UCL Award

Showcase your extra-curricular achievements with the UCL Award. Available to undergraduate/taught postgraduate students who will continue at UCL in 2026/27. Apply by 11 May for a chance to take part.

What is the UCL Award?

This is an extra-curricular achievement award, delivered in partnership with the Students’ Union. It recognises students who develop their skills to create impact, such as taking part in committees, Practice or Stretch ExtendED activities, or nominating themselves to represent and serve other students.

You’ll gain a valuable accreditation that showcases your extra-curricular achievements and learn how to reflect and articulate your learning to support your future ambitions.

Why apply for the UCL Award?

  • Gain a certificate that recognises and rewards excellence in extracurricular activity.
  • Show that you are well-rounded, with experience and skills beyond your degree.
  • Improve your skills, from communication to adaptability, teamwork to leadership.
  • Understand and reflect on the skills you’ve developed across practical learning experiences, student leadership roles, and more.
  • Learn to assess your development critically and articulate your skills confidently, ready for job applications and interviews.
  • Grow as a resilient, agile, adaptable learner for life.
  • Stand out to employers and when applying for further study.

What does the Award involve?

After gaining a spot on the first-ever cohort, you will join us on your Award journey. You will need to complete a series of activities, skills assessment and reflection activities throughout 26/27. You may have already completed some of these before registering.

The activities may include:

  • Taking an online skills assessment (usually 2+ times).
  • Skill development activities, such as attending workshops and online learning. (You will be signposted to these.)
  • Practising your skills through recognised activities
  • Reflection activities
  • Complete a written reflection and a reflective video blog.

You will need to complete these steps successfully before you graduate to gain the UCL Award.

By taking part, you’ll influence how the Award develops in the future. As part of the pilot cohort, you’ll be invited to connect with fellow students and alumni, sharing experiences and insights as you progress.

Award recognised activities

  1. Elected committee member for a Students' Union society
  2. Elected Academic Representative
  3. Elected Student Officer
  4. Elected Network Officer
  5. ExtendED Learning (Practice or Stretch Events)
  6. A Student-Led Volunteering Project Leader
  7. A TeamUCL Playmaker

Eligibility

The Award is open to undergraduate or taught postgraduate students who will continue their studies at UCL in 2026/27. Places are limited to 200 students.

How to apply

Complete a short application form, including a 150 to 250-word statement on what you hope to gain from the process.

We strongly encourage you to attend the launch event at UCL on 11 June 2026 and join at least two pilot feedback/networking sessions during your Award journey.

Apply to join the UCL Award

Submit your application by 11 May for a chance to secure your place on the first-ever cohort of the UCL Award

Apply now

What you get

Upon successfully completing the Award activities, you will receive:

  • Formal UCL Award certificate
  • Recognition at a UCL ceremony
  • HEAR Recognition (for UG Students only).

Contact us: uclaward@ucl.ac.uk