How to Apply

Please remember that applying for ethical approval is not just a tick box exercise.

You need to carefully consider the ethical implications of your research, and if you are a student have detailed discussion with your supervisor about the ethics and appropriate safeguards, data storage and safety issues involved.   

Step One  

Complete the online GDPR data protection training  

UCL students must undertake online data protection training. This is an essential part of your degree whether you intend to undertake an online study, undertake secondary analysis, or write a library-based thesis.  

Step Two 

Determine if you need ethical approval.  

Access the information on UCL main REC site   

Step Three 

Consider whether your project falls within a UCL exemptions category: 

If you are unsure whether your project falls into an exemption category, please talk to your Head of Research Department or supervisor before beginning your application. 

Step Four   

The ethics@ucl online system will determine the level of ethical risk in your research.  

High-risk projects 

Applications involving the following will be deemed high-risk: 

• Vulnerable participants 

• Sensitivity 

• Consent, deception, or covert research 

• Disclosures 

• Security sensitive materials 

• Risk to researcher wellbeing 

• Administration of substances 

• Invasive procedures 

Read the ethics@ucl: High risk checklist for more information about these risk categories and examples.  

If your application is classified as high risk, it will be sent to Life and Medical Sciences Research Ethics Committee (LMS REC) for review.  

Low-risk projects 

Applications for research projects not involving any of the above high-risk elements can be reviewed as 'low risk'. If your application is classified as low risk, it will be sent to the IfWH Low Risk Research Ethics Committee for review. 

Step Five   

Apply for risk approvals and where relevant ensure you have obtained necessary DBS checks  

Access the risk assessment information and you will be directed to the mandatory riskNET online assessment form. 

Check whether you need additional ethical permission for research outside the UK. 

Step Six 

To access the applicant portal, visit ethics.ucl.ac.uk and log in using your UCL Single Sign-on details. A Desktop@UCL or VPN connection is not required. Supervisors should access the system to view and sign student forms. 

If this is your first time visiting ethics@ucl, we recommend completing the short system training before you get started. Training videos for applicants are available here: Using ethics@ucl | UCL Research Ethics - UCL – University College London  

The dynamic application form consists of tailored questions based on your responses. The full form will only be visible once sections A and B have been completed, and follow-up questions will appear as you progress through the form. When completing the form, please be aware that responses may be lost if you change an answer to an initial question.  

All studies involving the recruitment of participants will use documents such as information sheets and consent forms. For guidance, visit the Research Ethics Service Producing participant recruitment documents page and read the ‘annotated’ template example forms below:  

Template Consent Form
(Word Document)

Template Patient Information Leaflet
(Word Document)

At the end of the application in ethics@ucl, a completeness check will appear highlighting any unanswered mandatory questions. These questions will need to be completed before the form can be signed and submitted.    

Applicants will need to complete a declaration confirming they have read and understood the requirements before submitting the form. Additionally, a signature will be required before submission. This will vary depending on the type of application and the associated risks: 

Low-risk applications 

Signature requirements for low-risk research ethics applications 

What happens next 

After an initial screening check, you will receive an acknowledgement of your application and your LREC ID number. 

Your application will be reviewed by the LREC panel members at its next meeting (please check the deadlines for submission). It is important to allow adequate time for any revisions required by the Committee as requests for revisions are common. Once the revisions have been approved you will receive notification of formal approval from the IfWH LREC. You are then ready to begin your study! 

Please do not hesitate to contact the team at ifwh-lrec@ucl.ac.uk with any queries.