MozambiqueTEST

Information for prospective students from Mozambique

Life at UCL

 

Bachelor's degrees

We offer hundreds of bachelor's degrees across the academic spectrum, based on cutting-edge research.

Most are three years in duration (BA, BSc, BEng, LLB). For some subjects we also offer four-year programmes, with an integrated master's (MSci, MEng), or a year abroad.

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Application process

All UK bachelor's degree applications are made via UCAS.

This centralised application portal allows you to apply to up to five programmes at UK universities, but you can submit only one personal statement. It also requires your (predicted) grades and a teacher's reference.

If you are successful and yet to complete your final exams, you will receive a conditional offer. This will become unconditional once we have received your results.

A small number of programmes require additional documents, tests, or a portfolio. This will be indicated on the programme page in the prospectus.

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Entry requirements

Grade and subject requirements for A Levels and IB Diploma are listed on each programme page in the prospectus.

Our grade requirements are high, but UCAS gives you five programme options, so if your predicted grades are in line with the minimum, we encourage you to apply.

The domestic school leaving qualification from Saudi Arabia is not acceptable as an entrance qualification. In general, applicants require one of the following:

• An accepted international school leaving qualification, e.g. A Levels, IB Diploma, French Baccalauréat.
• A UK university-based foundation course accepted by UCL, e.g., our Undergraduate Preparatory Certificate (UPC).
• Completion of one year of a bachelor's degree at a recognised Saudi Arabian university with (equivalent to upper-second class UK grades):
  • Average overall mark of 85%
  • Average overall grade of B+
  • CGPA of 3.3/4.0
  • CGPA of 4.5/5

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Deadlines

September 2022 entry

• If applicable, your school's internal deadline should take precedence
• UCAS deadline for Medicine MBBS BSc or applications that include programmes at Oxford or Cambridge: 15 October 2021
• UCAS deadline for all other applications: 26 January 2022
• UCL accommodation: 31 May 2022

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Adjustment and Clearing

UCAS Adjustment gives you the chance to apply for open programmes in addition to the ones on your original application if you have outperformed your offer requirements.

UCAS Clearing is similar, but for when you have missed your offer requirements.

The vast majority of UCL programmes will not open for applications via Adjustment or Clearing. More information will be published on our results pages in the spring.

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Tips

PERSONAL STATEMENT

• Your personal statement is the most important part of your application – our grade requirements are just a minimum.
• We are primarily concerned with your academic interest in the field you are applying to – you should devote at least 75% of your personal statement to this.
• Start undertaking experiences and learning about your field early. You may not write about all these experiences, but they will inform your application and future career.
• Make reflective notes as you undertake relevant extra-curricular experiences and learning.
• Where you undertake your experience, and its duration are unimportant. We are concerned with what you learned and how it helped you develop.
• Leave time to write multiple drafts, or at least to review.

Further advice is available from UCAS.

CHOOSING PROGRAMMES AND UNIVERSITIES 

• Does the university and department have a good international reputation?
• Is the location a good fit for you? Central London is convenient for your career – insight events, internships, assessment days, and interviews are likely to take place in London for any large company. It is also great for food, culture, and sports. But it is not quiet or pastoral.
• Consider the content (modules) of programmes, especially the options after your first year. 
• Look at the career destinations of previous graduates of the programme.
• Are there other, less competitive programmes that offer a route into the same career? You do not need a LLB to become a solicitor or barrister, for example.
• Talk to staff and students directly: at open days, offer holder days, or 1-to-1 appointments.

Master's degrees

We offer hundreds of master's degrees across the academic spectrum, based on cutting-edge research.

Almost all are one year in duration and begin in September. 

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Entry requirements

Our master's degrees require either an upper or lower second-class bachelor's degree or equivalent from a recognised university. Some programmes may be flexible in this regard, depending on relevant work experience.

Applicants already in possession of a master's degree or doctorate are eligible for all programmes.

Subject background, experience, and other requirements will be indicated on the programme page in the prospectus. 

Lower second-class (2:2) equivalent

• Overall average mark of 75%
• Overall CGPA of 3.5/5.0
• Overall CGPA of 3.0/4.0
• Overall grade of C+

Upper second-class (2:1) equivalent

• Overall average mark of 85%
• Overall CGPA of 4.5/5.0
• Overall CGPA of 3.5/4.0
• Overall grade of B+

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Application process

We normally require a personal statement, details of two referees, your transcript. Some applicants also include a CV.

A small number of programmes require additional documents, tests, or a portfolio. This will be indicated on the programme page in the prospectus.

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Deadlines

The deadline for applications to most programmes is 31 March, but some will close earlier. This will be indicated on the programme page in the prospectus.

The deadline for UCL accommodation for graduate students is 30 June 2022.

Funding deadlines are typically earlier than degree application deadlines – you should check as early as possible in the cycle, ideally in September or October.

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Tips

Are you motivated?

• Why are you applying for a programme in this field? Tell us about how you became interested.
• Are you a member of any relevant professional bodies, societies, or networks?
• Know the content of the programme. Even programmes with the same title can vary across different universities.

Are you choosing the right programme for your future ambitions?

• Know the content of the programme. Even programmes with the same title can vary across different universities.
• Familiarise yourself with departmental research and areas of expertise.
• How will you apply your learning? What do you plan to do afterwards?

After you have applied

• Talk to your referees about your application and tell them to expect an email from UCL.
• Reviewing your application thoroughly takes time – usually a month at least, and sometimes considerably longer. 

Teacher training

The UCL Institute of Education (IOE) is a global leader in teacher education and has been rated as the world number one for education for eight years in a row.

Our teacher training programmes (PGCE) are rated Outstanding by Ofsted across all subjects and phases. IOE teacher-educators are actively engaged in innovative education research, with many of them writing the textbooks on every aspect of teaching.

We offer programmes to prepare you for every stage of teaching: early years, primary, secondary, and further education.

PhD and research programmes

Start a dialogue

You must begin by establishing a dialogue with a prospective supervisor. A speculative application without prior communication will be unsuccessful, regardless of your funding.

Start by sending an informal research enquiry either to an individual academic, or to the departmental contact (the process varies by department – contact the department if you are unsure).

Academics at UCL undertake a lot of interdisciplinary research – you should consider various departments, academics and research groups, not just the most obvious.

On our Institutional Research Information System (IRIS) you can search for academics and centres of research by keyword and filter the results.

You can also search UCL Discovery, our online research repository. If you identify a paper that interests you, it is possible that one of the authors could be a suitable supervisor. 

You can find a list of graduate tutors and research administrators on our Doctoral School website.

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Make a research enquiry 

We receive many research enquiries, and they are reviewed alongside teaching and other day-to-day responsibilities. It is important to research your prospective supervisor’s interests thoroughly before you contact them, and to communicate clearly and concisely.

Your email should include:

• Your qualifications (with institution, overall grade/classification, and year of graduation)
• A summary of your research experience
• A summary of any published research
• How you plan to fund your studies

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Research proposal

Research proposals are common in arts and social sciences, but not usually required in STEM, where research is usually done in groups. If applicable, you need to clearly describe the topic, its aims and objectives, and its methodology as concisely as possible; in the first instance it should be around 500 words.

If a prospective supervisor is interested, then you can refine and develop your initial outline to produce a final proposal.

A proposal should include:

• A clear and descriptive working title
• Some background, rationale, and any relevant issues
• Your aims and objectives
• A description of your theoretical framework and methodological approach
• What sources or data you plan to use
• What valuable and useful knowledge will come out of your research

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Application

An application is the final stage of the process and should only be submitted when requested, or when you have agreed on a research project with your supervisor.

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Decision

You will be able to track the progress of your application via the UCL Applicant Portal – details will be sent to you when your application has been received.

Recognised universities

• Al-Bahah University
• Al-Faisal University
• Al-Imam Muhammad Ibn Saud University
• Al-Jouf University
• Al-Yamamah University
• Arab Open University
• Dar Al-Uloom University
• Effat University
• Ibn Sina National College for Medical Studies
• Islamic University of Medina
• Jazan University
• King Abdulaziz University
• King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST)
• King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals (KFUPM)
• King Faisal University
• King Khalid University
• King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences
• King Saud University
• Naif Arab University for Security Sciences (NAUSS)
• Najran University
• Northern Borders University
• Prince Mohammad Bin Fahd University
• Prince Sultan University
• Princess Nora bint Abdulrahman University
• Qassim University
• Riyadh College of Dentistry and Pharmacy
• Riyadh University for Women
• Taibah University
• Taif University
• Umm Al-Qura University
• University of Dammam
• University of Ha'il
• University of Tabuk

Please contact us if your university is not listed.

English language requirements

You do not need evidence of your English language proficiency at the time of your application.

Most applicants from Saudi Arabia will be required to provide recent evidence that their command of spoken and written English is adequate for their programme of study before they can enrol. This includes applicants from Saudi Arabian companies that use English in the workplace.

The required level of English varies and will be listed on each programme page: Standard, Good, or Advanced. Types of evidence, accepted tests, and grade requirements for each level are listed on our English language requirements pages.

If your application is successful and you did not include evidence of your English language proficiency, you will receive a conditional offer.

You will need to prove that you have the required level of English for your programme before you can enrol (and your offer is made unconditional, allowing you to apply for a visa). If this applies to you, we recommend booking a recognised English test by July, to allow time for us to process your results and for you to subsequently apply for a visa.

Pre-master's and pre-sessional English courses

The International Pre-Master’s (IPM) is a preparatory course for international students who are aiming to study for a postgraduate degree at UCL or elsewhere in the UK. The IPM is a stimulating and academically challenging course which provides you with the levels of English language and academic skills required to succeed at graduate level.

Our pre-sessional English courses are intensive and academically challenging courses normally intended for international students who are planning to study a graduate degree (MA, MSc, LLM or MPhil/PhD) at UCL, but do not meet the English language requirement of their conditional offer.

Accommodation

UCL accommodation

We offer accommodation to both undergraduates and postgraduates in our halls of residence (known as dormitories or hostels in some countries) and shared houses.

We have single rooms, shared rooms, and studio apartments. Some are catered, with a canteen inside the building, and others are self-catered, with access to a kitchen. Some are en-suite, and others have a shared bathroom. 

The location varies. Some are on campus, while other are short walk away.

Accommodation is guaranteed if you apply by the deadline and meet a few other conditions. It is assigned based on your preferences – you are asked to rank variables pertaining to room type.

Families

We have a limited amount of accommodation for couples and families. The largest option is a two-bedroom apartment. For larger residences you should look to the private sector.

Deadlines

• Undergraduate and non-degree students: 31 May
• Postgraduate students: 30 June

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Privately managed accommodation

Private halls of residence

London has a growing number of private student accommodation options. They typically operate in the same way as our halls of residence, but on a for-profit basis.

Private landlords

London has a large, diverse, and fast-moving private accommodation market.

The University of London (UoL) Housing Services website has extensive advice, including a contract checking service, and property listings.

UCL is conveniently located for most London Underground lines and buses. This means that there is no one optimal area to live in, and you can live relatively far from campus while maintaining a short commuting time.

Sharing

Most students share an apartment or house. Common ways of finding people to share with include private social media, mutual acquaintances, offer holder groups, and via the UoL Housing website.

Childcare

Childcare is available from the UCL Day Nursery on campus or from a wide range of providers across the city. 

Travel

Public transport

UCL is conveniently located for most of London because of its proximity to stations serving most London Underground (metro) lines, as well as nearby bus stops.

This means that door-to-door journeys can be deceptively short, relative to the actual distance.

Google Maps and Apple Maps will give you accurate door-to-door public transport journey time estimates.

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Cycling

Travelling to UCL on a privately owned or hired bicycle is easy. Showers and storage are available across campus.

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Airports

UCL and central London are easily accessible by public transport and private hire vehicles from Heathrow and Gatwick.

Uber operates in London, and you will be able to start your journey using airport Wi-Fi. The app will advise you on where to wait for your driver.

On weekdays and at times of high traffic, it may be quicker to take the Heathrow Express to Paddington station, before taking a taxi or Uber to your destination. The Uber pickup area at Paddington is the pre-booked section of the taxi rank.

Funding and scholarships

UCL has a long history of scholars from Saudi Arabia, as part of the Custodian of The Two Holy Mosques scholarship programme, and many others. 

Scholarships administered by or linked to UCL can be found via our scholarships finder. 

The tool is not exhaustive, and we advise you to explore other options locally, and to be mindful of deadlines.

Visits and events

We run regular university, faculty, and department level virtual events throughout the year. You can register your interest to learn more about UCL and hear about events relevant to your chosen field(s) of study.

Upcoming visits by UCL staff to public events in Saudi Arabia are listed below.

Immigration and visas

CAS

A Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) number is a unique 14-digit reference given to you by UCL. as your visa sponsor. It is required for your visa application. 

You do not need to request a CAS number.

If you have firmly accepted a conditional or unconditional offer, we will contact you by email approximately four months before the start date of your programme to seek the relevant information.

We will usually begin assigning CAS numbers no earlier than three months prior to your programme's start date.

You will be asked to confirm that the details we hold about you on record are correct. If anything is incorrect or missing you will be asked to supply this information. Upon receipt of your responses and once your offer is unconditional firm, we aim to issue your CAS within 5 to 10 working days.

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ATAS

Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) is a certificate issued by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO). It is required for some postgraduate programmes at UCL.

Your offer letter from UCL will state if your programme requires one. If you are applying for a student visa your CAS statement will also state if you are required to obtain one.

The application process can take up to four weeks.

More information can be found on our dedicated ATAS page.

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Part-time student visa

UCL does not support part-time student visas.

This is primarily because this visa does not allow you to bring dependants, nor does it allow you to work in the UK.

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Help and advice

• If you have applied: use askUCL
• If you have not applied: use this form

Contacts

• Programme-specific questions: contact the people listed on the prospectus page
• Application updates:
  • undergraduate-admissions@ucl.ac.uk or +44 (0)20 3370 1215
  • postgraduate-admissions@ucl.ac.uk or +44 (0)20 3370 1216
• CAS and visa enquiries:
  • Use askUCL if you have already applied
  • Use this form if you have not
• Local agency: SI-UK
• General questions, e.g., about life at UCL, London, the student experience: a.x.patel@ucl.ac.uk