CPD course guide

Find all the information you will need to take a continuing professional development (CPD) course with UCL EEE.

What is a CPD course?

Our CPD modules are short, flexible study opportunities designed for professionals including researchers, engineers, IT specialists, and managers. They’re especially useful for graduates in electronic and electrical engineering, communications engineering, and computer science who wish to deepen their expertise or take steps toward a master’s qualification.
 

Entry requirements

Do I need specific qualifications to join? 

No formal qualifications are required, but please note that our courses are delivered at Level 7 (equivalent to master’s level), and as such must obtain a certain background or knowledge in the field. 

Format & schedule

Are there online courses available? 

Currently, all CPD courses are delivered in person.

Are summer courses offered?

Not currently. All courses run during the academic year, ending in May.

When do courses take place?

Each CPD course has its own schedule. You can view all course timings in the CPD courses calendar. All courses are scheduled in the Bloomsbury Campus. 

 

International students

Can international students join CPD courses? 

Yes! CPD courses are open to international students.

What are the requirements for international students? 

English proficiency is expected if you want to enrol.
 

When should international students book? 

Courses open for booking in September each year. If you’re applying from outside the UK, check the UK visa requirements and begin your visa process early. We recommend arriving in the UK at least one week before your course starts to settle in and complete ID verification.

Is accommodation provided?

No, accommodation is not included. Please arrange housing in advance for the duration of your studies.

 

How to book


How can I book a short course?

Visit the course page and click “Book a place”. You’ll be redirected to the UCL Online Store to complete payment via debit or credit card.

What if my employer is funding the course? 

Contact eee-msc-admin@ucl.ac.uk to request a sales invoice. Allow at least one month before the course starts to complete this process.

What if the course is fully booked online? 

Bookings are managed exclusively via the UCL Store. If the course is full, the system won’t allow additional registrations.

Is there a booking deadline?

Bookings open on 1st September each year and close one week before the course begins.

Can I take more than one course? 

Absolutely - you may join multiple CPD courses as long as their schedules don’t overlap.

Extenuating circumstance

What should I do if illness or other unexpected events affect my ability to complete the course assessment?

Extenuating Circumstances are sudden or unforeseen events beyond your control that may impact your ability to submit a summative assessment on time or attend an exam. Examples include:

  • Serious personal injury or illness
  • Bereavement
  • Jury service
  • Other significant personal disruptions

If you experience such circumstances and they affect your academic performance, you must follow the Extenuating Circumstances procedure. This ensures your situation is formally considered. 

A dedicated panel will review your request confidentially and with care and will determine whether it is appropriate to offer a deferral or alternative arrangements for your coursework or exam.

  • Notify the CPD courses staff that you are going through Extenuating Circumstances.
  • Fill the form that will be provided and return it to the staff via email.
  • In the following 10 working days you will receive a response from the panel. 

Payments & refunds

How do I pay for my course?

Payment is made through the UCL Store using a debit or credit card. If your company is paying, request an invoice through eee-msc-admin@ucl.ac.uk.

Do I need to pay in advance?

Yes, payment must be completed at least one week prior to the course start date.

If you need to request a sales invoice, you will need to enrol at least 4 weeks prior to the start date of the course.

Is a refund possible if I cancel? 

Here’s our refund policy:

  • Full refund if cancelled within 7 days of booking.
  • 80% refund if cancelled 15+ days before course start.
  • No refund if cancelled within 14 days of the start date.

If a course is booked less than 14 days before its start, cancellation is possible but not refundable.

Access to library resources

Do CPD students have access to the library? 

Yes, our CPD students have temporary access (6 months) to UCL physical libraries on-site (with the exception of the Student Centre).

Have CPD students access to Library borrowing?

Yes, once registered students are automatically allowed limited borrowing of up to five items at once. 

📚Helping learners with access needs

All our students are able to ask Student Disability Services for help with access to resources for learners with disabilities (for example, visual or hearing impairments, dyslexia or dyspraxia). 

After completing your course

Will I receive a certificate?

Yes — all participants receive a certificate of attendance. If assessed, you’ll also receive your official mark in a certificate to add to your CV.

Can I earn a formal grade?

Yes, you may opt in for assessment similar to MSc students and receive a certificate with your mark.

Can CPD credits count toward an MSc? 

No, credits from CPD modules cannot be transferred toward an MSc programme.

Can I retake a CPD module later during my MSc? 

If you’ve already completed a CPD module, you won’t retake it during the MSc — but you’ll enter the programme with enhanced knowledge and preparation, which often leads to stronger performance.

Networking

Do CPD courses offer opportunities to network?
Yes — all participants are invited to a variety of social and professional events designed to foster connections with fellow students, academics, and industry professionals.

As a global university, UCL provides numerous opportunities to engage with people from diverse backgrounds, including professionals from different sectors and countries. These events are a great way to build your professional network, exchange ideas, and explore potential collaborations.