Pre-University Online Course for High School Students
Two-week online course for high-school students aged 16–18 considering applying for a UK undergraduate degree. Develop your academic and English skills while exploring UCL and UK academic culture.
Applications are closed
Applications are closed for 2026 entry. Register your interest and we'll contact you when applications open for 2027 entry.
Register interestKey information
Study mode
Full time
Delivery mode
Online
Duration
Two weeks
Fee
£990
Application deadline
15 June 2026
Course dates
20 to 31 July 2026
Course overview
You will develop the academic and English language skills needed for undergraduate study in the UK while gaining an introduction to UCL and UK academic culture.
During the course you will:
- develop key academic skills including critical thinking, academic writing, presentations and independent study
- expand your academic English language skills in speaking and writing
- learn how to conduct academic research and produce a short research report
- prepare and deliver an academic presentation
- attend lectures drawn from sciences, arts, humanities and social sciences
- connect with students from a wide range of countries studying on the course
- participate in virtual visits to places of cultural and historical interest around London
Unlike subject-specific pre-university programmes, the course introduces you to a variety of academic disciplines, helping you understand how different subjects are taught at university.
Course dates
The course runs online from 20–31 July 2026, with an online induction on Friday 17 July 2026.
Entry requirements
Eligibility
To apply for the course you must:
- be a high school student
- be 16–18 years old for the duration of the course
- have English as an additional language
Academic requirements
You should be able to demonstrate strong academic performance in your most recent high school transcript.
A minimum GPA of 70% in your previous year of study is required.
English language requirements
| Language certification | Overall minimum grade | Overall maximum grade |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS | 5.5 | Speaking and writing subscores should not exceed 7.0 |
| IGCSE English as a Second Language | C | No maximum grade |
| Cambridge First | B | No maximum grade |
| Cambridge Advanced | C | B |
| TOEFL PBT | 513 | 587 |
| TOEFL iBT (tests taken from 21 January 2026) | 4.0 | 4.5 |
| TOEFL iBT (tests taken before 21 January 2026) | 65 | 95 |
| TOEIC | 605 | 780 |
| EIKEN | Pre-1 | No maximum grade |
If you do not have an English language qualification but meet the other requirements, you may still apply and may be asked to complete our English language test.
Teaching and learning
The course combines live online sessions, guided study and optional self-study activities.
Live online sessions
Live sessions take place in the morning (UK time) and include lectures, seminars, workshops and tutorials.
Academic skills and English for Academic Purposes
You will take part in live lessons and tutorials focusing on the language and academic skills needed to study at a UK university.
These sessions include:
- an introduction to the research and study skills needed for study at a UK university
- writing a short academic research report
- preparing and delivering an academic presentation
Sessions also develop key academic language skills, including:
- writing
- reading and vocabulary
- listening and note-taking
- speaking
Classes are taught in small groups with an average of 14 students, using tutor-led teaching, recorded materials and collaborative tasks.
Academic lectures
You will take part in live lectures and seminars selected from the sciences, arts, humanities and social sciences.
The course also includes recorded lectures delivered by UCL lecturers from across these subject areas.
These sessions include training in the listening and note-taking skills needed to process lectures and respond to academic content.
UCL and UK academic culture
The course introduces you to UCL and UK academic culture and practices. This includes a virtual tour of UCL.
Personal tutorials
You will meet with your tutor in a small group at least twice during the course. These sessions focus on developing your academic and language skills and supporting your progress on course tasks.
Guided study
You will complete guided study activities during the course with feedback from your tutor. These activities help prepare you for the final research report and presentation.
Optional self-study
Optional digital activities are available throughout the course and can be completed at your own pace. These include:
- recorded lectures delivered by UCL academics
- virtual visits to cultural and historical sites in London
Virtual visits may include:
- Tate Britain
- Museum of London
- Greenwich
Sample timetable
Week one
| Time (UK) and activity | Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9am to 11am Live sessions | Differences between high school and university study Course assessments | UK university study Introduction to academic English | Academic listening skills Introduction to lectures Academic lecture or seminar (live) | Language and skills work from previous day’s lecture/seminar Introduction to academic research The assessed Research Project | Academic speaking skills and giving presentations Academic lecture/seminar (live) |
| 11am to 12pm Live and self study sessions | Tutorials/guided study | Tutorials/guided study | Tutorials/guided study | Tutorials/guided study | Tutorials/guided study |
| Optional self study activities | Recorded lecture: Origins of London Guided study on lecture | Virtual visit: Museum of London Guided study on virtual visit | Recorded lecture: High Speed Communication Guided study on lecture | Virtual visit: Tate Britain Guided study on cultural visit | Recorded lecture: Principles of Management Guided study on lecture |
Week two
| Time (UK) and activity | Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9am to 11am Live sessions | Language and skills work from previous day’s live academic lecture/seminar Academic writing skills Writing an academic report | Academic listening skills Introduction to lecture Academic lecture or seminar (live) | Language and skills work from previous day’s live academic lecture/seminar Academic speaking skills: seminars | Academic listening skills Introduction to lecture Academic lecture or seminar (live) | Language and skills work from previous day’s live academic lecture/seminar Exploring global citizenship in the context of UCL |
| 11am to 12pm Live and self study sessions | Tutorials/guided study | Tutorials/guided study | Tutorials/guided study | Tutorials/guided study | Tutorials/guided study |
| Optional self study activities | Recorded lecture: Tall Buildings of London Guided study on lecture | Virtual visit: London Transport Museum Guided study on cultural visit | Academic lecture: Memory, learning and language learner Guided study on lecture | Virtual visit: Greenwich Guided study on cultural visit | Academic lecture: The honeybee Guided study on lecture |
You will need:
- Access to a laptop or PC with internet connection.
- A headset (recommended) or speakers and a microphone.
- A webcam.
- A modern browser, upgraded to the latest version (Chrome recommended).
- A fast internet connection. As with all online platforms, the higher the bandwidth of your internet connection, the smoother your experience of our platforms will be. We recommend 1+ Mbps speed.
Training will be provided in the use of UCL online platforms during the first day and ongoing technical support will be available during UK office hours.
Assessment
In the second week, you will use the skills developed during the course to complete a short research report.
You will also deliver a short presentation based on your research at the end of the course.
Your tutor will assess both pieces of work and provide a report on your achievements during the course.
Certificate
If you successfully complete the course and attend at least 80% of live classes, you will receive a UCL CLIE certificate and written report.
How to apply
Applications are closed for 2026 entry.
Before submitting your application, please check that you meet the entry requirements and eligibility criteria.
If you are expecting to begin a UCL degree in September 2026, you should consider the UCL Pre-sessional English course instead.
To be considered for the course you must submit:
- a fully completed application form, including the personal statement
- a copy of your most recent annual high school transcript
- evidence of your English language level (IELTS or equivalent)
If you do not have an English language qualification but meet the other requirements, you may be asked to complete an English language test.
Your personal statement is an important part of your application.
In 250–300 words, explain:
- why you would like to be selected for the course
- what personal qualities will help you study online with students from different cultures and backgrounds
- how your education has prepared you for the course, including activities outside the classroom during the last two years
Your statement must:
- be written in two paragraphs
- use complete sentences
- be written entirely by you
Application deadline
The application deadline is 12pm (midday) UK time on Monday 15 June 2026.
We recommend applying early to avoid disappointment. Applications may close earlier if the course becomes full.
To accept your offer and reserve your place on the course, you must pay the course fee in full.
Payment is made by credit or debit card through the UCL Online Store. Full details of how to pay will be included in your formal offer email.
We will refund all course fees paid if you change your mind about wanting to attend the course and request a refund within 14 days of accepting your offer (unless there are 14 days or less before the course starts, in which case no refund will be made).
Other refund requests received not later than the application deadline will be considered subject to a 10% administration charge. Refund requests must be submitted by email to pre-university@ucl.ac.uk.
Requests for full or pro-rata refunds for students withdrawing from a course of study after its commencement will not be considered.
Student profiles
Simona
Meet Simona from Bratislava, Slovakia who attended the Pre-University Online Course in 2025.
18 Aug 2025
Marija
Meet Marija from Vrnjačka Banja, Serbia who attended the Pre-University Online Course in 2025.
18 Aug 2025
Peining
Meet Peining from Tainan, Taiwan who attended the Pre-University Online Course in 2025.
18 Aug 2025
Queries about this course?
You can get in touch with the team to ask any questions you have.
Our local representatives
We are here to provide you with the support you need for your application.
Alternatively, you can get in touch with one of our local representatives (education agents) in your country/region/area for support.
