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The questions below concern mainly Economics-specific issues, for more general Admissions queries please visit the UCL Prospective Students website and/or the FAQ section at:
Registration
Q: Can you issue me a confirmation of registration or attendance?
A: If you require proof that you are a student at UCL then you need to go to theStudent Centre in the Registry (Ground Floor, Chadwick Building, Main Site) where they can produce a document for you while you wait.
Please note that the Department cannot confirm the undertaking of internships as this is not a requisite part of the degree programme.
Q. Can you issue a letter for my visa application?
The Department is unable to produce any documentation pertaining to visas. For information regarding visa issues please see the Registry website:
Q: Can you offer me information and advice on my fees?
A: For information regarding fees, please contact the Student Finance Section of the Registry: Room G19, South Wing, Main Building – tel: 020 7679 4125 or e-mailfees@ucl.ac.uk or see the UCL Current Students website for further info.
Q. I would like to have my UCL mail forwarded to my hotmail/yahoo/etc account - how do I do this?
A. Please see the College Information System website for details on how to do this.
Q: How do I confirm the modules I want to take?
A: Places on Economics modules are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis in this Department (via Portico) but, as an Economics student, you have some priority on ECON modules up until the Wednesday of Registration Week (when you will have had an opportunity to discuss your choices further with your Personal Tutor). It would be wise, however, to register your interest in the modules you particularly wish to study earlier on in the process to stand a better chance of securing a place(s) as waiting lists will operate on modules that become full. Other departments may well operate differently and you should check their websites or contact them direct if in doubt.
Q: How long do I have to choose my optional modules?
A: You need to really research and think about which options you would like to take as it will not be possible to make too many changes beyond the first week of lectures, and any changes are largely dependent on there being available space. You shouldn't really select a module based on anything other than your enthusiasm for the subject! You should be clear about your interests before you discuss them with your Personal Tutor at your appointment - your tutor is there to provide advice, but having a good idea of what 4.0 units you wish to study will assist you both. Webpages/Moodle pages are updated as the summer progresses so please check them regularly. If you need to make a module amendment after you have confirmed your modules on Portico, then please see below.
Q. I have selected my modules on Portico but I wish to change one. How do I go about this?
A. Changes cannot be guaranteed but, once you have committed your options on Portico, the only way to amend them is by completing a "Module Amendment" form on-line via Moodle.
Q. Can I take a particular module 'outside' the Department?
It is possible to take a maximum of 1.0 unit 'outside' Economics in any year at UCL if you are an L100 or L101 Economics student. However, there are some restrictions (see below).
Q. What are the restrictions on taking modules 'outside' the Department?
A. If you want to choose outside modules (electives) you are welcome to do so. You can access information of module offerings from other departments either viadepartmental websites or direct via PORTICO.
However, you should consult Sections 4.24 and 4.2.5 in the Economics Undergraduate Handbook which stipulates:
- In any year you can choose only 0.5 unit of MSIN electives;
- Electives for 1st years can be any module, except the "No-Go" modules detailed below.
- Electives for 2nd years can only contain one 0.5 unit module at "introductory" level (i.e. without prerequisites), usually denoted with a departmental 6xxx code, except the "No-Go" modules detailed below. N.B. MATH6403 counts as an appropriate-level option for 2nd year students.
- Electives for 3rd years should be labelled “Advanced” and/or have prerequisites. One module at "intermediate" level (or without any prerequisites) may be allowed only if the student chooses five or more 0.5 units from ECON3xxx. MATH6403 counts as one such option.
- Language modules
- cannot be taken in a language in which a student is already proficient;
- For 0.5 unit modules: students in the 2nd/3rd year may only take language modules at level 2/3 or above respectively;
- For 1.0 unit modules: students may take modules at the 1st level (level "AB") in any year;
- The selection of options and electives does not involve timetable clashes.
- In any year you can choose only 0.5 unit of MSIN electives; - Electives for 1st years can be any module, except the "No-Go" modules detailed below. - Electives for 2nd years can only contain one 0.5 unit module at "introductory" level (i.e. without prerequisites), usually denoted with a departmental 6xxx code, except the "No-Go" modules detailed below. N.B. MATH6403 counts as an appropriate-level option for 2nd year students. - Electives for 3rd years should be labelled “Advanced” and/or have prerequisites. One module at "intermediate" level (or without any prerequisites) may be allowed only if the student chooses five or more 0.5 units from ECON3xxx. MATH6403 counts as one such option. - Language modules o cannot be taken in a language in which a student is already proficient; o For 0.5 unit modules: students in the 2nd/3rd year may only take language modules at level 2/3 or above respectively; o For 1.0 unit modules: students may take modules at the 1st level (level "AB") in any year; - The selection of options and electives does not involve timetable clashes. Electives need to be authorised by both Economics and the department offering the module. Sometimes this authorisation may not take place until after Registration Week.
No-Go Electives:
A very restricted number of electives will never be permitted in any year. These are electives that have too much overlap with modules offered by the department, or even with compulsory modules in the department. The No-Go list is the following:
- ECON1602, ECON1604, ECON2601 (aimed at other students)
- MATH6401 & MATH6402 (due to overlap with ECON1004/ECON1008);
- MSIN3002, MSIN7002 & MSIN7009 (due to overlap with core ECON modules);
- SESS2005 & SESS2006 (due to overlap with core ECON modules);
- TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) is not available as an option for Economics students.
If you wish to take an elective that is not listed in the document you need to do the following:
- Ensure the majority of the assessment of the module is by examination at academic year end.
- Check the online timetable of the module and ensure there are no clashes with your Economics modules.
- Obtain the approval of the Departmental Tutor - Dr Witte - by e-mailing a full course outline to him at: f.witte@ucl.ac.uk.
Please see the U/G Handbook for further information regarding optional modules.
Q. I would like to take a module in another College is this possible?
A. It is not possible for students to take modules in LSE or SOAS as they operate a charging policy. If you wish to take a module in another College that you think does not charge UCL, then see the U/G Handbook section "Intercollegiate Teaching".
Q: Can you issue confirmation of my address?
A: Students should approach the Student Centre in the Registry with their ID card where they can obtain a Statement of Registration or you can send an email request to studentstatus@ucl.ac.uk
Q: I'm from outside the Economics department but I want to take an Economics module, what should I do?
A: Please visit the information for students outside of Economics webpage for details of our modules, pre-requisites, who they are suitable for and the content etc. Suitable modules for non-Econ students are ECON6002: An Introduction to Applied Economic Analysis, ECON1602: Basic Microeconomic Concepts, and ECON1006: History of Economic THought; all of which are 0.5 units. Provisional timetabling can be found on the UCL Timetable website.
Timetable
Q: When does teaching start and what dates are the terms and holidays?
A: Please see UCL Term dates.
Q: Can you tell me what my timetable will be?
A: Please visit the UCL Timetable website to find out about the provisional timetable and personal timetables.
Exams
Q: When does the examination period begin?
A: The Examination Period runs from late April till early June. We always advise students not to make plans until after the end of term – please see theUndergraduate Handbook for further information about exams.
If, however, you decide that the risk of not being here in the (albeit unlikely) event that an examination will have to be rescheduled is worth it, then that is your decision and any consequences must be borne by you.
Q: Can I take a calculator into my exam?
The Economics Department only permits the use of College approved calculators in our exams. This information is available in the Economics Undergraduate Handbookand also in the Examination Guide for Candidates where you will find a list of College approved models.
Although this is an additional cost to you, it will not be a pointless purchase as you will need a College approved calculator for use in any exams at UCL.
If you decide to use a different model for your Economics exams, it will be at your own risk. If spot-checks are undertaken during an exam and you are found to be using a model which differs from those permitted, you will be deemed to have committed an examination irregularity and the College may take further action.
Q. What happens if I am ill during the Exam Period?
A. If you are absent from an exam for any reason, you must inform the Undergraduate Studies Administrator (Viv Crockford) or the Departmental Tutor (Dr Witte) as soon as possible. If you are absent from an exam because of illness or accident, you must submit medical documentation. Your certified illness will be notified to the Board of Examiners. You must do this as soon as possible after the exam(s) in question, and in any event BEFORE the final meeting of the Board of Examiners (normally Mid June).
N.B. Any circumstances likely to affect your examination performance should be notified to the Departmental Tutor, Dr Witte, or his Assistant, Viv Crockford. Notification should be made in writing (with medical documentation if appropriate). These circumstances will be considered in strict confidence. (Circumstances which have already been brought to the attention of the Board of Examiners and for which allowance has already been made - e.g. extra time allowed because of dyslexia - should not be notified in this way as the Examiners will be aware of these circumstances.) Further information can be found in the handbook.
Q. When and how do I get my exam results?
A. Provisional results are displayed on the Departmental website after the meeting of the Economics Board of Examiners (normally late June/early July - the exact date will be notified nearer the time). These results are subject to approval by the relevant College authorities. Confirmed results are accessed via Portico in late July.
Q: How do I get a copy of my results transcript?
A: Examination transcripts are available from the Registry.
Q: How do I obtain proof of my degree award?
A: You should be able to obtain a statement of award from the Student Centre by sending a request in writing to: studentstatus@ucl.ac.uk. This can often be a good interim measure if you wish to have evidence that you have passed, until the certificate arrives. (The official degree certificate and academic transcript will be sent by the Registry by special delivery to your contact address on your student record within three months of your award date).
Q: Do you provide past exam papers and model solutions?
A: Past exam papers are available from the Library.
General department policy is not to provide model solutions as this is not deemed to be the most effective way of learning.
Q. Do I have anything scheduled after my exams are finished and when is the end of the summer term?
A. Please see the UCL Term dates. You should not make holiday or travel arrangements for the first few days of the summer vacation, without first confirming that you will not be expected to attend for examinations on those days. In the event of an emergency it MAY be necessary to re-schedule some examinations and, although every effort will be made to ensure that they take place during term-time, you should be aware that they may need to take place after them.
Q: Can the Economics Department issue me a letter with my predicted grades that I can present to a potential employer?
A: The Department does not issue predicted grades. If an employer asks for such, in making your prediction you should be realistic, bearing in mind that if your Personal Tutor is asked to backup your prediction (or to make one his/her self) that you should come to the same conclusion. As a result, it may be sensible to chat with your Personal Tutor first before stating what you believe you are capable of.
Q: Can I retake an exam that I have passed to try and improve my grade?
Under University Regulations, it is not possible for students to re-sit/re-enter for any papers they have already passed.
Course related
Q: Where can I find the reading list for my courses?
A: Recommended Reading / Book lists etc. are provided by the individual lecturer(s) on their Moodle pages.
Q. I have a query with the course material. Who should I talk to?
A. You should see your tutorial class teacher (also known as your class tutor) during his/her office hours - displayed on the course Moodle web page. If you have a timetable clash with that particular time then you may e-mail him/her to arrange to meet at an alternative time.
Q: I've been unwell and have missed a class, is it possible to switch classes?
A: The department does not permit class switching for any reason. In future, should anything prevent you from attending, you should e-mail your class teacher and “Cc” in Viv Crockford to the e-mail to explain your absence, and then you should get the notes from friends and see your class teacher during office hours if there is anything you do not understand subsequently.
Q. What does 0.5 unit and 1 unit mean?
Generally speaking 0.5 unit modules take place in one term, 1.0 unit modules take place over both teaching terms (there are certain exceptions to this - the Language Centre being one where all their modules take place throughout both teaching terms). All students take a total of 4.0 units in each academic year. Further information is in the Handbook.
Q. Is it favourable taking electives or is it better to take modules "inside" the department?
It's up to you. We think some diversity is good, which is why we permit up to 1.0 unit 'outside' the Department (the opportunity to take a language for example, which some employers find attractive). Some modules you cannot take in subsequent years so it's good to try and (roughly) plan for all 3 years so that you end up taking all those modules you are interested in, where possible.
Teaching/Tutors
Q. I wish to get in contact with my Personal Tutor/Course Lecturer/Class Teacher. How do I go about this?
A. Feel free to approach members of staff during their office hour(s) by going to their room at the appointed time. If you think your query will take some time or you wish to discuss something in depth then it would be wise to e-mail first to arrange a suitable alternative time. Offices and Office Hours can be found on the Economics people pages. You can also ask at Reception.
Q. How do I find out the time of the appointment with my Personal Tutor?
A. Formal appointments are made for all students with their Personal Tutor at the beginning of the teaching terms. You will have been sent an e-mail with this information. If you have inadvertently deleted it you can contact Reception (Room G19, Drayton House). Tel: 020 7679 5888.
References
Q. I need a reference, who should I approach?
A. Your Personal Tutor is the person to approach if you require a reference. If you require more than one referee, or you wish to use another tutor as a referee, you can approach another member of staff to act for you but you must ensure that you approach the individual first before giving their name to ensure that they are willing to do so. For further information please see references.