Close
The Natural Sciences programme offers some students the opportunity to study abroad. Participation in this opportunity is optional and places are not guaranteed. The scheme is available only to students who are enrolled on the BSc programme, though it may be possible to transfer to the MSci programme after completing a year abroad.
Benefits:
Studying abroad can offer many benefits that are attractive to employers, such as adaptability, global awareness, improved communication, confidence, and independence.
How it works:
Application for the Study Abroad scheme takes place during the second year. To apply for the scheme you need to have achieved an average mark of at least 60.00 in year 1. A list of available destinations will be made available each year via the UCL “Go Abroad” website. Destinations will vary from year to year as exchange agreements (partnerships) must be in place between the UCL Natural Sciences Department and each host university, and changes can be made to exchange numbers or agreements year on year.
If your application is successful, you will complete an additional year of studies between the second and third years of your degree programme. The year abroad will be assessed on a pass/fail basis and will not contribute to the degree award mark. This is intended to allow students who are studying abroad to be flexible and take risks with their module choices, and to allow them to fully experience the benefits of studying in another culture.
The modules that are studied during the year abroad will be planned with a UCL Natural Sciences Study Abroad Tutor before travel takes place.
Funding your year abroad:
Completing a year abroad will add an extra year to the length of the BSc degree and may therefore increase the amount of student funding that you need to apply for if you are allocated a study abroad placement. However, there is a discounted tuition fee for the year abroad payable to UCL, and you will not need to pay tuition to your host university. Additional financial support may also be available via the UK Government’s Turing Scheme through a competitive application process, subject to continuation of the programme beyond 2025, and a successful allocation of a grant to UCL. The UCL Study Abroad Office provides guidance to students about fees and funding during the year abroad.
Are there any other global opportunities?
Completing a year abroad as part of your degree is not the only way to gain international experience. UCL also offers a range of short-term global opportunities which take place outside of term time. You can find out more about what is on offer at the following link: