Opportunities include the IGP BAME Scholarship, Bartlett Promise Masters Scholarship and the UCL Global Masters Scholarship
- What kind of research can students engage with at the IGP?
We have major research projects in London, Lebanon and Kenya. We engage students with projects including the RELIEF Centre's work on delivering inclusive and prosperous futures for communities impacted by mass displacement in Lebanon, Prosperity Co-Lab Kenya’s focus on natural and social prosperity in Africa and research into past, present and future determinants of prosperity in East London. We also conduct pioneering theoretical, methodological and policy-focussed research on the Prosperity Index and prosperity measures, welfare and Universal Basic Services, and debt and financing Prosperity.
Students will have an opportunity to write their MSc dissertations on topics related to IGP’s past and ongoing research which will be supervised by members of staff from relevant PROCOLs. MSc PIE students will also collaborate with IGP research teams as well as with external partner organisations as part of applied group projects on Connected Innovation Module.
- What networks and facilities are available to students on IGP programmes?
All programmes provide access to UCL’s world class facilities and online resources and to IGP’s networks and partners such as the Fast Forward 2030 network of Young Entrepreneurs, the London Prosperity Board and the Social Prosperity Network and its pioneering work on Universal Basic Services.
Particularly relevant to those studying MSc Prosperity, Innovation and Entrepreneurship are The Hatchery, a dedicated start-up space within BaseKX and UCL’s entrepreneurship hub in King’s Cross.
- What is the typical cohort size and background of students on the IGP MSc programmes?
For 2021-22, there were 59 students on GP and 47 on the PIE programme. Some students join us straight after their undergraduate degrees and some after 15 years of work experience; one of the great benefits of our courses is the diverse community that you will be a part of.
- Do graduate students often live in UCL housing or off-campus?
Most of our students live off-campus. UCL is situated very centrally in London. You can find all information about UCL accommodations here: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/accommodation/
- What kind of career opportunities can students expect after graduating from IGP MSc programmes?
The IGP community is hugely diverse and so are the students applying for our MSc programmes. Students attending our programmes come with very different backgrounds – some straight from undergraduate programmes, some with very extensive and diverse professional experience – and go onto very different fields.
From the longest running programme the Global Prosperity MSc, we have had students going into politics and government roles in the US, the UK, South Africa and Japan. Other students have focused on sustainable business in Japan and China as well as social impact investment and finances in China and the UK. We have had former students setting up their own businesses, others working in agricultural innovation, education and in NGO and development positions. Finally, we have had students go on to do PhDs with us at IGP as well as in other top-level universities.
The Prosperity, Innovation and Entrepreneurship MSc prepares students for different career avenues in the entrepreneurial, non-profit, public and social policy sectors.
Graduates of the Prosperity, People and Planet MSc are expected to go on to leadership roles in the public and private sector, working in government and civil service, in sustainability and business, and in the NGO and third sector. This could include a broad range of roles such as ecological consultants, policy officers and social research officers.
Although placements are not a formal part of the IGP degrees, there are a very wide array of opportunities for students to link up with our business, policy, NGO and research partners. Throughout the year, we run seminars with non-academic practitioners and hold multiple project partner events, including with partners in London, the UK, Lebanon and Kenya. We also hold multiple Fast Forward 2030 events for young entrepreneurs and a series of engagements with our alumni. In several places in your degrees you will have the opportunity for short field visits and to meet project partners. You may choose to work with one of our partners for an assessment or on your dissertation.- How can I hear about previous students’ experience at the IGP?
You can read our Spotlight features on some of our previous students here:
https://www.ucl.ac.uk/bartlett/igp/study/student-and-alumni-profiles
You can also attend our virtual open days run throughout the year where current and previous students share their experience and answer your questions.
- Where can I find a reading list for IGP?
You can find it here if you browse the different modules:
GP: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/bartlett/igp/study/global-prosperity-msc
PIE: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/bartlett/igp/study/prosperity-innovation-and-entrepreneurship-msc
To explore stories of IGP’s research impact, visit seriouslydifferent.org
- Do you have any advice for someone struggling to choose which IGP programme to choose?
Our advice would be to read the descriptions thoroughly on the prospectus pages for each programme- all linked to from this page: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/bartlett/igp/programmes-0
We would also suggest attending our virtual open days run throughout the year which feature presentations by the teaching team and provide the opportunity to ask any questions you may have.
- Will MSc PIE and MSc GP students collaborate in the modules and will there be an opportunity to collaborate and work with students from other institutes/ departments at UCL?
Many PIE students take modules from the GP programme as an elective and vice versa. In this way, you will be able to engage with students from the other cohort. The research methods modules on both programmes are closely linked.
One way collaboration happens is through elective modules. You may opt for an elective in other departments within UCL. For example, as part of your credits in term 1, you may choose a 15-credit module from the School of Planning.
- What are the ideal qualifications of candidates applying for the IGP programmes?
A first or upper second-class UK Bachelor’s degree in an appropriate subject, or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard from a recognised higher education institution. Evidence of extensive experience may be considered in lieu of the above, subject to approval.
There are no particular ideal requirements otherwise. We are more interested in you telling us why you are interested in our programme, how your experience is a good fit and what you plan on doing after the master’s. In summary, we want to know what you’re bringing into the programme and what you expect to get out of it moving forward.
- I don’t have any experience of establishing my own enterprise or programme. Will this be an obstacle for me to engage with the PIE programme?
You do not need to have any prior experience of establishing an enterprise.
- Will PIE regularly hold business idea exhibitions with the participation of real investors？
This does not happen on the programme, but the UCL Innovation and Enterprise team may offer such opportunities. More information can be found on the UCL Innovation and Enterprise website.
- Will I be safe on campus in London?
The safety, health and wellbeing of students and staff are the top priority at UCL and the IGP. We rigorously follow the advice of the UK Health Security Agency and go further where our public health experts advise to ensure the campus is as safe as possible and to minimise the risk to everyone onsite. Visit our Keeping our community safe page to find out what measures UCL is putting in place
UCL strives to ensure a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment for all students. The IGP is committed to anti-racism and is working to embed anti-racism across all its operations, structures and purposes. You can read our anti-racism statement here.- When and how can I get my CAS as an international student?
If you have firmly accepted a conditional or unconditional offer UCL will contact you by e-mail approximately four months before the start date of your programme to seek the relevant information. UCL will usually begin assigning CAS numbers no earlier than three months prior to your proposed start date.
You will be asked to confirm that the details we hold about you on record are correct. If anything is incorrect or missing you will be asked to supply this information. Upon receipt of your responses and once your offer is unconditional firm, UCL will aim to issue your CAS within 5 to 10 working days. Once assigned, you will able to access your CAS statement via your Portico account.
CAS numbers are generated by the Admissions office.
Please note that the Admissions Office are extremely busy over the summer months and will process CASs as quickly as possible. We appreciate your patience during this time.
Full details regarding CAS can be found here: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/students/immigration-and-visas/student-visa/confir....
- What are the English language requirements?
The English level currently required for all our programmes is Good. For more information on the evidence and/or qualifications required, please, consult the following website: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/prospective-students/graduate/learning-and-living-ucl/international-students/english-language-requirements.
UCL now accepts a number of tests that applicants can take online. Further information about the tests and the requirements can be found on the link above.
- Who can I contact if I have any other questions?
Please contact igp@ucl.ac.uk in the first instance and your email will be directed to the appropriate person.
To apply, visit our programmes page at https://www.ucl.ac.uk/bartlett/igp/programmes.