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Study Abroad at UCL

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Your study options

What are my study options?

You normally apply to one subject area, which is typically linked to the subject area at your home institution. Once you arrive at UCL you will be expected to take the majority of your modules within this area. You can also choose modules from other subject areas, although be aware that this cannot be guaranteed – prerequisites may apply and spaces on certain modules may be limited.­­­­ You must contact the department to establish both your eligibility and the capacity for your desired modules as soon as possible.

There are some exceptions:

  • Architecture modules are only available to students admitted directly to this subject area.
  • Computer Science modules are only available to students admitted directly to this subject area.
  • Level 2 and 3 Economics modules are only available to students admitted directly to this subject area.
  • English Language and Literature modules are only available to students admitted directly to this subject area.
  • Students admitted to Fine Art (the UCL Slade School) must take their entire credit load within this area and may not select any other modules.
  • Law modules are only available to students admitted to the Faculty of Laws. Students admitted to Laws are usually from institutions with pre-existing reciprocal exchanges.

    If you have a specialised interest, or any required modules for your home degree programme, we recommend that you get in touch with the relevant Affiliate contact for your subject area(s) to enquire whether your modules will be available. You will be able to select your modules once you have completed the pre-enrolment process online and these will be finalised once you arrive at UCL and consult with your own Affiliate Tutor. 

    Applicants wishing to combine modules offered by the IOE, UCL's Faculty of Education and Society, with other UCL departments will need to seek formal agreement from both departments during the enrolment period.

    If you have very specific study needs or require confirmation of module availability for 2025/26, you are strongly advised to get in touch with the relevant Affiliate contact, listed on the subject pages, before making an application.

    If you would like to take modules from outside your host department, you must contact the department to establish both your eligibility and the capacity for your desired modules as soon as possible. 

    For September 2025 the following programmes are open only to Exchange or Erasmus partners. Applications will not be considered from Junior Year Abroad or Independent applicants:

    • Architecture
    • Biomedical Engineering
    • Computer Science
    • Law
    • Natural Sciences
    • Physics
    • Planning
    • Statistics

    For September 2025 the following programmes may have limited capacity for students outside Exchange or Erasmus partnerships. Applications from Junior Year Abroad or Independent applicants received by the deadline (31 March 2025) will be considered, but the number of places may be restricted.

    • Archaeology
    • Arts and Sciences
    • Biochemical Engineering
    • Biological Sciences
    • Biomedical Sciences
    • Chemical Engineering
    • Chemistry
    • Earth Sciences
    • Economics
    • Education
    • Electronic and Electrical Engineering
    • European and International Social and Political Studies
    • Fine Art
    • Geography
    • History
    • History and Politics of the Americas
    • Human Sciences
    • Infection and Immunity
    • Management
    • Mechanical Engineering
    • Neuroscience
    • Philosophy
    • Phonetics and Linguistics
    • Political Science
    • Population Health Sciences
    • Psychology
    • Social Research Institute
    • SSEES

    Find your subject area for more details.

    How your study is structured

    The UCL academic year begins in September and is divided into three terms. Most of the teaching takes place in the first (Autumn/Fall) and second (Spring) terms, with the third (Summer) term reserved for revision (review) and examinations.

    Most study abroad students apply for one term, although it is possible to apply for the full year. Those applying for less than a full year  have the choice of attending for the Autumn (Fall) Term only, or the Spring and Summer Terms.*

    Some departments allow entry only for the full year, so you should check availability before applying.

    When do modules run, and how will I be assessed?

    Modules may be taught over the full year, or over one term – you can find out how long our modules are, and when they run, by looking at the listings in this guide. Sometimes a module is marked as being available for the year and for one, or both, terms – this means that it is possible for Term-only students to take half of a full-year course and gain credit for it.

    Assessment methods will vary but, wherever possible, you will be assessed in exactly the same way as home UCL students.

    Can I study at UCL during my university break?

    If you're unable to join us for a whole year or semester but would like to come to UCL for a shorter-term period of study, we also run a Summer School, where students can join us for three or six weeks over the UK summer.

    * Please note: students joining in January have to stay for the spring and summer terms (January – June) as assessment for spring term courses take place during the summer term.