What it means to be a Professional or Short Course learner
Our courses support professional growth for those working at the intersection of science, technology, engineering, and public policy.
The section below provides additional information about our Professional Education short courses, but if you do have any further questions please contact us on steapp.professionaleducation@ucl.ac.uk.
Frequently Asked Questions
May I participate in an in-person short course if I need a visa to enter the UK?
Yes. While our professional programmes and short courses do not meet the requirements for a student visa, you may apply for a standard visitor visa for study purposes. More information on standard visitor visa applications can be found here. If needed for the visa application, we would be happy to provide a UCL-headed letter with details on the course and confirming availability for you to study with us. Please contact us to check the availability of your course of interest and discuss your requirements.
Am I able to participate in a short course remotely?
We offer professional education programmes and short courses in a range of formats, some courses are only available in-person, some online only and others are hybrid so you may choose to participate in the mode that suits you best. Please see the individual course descriptions for information on the format of specific courses.
May I access UCL facilities and use a UCL email/IT account while completing a short course?
As a short course visiting student, you will not have access to all the facilities and services that are available to UCL students – you will not receive a UCL email account nor ID card. In-person classes will be taught on UCL premises and you will be able to enter the necessary buildings as a visitor but will not have general access to UCL teaching spaces or libraries.
Will I be awarded a qualification or UCL credits for completing a short course?
Our short courses do not lead to a UCL qualification nor the award of UCL academic credits. Upon course completion, you will be emailed a UCL Certificate of Participation (you may also receive a hard-copy certificate for a fee, please contact us for further details). The certificate will state your name, the course title, date of course completion and the total number of learning hours undertaken and may be used to demonstrate your learning. Some of our courses also provide hours or points of verifiable CPD. Please see the individual course descriptions for more information on CPD points and whether they apply.
