Successful completion of PEP1: Portfolio Review

PEP1 has consolidated and strengthened UCL’s portfolio by reducing complexity across a wide range of systems and processes. The aim was to ensure that our portfolio of courses is attractive for prospective students and legible for applicants. The revised portfolio will be ready to enrol new students in 2027/28.

We would like to thank everyone who has contributed to the PEP1 process and for the community’s collective hard work and support in delivering this significant project. 

PEP1: Portfolio Review

The Portfolio Review (PEP1) was the first phase of the Programme Excellence Project, which looked at the underlying structures of programmes and routes within UCL’s UG and PGT portfolio. Through PEP1, we aimed to consolidate our portfolio to improve how we market and manage our courses. This was facilitated by a new data structure consisting of three levels - ‘Programme’, ‘Course’ and ‘Post-enrolment Specialism’ - that will be implemented for 2027 entry.

In this phase of the project, we have: 

• Implemented a new Curriculum Definitions and Data Model across the entirety of our UG and PGT Portfolio;
• Supported departments and faculties to consolidate their course portfolios through a supportive quality assured process; 
• Introduced post-enrolment specialisms to improve study flexibility for students and the portfolio’s attractiveness to applicants; 
• Formally withdrawn courses that were no longer advertised or offered to applicants;
• Standardised degree title naming conventions, including study abroad and placement variations. 

Next Steps

The PEP Team are currently preparing a comprehensive evaluation report of the changes made to UG and PGT portfolios during PEP1. UCL Education Committee has overseen and approved each stage of PEP and the committee will next discuss lessons learned from both the process and the outcomes. Departments and faculties have a further opportunity to make changes to their portfolios during Part A of the PEP2: Curriculum Review process. PEP2 is currently underway and Part A will run until 21 March 2025.

Further details about the project can be found on the PEP SharePoint site. Please get in touch with the PEP Team if you would like any information about the project or have any queries: pepteam@ucl.ac.uk