9 reasons to study the UPC at UCL

The UPC is taught at one of the world's top universities in central London. Find out how you can benefit from studying your international foundation year at UCL.

1. Global top 10 university

We’re the only UK university in the top 10 of the QS World University Rankings 2025 with its own international foundation programme. Start your journey with the UPC and move on to your chosen degree at a high-ranking university. Find out more.

2. First for Education

The UCL Centre for Languages & International Education (CLIE) is part of the IOE, UCL’s Faculty of Education and Society, a world-leading centre for education and social science. It has ranked number one globally for Education for the past 11 years (QS World Subject Rankings 2024), so you can be confident of an outstanding educational experience. Find out more.

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3. High progression rates

In 2023, 80% of UPC students progressed to an undergraduate degree at UCL or another leading UK university. Find out where our students have gone on to study after completing the UCL foundation programme.

4 students having their photo taken at a UCL graduation in the front quad

4. Guaranteed conditional offers

If you are predicted to meet the entry requirements (and write a clearly relevant personal statement) you have a guaranteed offer on over 230 UCL degrees. See our guaranteed offers list.

Teacher presenting at the front of class

5. Quality teaching

You’ll be taught by experienced UCL subject teachers. Our teachers are experts in preparing international students for undergraduate studies. Read more about our tutors.

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6. Blend of subject-specific learning and academic skills training

You'll be taught specific academic subjects in the sciences, social sciences and humanities. You'll learn how to reflect and produce work in each discipline, whether it's a technical laboratory experiment, a field trip research project or a critical evaluation of sources.

You'll also develop your academic skills, such as academic speaking and writing, independent study, and critical thinking. Find out more.

Teacher standing over student at laptop providing help

7. Personalised support

You’ll receive personalised one-to-one support every week with your personal tutor, as well as guidance from a student mentor and education advisor. You'll also have full access to UCL's extensive Student Support & Wellbeing Services. Learn more about the support available.

Three students sitting on stone steps in the university quad

8. The full 'university experience'

We teach the UCL foundation programme on our central London campus. We use the same teaching methods as you’ll encounter in undergraduate degrees.

You'll be a UCL student from day one and can take advantage of UCL's academic, social and welfare resources, and you can apply to live in student accommodation.

Two students chatting by the London Eye next to the River Thames

9. Number one student city

London has been named the best city in the world to be a university student for the sixth year in a row in the latest QS Best Student City Rankings (2025). Find out more.