Ways to study

UCL offers various modes of study including full and part-time, modular/flexible, distance learning and short courses.

Full-time study

Programmes marked as full-time study are generally completed in one year (for Master's programmes), nine months (for Postgraduate Diploma programmes) or approximately four months (for Postgraduate Certificate programmes), with the student enrolled on all modules and attending lectures and seminars on-site at UCL.

Distance learning is available for a small but increasing number of programmes at UCL.

A small number of our Master's programmes require attendance for two years full-time - this information will be given on the relevant programme pages.

Part-time study

Programmes marked as part-time study are generally completed in two years (i.e. double the length of the corresponding full-time programme), with the student enrolled on all modules and attending lectures and seminars on-site at UCL.

Please note that all programme fees are subject to an annual increase of up to 5%.

Modular/flexible study

Programmes marked as modular/flexible study can take a maximum of five years to complete, with the student generally attending lectures and seminars on-site at UCL. Study is undertaken on a module-by-module basis, with the student accumulating credit by selecting which module(s) to complete in any given year. Advice can be given by the programme organisers about the recommended period of time in which to complete your studies.

The fees for modular/flexible study are charged approximately pro-rata to the full-time fee for the corresponding Master's programme, and will vary year-by-year depending on how many modules you choose to take during that year. Please note that all programme fees are subject to an annual increase of up to 5%.

Distance learning

An increasing number of programmes at UCL are offered either fully or partially via distance learning, where study materials including lecture notes, podcasts and interactive tools are available to the student via Moodle, UCL's Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). Students are assigned a Personal Tutor and keep in touch via regular contact sessions, and are encouraged to interact via online study groups and forums. Distance learning programmes are usually undertaken on modular/flexible basis.

Please note: all programmes with at least an element of distance learning are marked "Distance learning" in this Prospectus; please contact the relevant department to ascertain whether campus attendance is also required.

Short courses and continuing professional development

Academic departments may offer modules from taught programmes and/or short courses, seminars and summer schools to support continuing professional development or for general interest. 

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