UCL Expand FAQs

Your one-stop-shop for all frequently asked questions about UCL Expand

Do I need to attend all UCL Expand sessions?

We ask that participants attend both UCL Expand in-person events and at least 5 of the 6 online sessions. If you do not attend this number, we may not be able to provide you with a certificate to verify you took part in the programme. 

We understand that emergencies and other circumstances may mean participants are not able to attend a session. In this instance, please get in touch with us on wp.post16@ucl.ac.uk or call us on 07857630033 to let us know.

What skills will I develop during the programme?

UCL Expand is structured and designed to encourage participants to develop a range of key skills that will not only enhance applications to higher education, but also support the transition to university. The skills which you will develop will be invaluable when you enter university. 

Following the Research and Analysis session, you will leave with an understanding of how to investigate a topic, how to distinguish between reputable and un-reputable sources of information, and the ability to examine the implications of their research.

Following the Critical Thinking session, you will leave with an understanding of how to analyse sources to form a judgement, the ability to challenge your own assumptions and take multiple perspectives on an issue, and awareness of the difference between a fact and an opinion.

Following the Academic Writing session, you will leave with an understanding of the formality, objectivity and precision required to write academically. You will also learn how to communicate your project work in an academic capacity, and how to form conclusions.

Following the Presentation and Debate session, you will leave with an understanding of delivering a clear and persuasive argument, creating a clear presentation structure and the ability to listen to and answer questions. This session will directly contribute to the presentation of your project during the in-person Graduation event on Saturday 22 March. 

For a reminder of when the sessions are taking place, check the UCL Expand homepage.

What is the final project?

The final project will be your chance to demonstrate the subject knowledge you have gained through the UCL Expand programme. The project will be related to or take inspiration from the subject strand content but can be tailored to your subject interests and topics you are interested in exploring further. 

The final project isn't something to worry about. It won't take up much time, and is about developing your skills and creating something that you can later mention in your university applications. You won't be marked on your project.

We will give more information about the project during the in-person Welcome Event and during our first online session.

 

Are there templates available for final project academic posters?

We have templates available for you to use to help develop your poster (although you don't have to use them!) We have templates available in green, purple and yellow. Click the colour you'd like in order to access them.

Will UCL Expand enhance my university application?

Absolutely! 

UCL Expand aims to extend participants' subject knowledge and provide an opportunity for exploration beyond the school curriculum. Participants will be able to practise and develop key academic skills, and also demonstrate their motivation to learn and challenge themselves, especially in a specific subject area. 

All of these things are likely to be extremely valuable in an application to any kind of academic institution or programme in the future. UCL Expand is also a perfect example of super-curricular engagement (which most, if not all universities are looking for in a personal statement!) 

As part of UCL Expand, we will providing participants with some support on how they can talk about UCL Expand in their personal statements in order to strengthen their university applications. 

What if I'm struggling to keep up with the content and sessions?

The UCL Access Team staff, Expand Taster Presenters and Student Ambassadors are all here to ensure that participants are able to access and engage with the programme successfully. We are here to support you in any way we can, to ensure you get the best out of the programme.

During the sessions if you're able to, don't be afraid to ask questions or for additional guidance from the Taster Presenters, Student Ambassadors and Access Team staff members in the session. 

If you have a question but are not able to ask it during the online sessions, you can submit your question via our Ask us a question form. The UCL Expand Team will reviewed these questions regularly and either send you an email response, or we will pass the question to your taster presenter for them to answer during the next online session.

You can also email the UCL Expand team via wp.post16@ucl.ac.uk.  

Please do let us know if you feel you aren't able to successfully access and engage with the programme, and we can discuss ways in which we can support you in order to change this. 

What will the UCL Expand Welcome Event involve?

The UCL Expand Welcome Event is going to be great fun and is key to kick-starting your UCL Expand experience.

For more information, please take a look at our UCL Expand Welcome Event webpage.

 

Any other questions?

Please contact us via wp.post16@ucl.ac.uk with any questions or concerns.