Discover UCL for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Students

Designed to support students who are deaf or hard of hearing, Discover UCL is a summer school that aims to encourage prospective Year 12 students to consider applying to university through a range of informative and interactive sessions. The three-day specialist programme features BSL interpreters and live captioning across all talks. It is one of only two widening participation programmes in the country aimed specifically at deaf and hard of hearing students.

Discover UCL provides an extensive overview of the support available at UCL to prospective students and aims to demonstrate that higher education is an inclusive and welcoming environment. Participants were introduced to a current deaf UCL student, who shared their own experiences of student life. A series of talks highlighted additional student support at UCL, including from the Student Support and Wellbeing teams, as well as how to access Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) and student finance. Current UCL students and Sabbatical Officers from the Students’ Union also covered additional aspects of life at UCL, and how they supported the student experience.

Feedback from one participant noted:

My favourite part of today’s event was learning about the student support services offered here and how they were accessible for students with not only disabilities but also with other needs.”“

During the summer school, participants heard from a panel of professionals, including a doctor, architect and project manager, who discussed their time studying, and subsequent careers. Speakers also recognised the challenges faced by deaf and hard of hearing students and discussed the importance of self-advocacy, sharing tips and techniques for how they effectively expressed themselves in challenging situations, and the importance of making your voice heard.

Another participant commented:

I really enjoyed speaking to deaf people who are in the world of work, as I was able to gain an insight into how my future may look like. I also appreciated the advice that was given and some ideas for arrangements that could have been put into place.”

Discover UCL offers tailored sessions on study skills and revision techniques, to equip participants with the tools to enhance their academic achievement and university applications. Other talks illustrated academic life at UCL, including an interactive session from UCL Anthropology, and a creative thinking session using Lego Serious Play kits, that aimed to encouraged future reflection.

Feedback from all participants found the programme had been a great success. All prospective students enjoyed the programme and agreed it had fulfilled both their expectations and communications needs.

“One of the best programmes I have been on, particularly as a young deaf adult seeking to study at UCL. This programme showed me the University is very deaf friendly, something I was unsure of previously.” 

Jalal Pour, Senior Widening Participation Officer and Discover UCL Programme Lead said:

The Discover UCL summer school is a real highlight in the calendar for me. Over the years many former Discover participants have gone on to study with us at UCL, so I hope this year is no different and that we will welcome some of this cohort back to UCL in the future!” “

Manjula Patrick, Associate Professor and Inclusive Education Lead, UCL Arena Centre added:

Each year, we design innovative sessions that empower students, boosting their aspirations and self-advocacy skills. With the support of skilled staff, language service professionals, and inspiring deaf role models, our participants thrive. The positive feedback we receive highlights the programme’s impact and our team’s dedication. We are always excited to welcome some of our participants back as UCL students and the opportunity to collaborate with them on future programmes.” “

Further links:

• Discover UCL
• UCL Access and Widening Participation
• UCL Student Support and Wellbeing