Frequently asked questions (FAQ's) for our online MSc

The main difference is part-time students must follow a set programme diet that specifies which modules will be studied in each of the two years, whereas flexible study allows you to choose how many and which modules you will study in an academic session and can take up to 5 years to complete. Flexible students therefore have more freedom to choose which modules they take in which academic year. If you are unsure whether to apply for part-time or flexible/modular study, we recommend the flexible mode. You may in the first year of your studies opt to take the same modules as part-time students, giving you the same experience but more flexibility for the following year in case you wish or need to decrease your overall study load and spread your studies over three or more years. 

It is possible to request to change your study mode before commencing your studies. This will not impact your application, how it is reviewed, nor your offer status if you have already received an offer to study with us, though your fee deposit requirements may change. Please contact steapp.admissions@ucl.ac.uk to discuss this and any requests. Once you have begun your studies, it is only possible to change from full-time to flexible or part-time to flexible (i.e., you cannot change from full-time to part-time or vice versa), and this is subject to approval. Note also that you cannot de-enrol from a specific module once you have started it, and so if you are changing your mode of attendance to reduce your study load, then this will likely only take effect from the start of the next teaching term. If you face circumstances that make it difficult for you to balance any current studies and study load, there are support options available through UCL’s student support framework.   

All distance-learners are expected to participate in their online studies on a weekly basis during the UCL teaching terms. This involves engaging in asynchronous tutor-set online learning activities – including videos, quizzes, group discussions and role play simulations via forums, practical investigations and reflective tasks, as well as time for independent study such as working on assessments and reading. Per module, you will spend approximately 10 hours per week on your studies, including tutor-set activities (expected to be 4-8 hours, depending on the module and nature of the course) plus independent study. This means that a full-time student can expect to study for 40 hours per week during term time, whereas it is 20 hours per week for part-time students, and the hours of study for flexible students depends on how many modules are chosen to be taken that session. 

This programme is designed with flexibility in mind, allowing you to engage with your studies around work and other commitments thanks to its asynchronous delivery. However, we do recommend that students carefully consider the hours of study and weekly time commitment involved. If you’re working full-time, the part-time or flexible/modular study modes should be considered, as they offer a more manageable pace and will allow you to complete the programme alongside maintaining professional responsibilities. 

Activities are mainly self-paced and asynchronous, with the flexibility for you to decide when during the week you will undertake your studies to fit around your own schedule. Provision of optional live sessions will vary by module, but in addition students will have regular one-on-one tutor meetings and be invited to attend cross-programme and STEaPP-wide events and meetings.  

The STEaPP MSc is designed for diverse backgrounds, bridging technical concepts and public policy. It therefore does not require any prerequisite knowledge, beyond previous undergraduate study. During the programme, most methods and techniques that you will apply will derive from the social sciences and are accessible to those from non-technical backgrounds. This will include conducting some quantitative analyses in the research methods module, but you will be guided through this task by STEaPP faculty. 

As a distance learning student, we encourage you to be proactive in connecting with your peers. You can engage with your cohort through online discussion forums, optional live Zoom sessions, small group and discussion pair activities and independent student-led platforms. These opportunities help build a sense of community, support your learning, and make your experience more collaborative and rewarding. 

Each module of study was designed and is supported by members of STEaPP academic and teaching staff whose expertise align with the module focus and content. While optional, these staff offer the opportunity to have 1-1 synchronous ‘office hours’ meetings throughout the relevant teaching term. Additionally, all MSc students have a designated Personal Academic Tutor from STEaPP faculty, whose role is to help you to ‘study well’ to achieve success throughout your studies and make the most out of your time at UCL. Then, in the final phase of your studies, you will be allocated a dissertation supervisor who can meet with you regularly and provide additional, focused 1-1 academic support with your dissertation research. 

Students are welcome to visit UCL and make use of the libraries, student centre and study spaces at any time. To gain access to UCL facilities, you will need to collect a student card from our campus security team upon arrival. Student cards cannot be posted, as photos must be taken on site for security purposes.  

Moodle is UCL's centrally supported virtual learning environment. It allows students and staff to communicate, engage in online learning activities and assessments, and share resources digitally. UCL students may also download a wide range of software from the UCL software database, in addition to a licensed copy of the Microsoft Office Suite at no cost, to support studies. Finally, UCL Library Services provides resources and support to students online and in person, including access to reading materials and relevant skills training. 

UCL offers an extensive range of support services for all students, including Student Support and Wellbeing, as well as tailored Support for Distance Learners. STEaPP’s Head of Academic Support and Student Welfare is also available for further guidance, alongside your Personal Academic Tutor and Senior and Teaching Learning Administrator.

Yes, all graduates are encouraged to attend a UCL graduation ceremony in London. Graduation will be in May the year after you complete your studies. 

No, the degree certificate will state your award only and not the mode of study. The degree transcript will show mode of study as distance learning. 

UCL does not offer scholarships specifically for STEaPP’s online MSc programme or for distance-learning students. However, charitable organisations may provide funding for specific backgrounds or subjects. Visit UCL Scholarships for current opportunities.  

UK national (‘Home’) or EU ‘settled’ students may apply for the Student Finance Postgraduate Loan to aid with funding distance-learning studies. Visit the Gov.UK page for more information on loan eligibility.  

Fees are calculated per module, based on the number of credits taken in a year. This means that your total fee for the year will be based on how many modules you opt to take that year, which you will decide at the start of the academic session. Your total fee across all years of study will be same as the full-time programme, though is subject to annual inflation. Payments can be made in three instalments annually.