Arts and Sciences (Cultures) with Study Abroad BASc
Connect different ideas to solve problems in new ways through this interdisciplinary degree. The Arts and Sciences BASc provides unique options to pursue pathways in arts, social sciences or sciences. You’ll also learn a language and have the opportunity to do an internship. You’ll spend your third year abroad to study, embark on a traineeship, or a combination of the two. Graduates gain a valuable skillset that relates to the real world, and may go on to pursue careers in diverse sectors from technology to creative arts.
Key information
Entry requirements
- Grades
- A*AA
- Subjects
- An essay-based Arts/Humanities subject required.
- GCSEs
- English Language and Mathematics at grade B or 6.
Contextual offer
- Grades
- AAB
- Subjects
- An essay-based Arts/Humanities subject required.
- GCSEs
- English Language and Mathematics at grade B or 6.
At least two A level subjects should be taken from UCL's list of preferred A level subjects.
- Points
- 39
- Subjects
- A total of 19 points in three higher level subjects, to include an essay-based Arts/Humanities subject, with no higher level score below 5.
Contextual offer
- Points
- 36
- Subjects
- A total of 17 points in three higher level subjects, to include an essay-based Arts/Humanities subject, with no higher level score below 5.
The English language level for this programme is: Level 4
Information about the evidence required, acceptable qualifications and test providers can be found on our English language requirements page.
A variety of English language programmes are offered at the UCL Centre for Languages and International Education.
The Undergraduate Preparatory Certificates (UPC) prepare international students for a UCL undergraduate degree who do not have the qualifications to enter directly. These intensive one-year foundation courses are taught on our central London campus.
Typical UPC students will be high achievers in a 12-year school system which does not meet the standard required for direct entry to UCL.
For more information see: ucl.ac.uk/upc.
About this course
The course offers a wide combination of specialist modules from across UCL and an interdisciplinary Core taught by the Arts and Sciences department. The Core modules enable you to acquire the skills and concepts you will need to work effectively across multiple disciplines. The course links traditional UCL subjects in new ways, and explores the conceptual and methodological differences between arts, social science and science subjects.
You will study a modern foreign language throughout your degree and will be supported to gain work experience through internships, integrating your studies with your future employment aspirations. Our students have secured internships with a wide range of employers, including: Black Rock, Disney, Goldman Sachs, Unilever, Google, The Victoria and Albert Museum, Norton Rose Fulbright, HSBC, the United Nations, Wellcome Trust and Cancer Research UK. Internships can be in a range of roles, in a wide range of businesses, non-governmental organisations and charities.
You apply directly to your major pathway. The pathway you apply to determines the subjects in which you will specialise. We offer a cultures pathway (this course), a societies pathway and two sciences pathways:
Cultures (this course): Anthropology, Creative Writing, Cultural Studies, Design and Visualisation, Drawing Methodology, Film and Documentary Film-Making, History of Art, Languages, Literature, Philosophy
Societies: Archaeology, Economics, Geography, International Relations, Law, Management, Philosophy, Political Economy, Politics, Sociology, Science and Technology Studies
Health and Environment: Anthropology (biological), Biochemistry, Earth Sciences, Ecology, Environmental Sciences, Geography (physical), Health Sciences, Life Sciences, Neuroscience, Psychology
Sciences and Engineering: Chemistry, Computer Science, Earth Sciences, Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, Data Science.
It may be possible to move between the with Study Abroad version of the Arts and Sciences courses and the three year variants until the start of your second year. This is subject to availability and approval. To be eligible to study abroad in certain destinations, some students may be required to meet external partner requirements in respect of the students’ progression profile. Further information on study abroad is provided at the start of Year 1.
Your application should provide evidence that the majority of the following qualities are applicable to you: Prepared for critical enquiry and in-depth academic work across a broad intellectual spectrum. Interested in engaging in wider societal, cultural and global issues. Interested in careers involving leadership, social entrepreneurship and intercultural exchange. Prepared to think critically and creatively to seek new connections between types of knowledge. Interested in combining non-standard areas of study in your degree.
Course structure
Year 1
In your first year, you will take four compulsory modules from the Core of the degree, three modules from your major pathway and one from your minor pathway.
The choices available in your first year are deliberately limited and are deemed gateway modules as they will allow you the best opportunities to take follow-on modules in your second year.
As one of your Core modules, you are required to take a language as taught by the Centre for Languages and International Education (CLIE) or the School of Slavonic and East European Studies (SSEES) . You can choose to begin a new language from beginner level or continue learning a language you have previously studied.
Year 2
You have greater flexibility in your module choices in your second year. You are required to take one Compulsory module and one Core, and continue with your language. You can then choose to take one more Core or use the extra module in your major or minor pathway.
Providing you meet any specified module pre-requisites, the choices available to you in your major and minor pathway open up and you are able to take modules from across almost all UCL departments. Your Personal Academic Tutor will help with module choices.
At the end of your second year, you are encouraged but not required to take an internship. You will receive support from the dedicated Arts and Sciences Work Based Learning Manager who will advertise internships for well-known schemes as well as source opportunities exclusively for BASc students.
Year 3
To be eligible to study abroad, students must meet departmental progression requirements, which includes achieving a raw average of at least 60% from Year 1 modules. Further information on study abroad eligibility is provided at the start of Year 1.
You will spend your third year either studying abroad at one of our exchange partner institutions worldwide or undertaking a traineeship in a country in which your Core language is spoken.
Spending a prolonged period of time in another country can be both challenging and rewarding, and at a time when the graduate job market is becoming more and more competitive, studying abroad sets you apart from the crowd. Studying abroad will also allow you to develop your language and communication skills, which are of great importance and can be linked to future employability.
Whilst you are studying/working abroad, you are required to continue studying your Core language as, on your return to UCL, you must take a module at least two levels higher than the level you passed at the end of your second year.
Final Year
When you return to UCL for your final year, you will continue with your Core language, take the compulsory ‘The Knowledge Economy’ module, and complete an interdisciplinary dissertation or creative practice dissertation. You will choose the topic of your dissertation or creative practice dissertation, which is expected to draw upon one or more of your previous or final year modules.
The remaining 50% of your final year will be your pathway modules. You can choose to take three in your major and one in your minor or two in your major and two in your minor.
Modules
In each year of your degree you will take a number of individual modules, normally valued at 15 or 30 credits, adding up to a total of 120 credits for the year. Modules are assessed in the academic year in which they are taken. The balance of compulsory and optional modules varies from programme to programme and year to year. A 30-credit module is considered equivalent to 15 credits in the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS).
Please note that the list of modules given here is indicative. This information is published a long time in advance of enrolment and module content and availability is subject to change. Modules that are in use for the current academic year are linked for further information. Where no link is present, further information is not yet available.
Compulsory modules
- Approaches to Knowledge: Introduction to Interdisciplinarity (BASC0001)
- Interdisciplinary Research Methods (BASC0002)
- Quantitative Methods and Mathematical Thinking (BASC0003)
Optional modules
- Introduction to Anatomy and Development (ANAT0001)
- Introduction to Material and Visual Culture A (ANTH0002)
- Introduction to Social Anthropology 1 A (ANTH0004)
- Introduction to Biological Anthropology I A (ANTH0009)
- Documentary Film-Making (ANTH0011)
- Design and Creative Practice 1 (BARC0094)
- Architectural Research 1 (BARC0095)
- Architectural Investigation and Representation (BARC0171)
- Creative Writing (BASC0007)
- Algorithms: Logic and Structures (BASC0038)
Compulsory modules
- Framing Interdisciplinary Knowledge: Concepts, Contexts, and Enquiry (BASC0090)
Optional modules
- Object Lessons: Communicating Knowledge Through Collections (BASC0004)
- Quantitative Methods 2: Data Science and Visualisation (BASC0005)
- Qualitative Thinking: Research Methods in Cultural Analysis (BASC0006)
- Arabic Level 2 (LCAR0003)
- Arabic Level 3 (LCAR0004)
- Arabic Level 4 (LCAR0005)
- Arabic Level 5: Business and Current Affairs (LCAR0006)
- Arabic Level 6: Current Affairs and Culture (LCAR0011)
- Arabic Level 7: Professional Purposes (LCAR0012)
- Dutch Level 2 (LCDU0003)
Compulsory modules
Compulsory modules
Optional modules
- BASc Final Year Dissertation (BASC0024)
- Creative Practice Dissertation (BASC0025)
- Arabic Level 3 (LCAR0004)
- Arabic Level 4 (LCAR0005)
- Arabic Level 5: Business and Current Affairs (LCAR0006)
- Dutch Level 3 (LCDU0004)
- Dutch Level 4 (LCDU0005)
- French Level 3 (LCFR0005)
- French Level 4 (LCFR0006)
- French Level 5: Business and Current Affairs (LCFR0007)
You will be exposed to a wide range of learning opportunities, including lectures, seminars, tutorials, interactive groups and multimedia projects. Core modules will be taken alongside your fellow BASc students. Modules relating to your pathway subjects will be taught by specialist staff from across UCL and will provide you with an opportunity to learn alongside students on other courses.
Both your pathway subjects and the language component will be assessed by written examinations, oral examinations and essays. Project work and a dissertation will contribute to your overall assessment. You will be required to give presentations and work on group projects.
Due to the wide range and combination of modules that may be taken by BASc students, there is not a typical timetable for this course. Contact hours will vary depending on the modules chosen. Typical contact hours vary between 8–12 hours per week in terms one and two, depending on the year of study and module choice, and include lectures, seminars, practice-based activities and e-learning activities. There is minimal teaching in the third term, which focuses on examinations and assessment.
Students will also display a level of independent study (25–30 hours per week), for example, by engaging with key topics and required readings in preparation for the discussions promoted on the course.
Contact hours may vary on the year abroad, depending on destination.
The department will endeavour to make reasonable adjustments for students with disabilities, including those with long-term health conditions, neurodivergence, learning differences and mental health conditions. This list is not exhaustive. If you are unsure of your eligibility for reasonable adjustments at UCL, please contact Student Support and Wellbeing Services.
Reasonable adjustments are implemented on a case-by-case basis. With the student's consent, reasonable adjustments are considered by UCL Student Support and Wellbeing Services, and where required, in collaboration with the respective department.
Details of the accessibility of UCL buildings can be obtained from AccessAble. Further information about support available can be obtained from UCL Student Support and Wellbeing Services.
For more information about the department and accessibility arrangements for your course, please contact the department.
Fees and funding
| Study mode | UK fee (2026/27) | Overseas fee (2026/27) |
|---|---|---|
| Full time | £9,790 | £35,400 |
UK undergraduate fees for 2026/27 are subject to parliamentary approval and are for the first year only. Fees for subsequent years may be subject to increase: Student Terms and Conditions. UK fees are in line with the Government announcement on fee cap increases. Fees for 2027/28 entry will be published in August 2026.
International undergraduate students benefit from a cohort guarantee unless indicated below, meaning that their tuition fees will not increase during the course of the programme, but UCL reserves the right to increase tuition fees to reflect any sums (including levies, taxes, or similar financial charges) that UCL is required to pay any governmental authority in connection with tuition fees.
International fees shown are the fees that will be charged to 2026/27 entrants.
Full details of UCL's tuition fees, tuition fee policy and potential increases to fees can be found on the UCL Students website.
Additional costs
Depending upon your major pathway module choices you may incur additional costs for materials for modules taken within the Bartlett School of Architecture and the Slade School of Fine Art. It is estimated this would be up to £100 per module taken in either of those departments. Please note that studying abroad is likely to incur additional costs. Studying abroad may cost between £200–£1,000 per month depending on where you choose to study. The cost of studying abroad can be difficult to predict as it will depend on your priorities and choices. There is more information available on the UCL Study Abroad website. If you choose to undertake an internship, you will be responsible for any additional costs involved.
For in-person teaching, UCL's main teaching locations are in zones 1 (Bloomsbury) and zones 2/3 (UCL East). The cost of a monthly 18+ Oyster travel card for zones 1–2 is £119.90. This price was published by TfL in 2026. For more information on additional costs for prospective students and the cost of living in London, please view our estimated cost of essential expenditure at UCL's cost of living guide. If you are concerned by potential additional costs for books, equipment, etc., please get in touch with the relevant departmental contact (details given on this page).
Various funding options are available, including student loans, scholarships and bursaries. UK students whose household income falls below a certain level may also be eligible for a non-repayable bursary or for certain scholarships. Please see the Fees and funding pages for more details.
Why study this course at UCL?
UCL’s Arts and Sciences BASc allows you to create a course incorporating arts, social sciences and science specialisms.
The degree responds to increased demand from employers for outstanding graduates with interdisciplinary skills and experience, and will equip you with knowledge, skills and insight across arts, social sciences and sciences subjects. Core modules will enhance your understanding of how different branches of knowledge interrelate.
You also have the opportunity to undertake an internship, giving you the chance to explore future employment options. You will study a modern foreign language throughout your degree, chosen from the wide range offered at UCL.
You will study a modern foreign language throughout your degree, chosen from the range offered at UCL.
You will spend your third year of study abroad at an approved university, either in an English-speaking country or in a country where your chosen foreign language is spoken. Alternatively, you may undertake a Traineeship in a country in which your chosen foreign language is spoken, or split the year between studying and a Traineeship.
Discover Uni
To see official information about this course and others visit Discover Uni.
What this course will give you
During your time on the Arts and Sciences degree you will learn a range of qualitative and quantitative skills alongside demonstrating progression in a language. The Arts and Sciences courses are designed to prepare students for a wide variety of contemporary careers and research. Students in their Second Year or on a Year Abroad will be supported by the department’s dedicated Work Based Learning Manager to undertake an internship. While internships are not compulsory, nor can they be taken for credit, we recommend them as a valuable broadening of your education and to increase your employability skills.
UCL Arts and Sciences graduates have become employed in a range of industries, including IT, technology and telecomms, accountancy and financial services and health and social care. Employers include EY, PwC, Goldman Sachs, the Department of Health and Social Care and Amazon Web Services.*
*Graduate Outcomes survey carried out by the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA), looking at the destinations of UK and EU graduates in the 2017–2023 cohorts.
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Register nowHow to apply
Application for admission should be made through UCAS (the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service). Applicants currently at school or college will be provided with advice on the process; however, applicants who have left school or who are based outside the United Kingdom may obtain information directly from UCAS.
We recognise you may not be able to write a personal statement which reflects your interest in this course and that addresses your other UCAS choices. This will not adversely affect your application.
Selection
For further information on UCL's selection process see: How we assess your application.
Apply for this course
You are applying for the Arts and Sciences (Cultures) with Study Abroad BASc course. For application guidance please visit Application guidelines.Course starts: September 2027
UCAS applications open for 2027 entry on 12 May 2026.
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