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UCL University Personal Statements

These UCAS personal statements have been kindly provided by students applying to University College London. You can click on one of the links below to view the entire statement and find out if the applicant was offered a place.

You can also view our entire collection of personal statements or view personal statements for application at other universities .

Linguistics Personal Statement Example 1 My most memorable Christmas came with a parcel of Harry Potter audio books and this was where my quest to understanding language began. The moment Stephen Fry started to narrate chapter one, I fell in love with words and all they could achieve...

History Personal Statement Example 3 Recently, I found out that my grandma was gambled into slavery for seven years. She escaped her prison and made her way back to Hong Kong, 300 miles south. I was amazed at how courageous she was. This personal discovery led me to read Jung Chang's 'Wild Swans' which made me both proud and ashamed of my heritage...

Mathematics and Economics Personal Statement Example 1 As Pythagoras may have said, (Ambitious)2 + (Bold)2 = (Critical thinker)2 makes a perfect student and is what I strive to be. From the simple Pythagorean to the complex Fermat's Last Theorem, mathematics is a never ending branch of study which I enthusiastically enjoy studying and why I wish to pursue it even further at university...

Mathematics and Physics Personal Statement Example 1 Mathematics is a fundamental tool for understanding our world: it can be used to define the symmetry of flowers or to manage global companies. What is so appealing about mathematics is the opportunity of applying it in the physical world...

Maths and Spanish Personal Statement Example For as long as I have recognised words and numbers, I have seen a connection between the two. As I progressed in the AS Mathematics course I realised how drawn I was to the subject, motivating me to spend 2 weeks at school over the summer holidays learning 2 entire AS Further Maths modules, in order to take the full A-level course in one year...

Electrical and Electronic Engineering Personal Statement Example 1 I have always had a creative ability and a fascination with how things work. The challenge of solving practical problems inherent in the field of engineering appeals directly to these traits. I am particularly interested in electrical and electronic engineering (EEE) because it is such a rapidly evolving discipline...

Economics and Politics Personal Statement Example 1 "I killed the bank": the last words of Andrew Jackson, former president of the US, after he had vetoed to renew the charter and withdraw all federal deposits from banks causing them to bust. Real money was backed with gold shortly after, causing the greatest economic boom in history for the US where no income tax was implemented...

Spanish and Economics Personal Statement Example My aspiration to study Spanish and Economics has not only been influenced by my curricular education but also from experiences I have had throughout life. I am intrigued in the effects caused by the failing Euro zone, and I consider communication among speakers of different languages essential in progressing forward...

Economics Personal Statement Example 5 Choosing an undergraduate degree in economics is a result of my deep seated curiosity to know why economies are they way they are; why oil prices in my country, Pakistan, rapidly fluctuate whereas economies like USA and China continue to strengthen despite recessions...

Anthropology Personal Statement Example 2 My fascination with human behaviour and the motivations behind human actions has existed for most of my adult life, to determine a cause however I would accredit this to the voluntary work I participated in with Crisis Single Persons Homeless charity...

Geography Personal Statement Example 2 In a dynamic world, the study of geography is increasingly important. The diversity of the subject and the interaction between the physical environment and human population is becoming even more evident with climate change and globalisation influencing our everyday lives...

Psychology Personal Statement Example 11 “If she’s smart she will study Medicine.” This is an unwritten rule in my culture - all Nigerian parents want their children to become doctors. What becomes of the aspiring psychologist in the family? I met a junior doctor, at an educational conference, who wanted to specialise in psychiatry...

Architecture Personal Statement Example 3 Growing up in post-soviet Belarus I wasn't surrounded by the architectural wonders - all the buildings were dull and grey, therefore from early childhood I started drawing and making houses of my dreams...

Mathematics and Economics Personal Statement Example 2 Every day we make decisions and interact with others; the laws of economics help us make rational choices and consider the irrationality of others, as well as understand the world better. Maths and statistics are the necessary tools for me to understand the modern economics...

Anthropology and Archaeology Personal Statement Example My interest in culture first started when I began to attend my local Hindu Temple with my friend in primary school. I was highly interested in how her surroundings differed from my own and enjoyed immersing myself in her way of life...

English and History Personal Statement Example 1 I believe history inspires optimism. With the state being cut and our economy weakening we could easily fall to pessimism. I just have to look within history to see that just over 400 years ago Queen Mary I killed 'rebels' for heresy when they protested, whereas Modern freedoms have allowed me to protest openly in several Unite marches...

English Personal Statement Example 23 My love of literature is rooted in the connection it gives us to centuries of ideas, giving us the ability to converse with ghosts, linking us with the greatest and most eloquent minds in history; as Bovee puts it, “books are embalmed minds”...

Pharmacology and Human Sciences Personal Statement Example From the race to find a vaccine for the H1N1 virus to the almost daily reports of breakthroughs in the field of cancer research, science has always fascinated me.On a more personal note, my interest has largely stemmed from school, work experiences, and science in the news...

Biomedical Engineering Personal Statement Example 2 Thanks to my mother's profession, I have had a front row seat in observing the radical changes made in the medical field with the introduction of new devices. I have also seen the beneficial effects these developments have had on the lives of people living in the less affluent countries in the Middle East; these observations coupled with my interest in mechanics have inspired me to pursue a career in biomedical engineering...

Computer Science Personal Statement Example 45 Advances in computer and information technology over the past few decades have brought about revolution in science, medicine, education, business, and entertainment. I wish to be part of the future revolution and that is why I want to study computer science...

Maths & Actuarial Science Personal Statement Example 1 "It has become a very strange and perhaps frightening subject from the ordinary point of view,but anyone who penetrates into it will find a veritable fairyland"( Kasner E and Newman J).This saying is perhaps the most fitted to describe my enthusiasm for Maths...

Psychology Personal Statement Example 48 Since embarking on the A level course 16 months ago I have decided to devote my life to working in psychology. I am struck by the way Psychological research has impacted all areas of life, but also how much there is yet to understand...

Economics Personal Statement Example 23 It would not be foolish to contemplate the possibility of a far greater progress still. John Maynard Keynes From childhood I was bred to learn and the passion to understand has become a trait of my character...

Anthropology Personal Statement Example 5 I realised that I wanted to study Anthropology in 2005 after picking up a book called ''Mapping Human History'' by Steve Olson. I read the book cover to cover a number of times, and knew that I had discovered a subject that I was not only interested in learning but wanted to investigate for myself...

Postgraduate Linguistics Personal Statement Example My interest in linguistics was gradually shaped throughout my life by all the different ways in which I have experienced languages: as a learner, translator, and as a teacher. However, it was the times spent living in Russia and later in the UK that made me fully understand that language can be a means of conveying much more than just our thoughts...

European Social & Political Studies Personal Statement Example In my opinion, the problems societies face today deserve an in-depth analysis which draws on different disciplines of thought for its relevance; furthermore the implementations of strategies to combat problems must take into account more than one academic approach if they are going to be positively effective...

Human Sciences Personal Statement Example Perhaps what makes me different from other University applicants is that I have ambition to understand multidimensional human life. It is not the appeal of a top qualification or the zesty student lifestyle that attracts me to this course; but it is the long-term knowledge and answers to interdisciplinary human problems, and the enigmas that I will commit a lifetime investigating with perhaps no solution, that inspires me to apply...

Psychology Personal Statement Example 51 There is a reason behind everything we do, a purpose to our actions. The cognition behind any decision that we make is one of the many aspects of psychology that I am fascinated by. The following five words, as said by the Prophet Muhammad, I believe explain such a suggestion: "Actions are but by intentions"...

Archaeology and Anthropology Personal Statement Example 2 As an immigrant living in Spain, I am constantly reminded of the importance social and cultural factors have on my daily life, the language I speak, and the difference between the relationships I maintain with people from my own country and those I encounter here on a daily basis...

Mathematics Personal Statement Example 12 Mathematics is at the root of many academic subjects, such as mechanics in Physics, organic Chemistry and even Music and this is why I find it so fascinating. The process of starting from a simple set of formulae and deriving nearly all mathematical truth from these is what makes Mathematics a leading academic subject...

Creative Writing Personal Statement Example 2 To me, fiction is like the magic carpet of Aladdin. It takes me to travel through time and space and explore the slices of human experience. In the wonderful trips, I am guided by the author and accompanied by the characters...

Economics and Management Personal Statement Example 2 My interest in Economics goes beyond an appreciation of statistics and profit margins. In my mind, economics represents the relationship between people and their money – a relationship that dates back to the history of mankind...

Medicine Personal Statement Example 61 While the idea to care for others is appealing to me, the applications of medicine for finding remedies to the complexities of the human body fascinates me even more. Studying medicine opens several career options from general practice to clinical research! Having the interest and aptitude for scientific knowledge and the awareness to promote health safety, it encourages me to choose this highly rewarding and satisfying course...

Chemical Engineering Personal Statement Example 10 Chemical engineering is a most fascinating field of all the branches of science and engineering. To me it truly reflects human endeavour and spirit through means such as the exploration of unknown substances, and making something of worth and value out of mere raw materials...

Maths Personal Statement Example 12 Mathematics dictates our understanding of the universe; the sciences that the world depends on today are founded and dependant on maths. Scientists and mathematicians spend their lives making remarkable discoveries contributing to the development of humanity, the findings we have been making in fields like quantum mechanics would be completely impossible without maths...

Medicine Personal Statement Example 66 White coats, stethoscopes hung around necks and the sense of playing hero were popular amongst childhood dreams. However, unlike others around me, this dream was not lost when I realised reality paved a much tougher road- instead, it grew to become a fierce ambition...

Psychology Personal Statement Example 64 Psychology is ubiquitous in society. Because of the mercurial nature of humans, there is always something different to study and analyse. I find this exciting. Part of what draws me to psychology is how the dynamics of it affect daily life and behaviour...

Economics Personal Statement Example 30 The ever-changing nature of the human science intrigues me. Newton’s laws of motion will never change, from wherever ‘the ball is dropped’. However, different strategies and policies have to be framed and implemented for each economic problem...

Psychology Personal Statement Example 67 I first became interested in psychology whilst discussing the underlying causes of criminal behaviour and non-conformity with my father. The nature-nurture debate gave me a huge desire to increase my knowledge and understanding of the human condition...

Physics Personal Statement Example 15 I have always been intrigued by the world of physics. From everyday experiences to the most extreme boundaries of today's knowledge, I have always voraciously searched for answers to my questions. As I grew up, the elegance of mathematical demonstrations and of physical theorems fascinated me, and I have often dreamt of making contributions to the unification theory and of improving and simplifying the Navier-Stokes equations...

Natural Sciences Personal Statement Example 4 Why and How? I believe these are the two most important question words as they express mankind’s unquenchable thirst for knowledge, and they have lain the foundation of sciences and have helped us find answers and solutions to problems throughout history from the domestication of fire to Darwin’s theory of evolution, to landing on the moon and so on...

Electrical Engineering Personal Statement Example 2 The defining wonder of today’s age is electricity. In just two centuries, we have come from Faraday’s crude but prophetic experiments to devices just a square inch that can calculate in seconds what the most gifted of human minds might take days...

Biological Sciences Personal Statement Example 3 When I was in primary school I would take pens apart to put them back together, so that I could see how every small piece fits together to create a whole working object, and as I furthered my education my focus shifted to the w orld around me...

Linguistics Personal Statement Example 3 Have you ever heard the Tuvan throat singing technique? Beautiful and intriguing at the same time. The question that's bound to accompany a throat singing performance is how the human voice could possibly produce such a sound...

Anthropology Personal Statement Example 7 Coming from a mixed religious background, the comparison between cultural practices has touched me deeply, personally and profoundly. I have been able to observe the influence of culture on people's perspectives and world views...

Civil Engineering Personal Statement Example 17 My decision to study engineering stems from a desire to contribute to the evolution of society through a process that does not just define our environment but our era. My personal inspiration is the Segovia aqueduct, an 800m long, 30 metre high Roman marvel which still stands today...

PPE/Economics Personal Statement Example Humanity today stands at the intersection of the most significant questions facing the world today: if democracy leads to political infighting, should it be sacrificed in the interest of economic well-being? Does religious fundamentalism provide a way for countries in the developing world to assert their identity in the face of Western hegemony? Does the entry of Western consumer goods threaten a country’s economic self-sufficiency? The answers of these questions will determine what the nature of our world is in the twenty-first century...

History Personal Statement Example (Oxbridge) 2 Whether considering the real world applications of Bentham's utilitarianism in Religious Studies, analysing the context of a changing Victorian society in English Literature, or debating the evolving ideology of the Labour Party in Politics, there is one common thread connecting what I enjoy most about my studies: history...

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Crafting an Outstanding UCL Personal Statement: A Comprehensive Guide with Examples

Dirghayu Kaushik

29 August 2024

Gaining admission to University College London (UCL) is a dream for many, but achieving this goal requires more than just academic excellence.

Your UCL personal statement plays a pivotal role in your application, serving as a unique opportunity to showcase your aspirations, achievements, and individuality.

This article provides essential insights and examples to assist you in creating a personal statement that captures the essence of your academic and personal journey, tailored to resonate with UCL’s admissions committee.

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• The Role of a Personal Statement in Your UCL Application

Understanding the Significance

Your personal statement is a critical element of your UCAS application to UCL. It’s your chance to convey your enthusiasm, experiences, and suitability for your chosen course.

This narrative helps the admissions team to understand who you are beyond your grades and test scores. It’s about making a compelling case for why you are an ideal candidate for UCL and how the university fits into your academic and career aspirations.

What UCL Looks For

UCL, being a prestigious and competitive institution, seeks candidates who demonstrate intellectual curiosity, a commitment to their field of study, and the potential to contribute meaningfully to the university community.

Your personal statement should reflect these qualities, showcasing your passion for learning, your understanding of the course content, and your readiness for the challenges of university life.

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• Crafting a Winning Personal Statement for UCL

Creating a personal statement for University College London (UCL) is a crucial step in your application process. Your statement should stand out, reflecting your unique qualifications and enthusiasm for your chosen course. Here are key points to help you craft a winning personal statement for UCL:

• Understand UCL’s Values and Course Requirements : Before you begin, research UCL’s ethos, values, and specific requirements for your chosen course. Understanding what UCL looks for in its students can help tailor your statement to resonate with the admissions committee.
• Start with a Compelling Introduction : Your opening lines should grab the reader’s attention. Start with a personal anecdote, a provocative question, or a statement that clearly expresses your passion for the subject.
• Showcase Your Academic Strengths : Highlight your academic achievements that are relevant to the course. Include any awards, high grades in related subjects, or participation in relevant academic competitions or projects.
• Demonstrate Interest and Knowledge in the Subject : Show that you have a deep understanding of and a genuine interest in the field. Discuss any books, articles, or research that have inspired you and shaped your desire to study this subject at UCL.
• Reflect on Relevant Experiences : Include work experience, internships, volunteering, or extracurricular activities that have helped develop skills and qualities relevant to the course. Explain what you learned from these experiences and how they have prepared you for university-level study.
• Discuss Your Career Aspirations : Clearly articulate how the course at UCL fits into your long-term career goals. This shows admissions tutors that you have a clear direction and motivation for your studies.
• Exhibit Your Skills and Qualities : Highlight personal skills and qualities that make you a suitable candidate for the course. These might include problem-solving, critical thinking, leadership, teamwork, or communication skills.
• Explain Why UCL Is the Right Choice for You : Discuss specific aspects of UCL and its course offerings that appeal to you. This could be particular modules, the teaching methodology, research opportunities, or the campus environment.
• Make It Personal and Authentic : Your statement should be personal and reflect your true self. Avoid clichés and generic statements. Admissions tutors want to hear your voice and understand who you are.
• Conclude with a Strong Closing Statement : End your personal statement on a high note, reemphasizing your enthusiasm and readiness for the course and how you look forward to contributing to the UCL community.
• Proofread and Edit : Ensure your statement is free of grammatical errors and typos. A well-written, error-free statement demonstrates your attention to detail and commitment to excellence.
• Seek Feedback : Before finalizing, get feedback from teachers, mentors, or those who know you well. They can provide valuable insights and help you refine your statement.

By following these points, you can craft a personal statement that not only meets the standards of UCL but also truly represents your academic ambitions and personal journey, significantly boosting your chances of admission.

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• Personal Statement Examples for Different UCL Courses

Example of UCL Medicine Program

Medicine applicants need to demonstrate a passion for the field, empathy, and a strong academic background in sciences. An effective personal statement for a UCL medicine course might begin with a personal anecdote or experience that sparked your interest in medicine.

Follow this with details of your academic journey in sciences, any relevant work experience, and extracurricular activities. Conclude by discussing your career aspirations in medicine and how UCL’s program aligns with these goals.

Example for UCL Economics Program

For an economics course, your statement should reflect your understanding of economic principles and your ability to think critically about economic issues. Start by explaining why you are interested in economics, possibly by citing a current issue or personal experience.

Include your academic achievements in mathematics and related subjects, and any relevant extracurricular activities, like participating in economics clubs or competitions. Finally, express how UCL’s economics program will help you achieve your career objectives.

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Key Dos and Don’ts in Writing Your Personal Statement

• Final Steps Before Submission

Review and Feedback

Before submitting your personal statement, it’s crucial to review it thoroughly. Seek feedback from teachers, mentors, or peers who can provide constructive criticism. Their insights can help refine your statement, ensuring it’s compelling and error-free.

Aligning Your Statement with UCL’s Values

Research UCL’s values and ethos, and subtly align your statement with these. Show how you embody qualities valued by UCL, such as intellectual curiosity, global perspective, and a commitment to impact society positively. This alignment demonstrates that you are not only a good fit academically but also culturally for UCL.

Your UCL personal statement is a vital part of your application. It’s an opportunity to showcase your unique qualifications, experiences, and aspirations.

By following the guidelines and examples provided in this guide, you can create a statement that captures your individuality and suitability for UCL.

Remember, this is your chance to make a lasting impression on the admissions committee, so take the time to craft a personal statement that truly reflects who you are and why you are the perfect candidate for UCL.

Q1: How important is it to relate my personal statement to my future career goals?

It’s very important. Relating your course of study to your future career goals shows foresight and a clear understanding of how UCL will help you achieve your aspirations.

Q2: Can I include quotes in my personal statement?

While a well-chosen quote can be impactful, it’s generally better to use your own words to ensure your personal statement is truly personal and unique.

Q3: How can I ensure that my personal statement stands out?

To make your personal statement stand out, focus on unique experiences, present your content in a structured and coherent manner, and infuse your personal voice and enthusiasm throughout the text.

Q4: Is it okay to share personal challenges in my statement?

Yes, sharing personal challenges can be powerful, especially if you can demonstrate how they have shaped your character and academic journey. However, ensure that the overall tone remains positive and forward-looking.

• Key Dos and Don'ts in Writing Your Personal Statement

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Table of Contents

• • The Role of a Personal Statement in Your UCL Application
• • Crafting a Winning Personal Statement for UCL
• • Personal Statement Examples for Different UCL Courses
• • Key Dos and Don'ts in Writing Your Personal Statement
• • Final Steps Before Submission
• • Conclusion

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• Postgraduate Taught FAQ's

Postgraduate Taught FAQs

Applications.

It is not possible to submit an application once the application deadline has passed and the programme has closed to new applications. Applications can be submitted up to 5pm (UK time) on the deadline date advertised. If you have missed the deadline you will only be able to submit an application for the next admissions cycle, which opens in October 2025. 

You can type your personal statement in the online application form (3,000-character limit, including spaces) or upload it as a separate document. If you upload your personal statement, you can go over 3,000 characters but it cannot be longer than two sides of A4 paper (size 12 font and single spaced).

It does not need to follow a certain format. This is an opportunity for you to tell us about yourself, that you have the necessary academic skills and motivation required to pursue the degree. You should consider the following questions:

• Why do you want to undertake the programme?
• What are your academic interests?
• Why do you wish to study at UCL?
• What educational experience do you have?
• Do you have any relevant work experience?
• Have you completed any extracurricular or voluntary activities relevant to the programme?
• What are your career aspirations?

Once you submit your online application, it will be received by UCL Graduate Admissions. After your details are recorded and your references received, your application will be forwarded to the department for review and a recommendation. Following the department's decision, the application will return to Admissions, where an official decision letter will be generated and sent to you via the Portal.

We expect to turn-around applications in approximately 15 working days (from the time we receive them from Admissions). However, this may take longer during busy periods. The end-to-end process takes approximately five weeks.

You may submit applications for a maximum of two taught graduate programmes for entry to the 2025/26 academic year. The applications must be for different programmes. Please note that if an application fee is charged, it will be charged per application.

UCL does not accept multiple applications for the same programme in the same academic year.

There is an application processing fee for £90 for online application and £115 for paper applications.

Updating Applications

UCL will not accept applications for deferred entry to taught postgraduate programmes. Applicants must apply in the admissions cycle for which they seek entry.

Read more about the UCL deferral policy and exceptional circumstances:  https://www.ucl.ac.uk/prospective-students/graduate-offer-holders/deferr...

As a courtesy we usually ask offer holders to accept their place within four weeks of receiving their offers so that we may plan for your arrival.

Transcripts should be uploaded to your student portal via the 'upload' button. The transcript section of the application form is mandatory. If you would like to send your transcript to us securely through your University’s transcript service, please upload a word document to your application confirming that you will submit your application through your University’s transcript service.

Once you have submitted your application please have your University’s transcript service send your transcript to [email protected] .

Please note that this email address can only be used to provide transcripts directly from your University’s transcript service.

Unfortunately, departmental funding for Master's students is limited, and most of our students rely on personal savings or loans to finance their studies. For information on potential postgraduate funding opportunities outside the department, please visit:  https://www.ucl.ac.uk/scholarships/scholarships-finder . 

One of your references must be academic. Your application will not be processed without one. The other may be from an employer or colleague who has worked with you closely.

Please note that your academic referee does not necessarily need to be someone that knows you from your undergraduate degree – they may know you though another programme of study. As long as they can comment on your performance in an academic capacity, this will suffice.

If this is also not possible, please provide two employment references. We will contact you if we require further information.

 Relevant Information

The Masters programme can be taken part-time over 2 years. It is generally expected that students complete 50% of a full programme load per year of registration, although we are keen to offer flexible study arrangements where possible. 

The courses offered are not run separately as evening classes for part-time students, although some courses are scheduled in the late afternoon/early evening. Part-time students attend the same classes as their full-time colleagues - they just take half of the course load in each year. 

For each module lasting one term in length, the total contact time is approximately 20 hours with an additional 130 hours of reading, essay writing and/or revision. 

While we try to make part-time study as flexible as possible, our Masters programmes are demanding and we advise students that, if they intend to work alongside the course, their work should be flexible in nature.

You may apply for a place on a programme without yet meeting the English language criteria. However, any offers made to you would be conditional upon you providing evidence of your English proficiency prior to enrolment.

We regret that we cannot offer feedback due to the volume of applications that we receive.

A deposit is required for all our Master's programmes. Full-time and part-time offer holders are required to pay a deposit equivalent to 10% of the first-year tuition fee.

For more information on deposits, please visit:  https://www.ucl.ac.uk/prospective-students/graduate/taught-degrees/fees-and-funding/tuition-fee-deposits

Payment of the deposit: Payment of the deposit aids UCL in its student numbers, module and estates planning.  Once a successful applicant is enrolled on their programme of study, the deposit will form part of the total tuition fee, as quoted on the offer of admission.  

The required tuition fee deposit must be paid in full by the deadline specified in the offer of admission, which will usually be no earlier than 1 April for entry the following September.

Payment of the tuition fee deposit (in full or in part) will be considered as acceptance of the terms detailed in the policy. 

The Political Science department is not open outside the University /Department open/offer holder days, but prospective students thinking of applying to UCL are normally welcome to have a look round college grounds at any time, to experience the character and atmosphere. For information on UCL Campus tours, please visit: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/prospective-students/campus-tours/  

We do not assess academic equivalencies in the department.  These will be assessed by UCL Central Admissions once your application has been submitted. In the meantime, please see the equivalencies information on the Prospectus:  https://www.ucl.ac.uk/prospective-students/graduate/taught-degrees

Nearly all of our modules are taught through a combination of lectures and small-group interactive seminars. Our lectures vary in size depending on the programme and module. Seminars average between 15-20 students.

Yes, d ue to the high numbers of competitive applicants that apply each year, applicants for the International Public Policy Programme and the Public Policy programme are encouraged to apply as early in the admissions cycle as possible as these programme can close early.  

For information regarding tuition fees, including how and when to pay, please go to   Pay your fees webpages .  

Please contact [email protected] for more information.

UCL acknowledges that prospective students living in conflict zones, or affected by displacement, may face considerable difficulties in paying the application fee. UCL is firmly committed to making the application process accessible to individuals disadvantaged by such circumstances and would be pleased to consider written requests for suspension of the application fee.Should you wish to make such a request, please contact Graduate Admissions .

How Hard Is It to Get Into UCL Postgraduate?

18/01/2023 (updated 19/07/2023) Emily Watson

University College London (UCL) is one of the best universities in the UK and globally, ranking eighth in the world in the 2023 QS World University Rankings . It should therefore come as no surprise that UCL postgraduate programmes are extremely competitive. However, how hard really is it to get into a postgraduate course at UCL? And what are the entry requirements you need to meet? This guide contains everything you need to know to maximise your chances of a successful application.

What is the UCL postgraduate acceptance rate?

Across all of its postgraduate courses, UCL has an offer rate of approximately 38%, meaning less than 2 in 5 applicants receive an offer. Some of the most competitive Master’s courses at UCL include:

• MA Landscape Architecture (~2%)
• DClinPsy Clinical Psychology (4.8%)
• MRes Artificial Intelligence Enabled Healthcare (~5.4%)
• MRes Quantum Technologies (~5.7%)
• MSc Data Science (~5.7%)
• MRes Management (~6.8%)
• MSc Computer Science (~7.6%)
• MA Comparative Economics and Policy (~8.2%)
• MClinDent Orthodontics (~8.5%)
• MSc Machine Learning (~8.8%)
• MClinDent Prosthodontics (~9.2%)

What are the entry requirements for UCL postgraduate courses?

The entry requirements for UCL postgraduate courses depend on the specific programme you are applying for. For instance, Master’s programmes have different entry requirements to PhDs, and different subject areas have their own prerequisites for entry.

UCL Master’s entry requirements

The minimum entry requirement for UCL Master’s courses is usually a second class (2:2) undergraduate degree from a UK institution, or an international equivalent (e.g. US GPA of 3.0/4.0). However, most courses (particularly the most competitive) require at least a high 2:1 or a first-class classification, and may also specify specific subject requirements. For example, MSc Financial Mathematics applicants are required to have a high 2:1 UK honours degree (or equivalent), including evidence of high performance in key areas such as probability, analysis, and differential equations.

Other UCL postgraduate entry requirements

The entry requirements for most research programmes (including PhD, MPhil and EngD courses) are a first-class or 2:1 Bachelor’s degree from a UK university in a relevant subject (or international equivalent), or a recognised taught Master’s degree. For professional doctorate programmes, such as DDent Dentistry and DECPsy Child and Educational Psychology, you will need a 2:1 Bachelor’s degree in a relevant subject (or equivalent). It’s crucial that you check the specific entry requirements for your chosen course before applying to make sure that you are eligible. If you require support in reaching the entry requirements for your desired course, reach out for support from The Profs’ degree level tutors. We can help you to not only meet the grades required for entry, but exceed them as much as possible and accompany them with an excellent application to ensure that you stand out to UCL.

Does UCL require admissions tests for postgraduate courses?

One Master’s course at UCL requires an admissions test: MSc Economics. Applicants to MSc Economics must take the GRE (Graduate Records Examination). You must achieve a quantitative score of at least 162 to be considered for the programme. We recommend that you take the GRE around 6 months prior to submitting your application for MSc Economics at UCL. You will need to leave time to prepare thoroughly for the test and ensure that you are submitting the best possible score. You can retake the GRE up to five times in a one-year period, so if you don’t do as well as you need for your chosen university, you can retake it in 16-21 days.

How to write a UCL postgraduate personal statement

Your personal statement is an important part of most UCL postgraduate applications; it is your first chance to show that you are the best candidate for a place on your chosen course. With so many strong applicants to its postgraduate courses every year, UCL will value your personal statement highly and will use it to help make decisions about who to offer places to. Unlike during the undergraduate application process, where you are only allowed to submit one personal statement that is then sent to every university via UCAS, your postgraduate personal statement can be personalised to UCL (and any other universities you apply to). This means that UCL will expect to see more research into your chosen course along with your motivations for studying there (as opposed to any other university) and how the course aligns with your future goals. Our guide to writing a Master’s personal statement gives detailed stages and top tips on how to stand out to even the most competitive universities. Click the button below to read it for free:

How to Write a Master’s Personal Statement

You can also access more personalised, one-to-one support with your postgraduate personal statement by reaching out to our admissions team today. Our network of tutors have a 95% success rate of helping students receive offers from their first and second choice universities so are best placed to give you the expert guidance you need.

How to prepare for a UCL postgraduate interview

Some postgraduate courses at UCL interview applicants as part of the admissions process. Whether you have previous interview experience or not, the structure of a postgraduate interview is unique and will probably be unfamiliar to you. It’s therefore important to know which type of interview you will be facing and how you can best prepare for it. There are three main types of postgraduate interviews: online video interviews (such as Kira Prep), interviews with admissions staff, and interviews with university alumni. Make sure you check on your chosen course page (or with UCL directly) for details on a potential interview. Our helpful guide to preparing for a postgraduate interview gives more information on each as well as offering top tips on how to prepare. You can read the guide via the button below:

How to Prepare for a Postgraduate Interview

How we can help

Although UCL postgraduate courses are extremely competitive, it is certainly possible to secure an offer. In fact, our postgraduate admissions tutors have helped countless students receive offers from UCL, as well as other top universities including Oxbridge, LSE, and Imperial. 95% of the students we work with receive offers from their first or second choice university, so if you need support with your postgraduate UCL application, reach out to our team today and let us improve your chances.

When do UCL Masters applications open?

The applications for the majority of Master’s courses open in October (applications for the 2023/24 academic year open on 17 October 2022). Check your individual course page for specific application dates.

How long does UCL take to give offers postgraduate?

UCL does not send out offers on a specific date, however it does aim to provide applicants with a decision within 10 weeks of submitting their application. If UCL encounters any delays regarding your application, it will either let you know via your applicant portal or via email. If you do receive an offer, you must accept it by going to the offer page of your applicant portal. UCL cannot accept written confirmation of your acceptance via email.

Can I apply for 2 UCL postgraduate courses?

You can apply for a maximum of two postgraduate programmes in one academic year at UCL. The applications must be for different programmes and if an application fee is charged, it will be charged per application.

What is the deadline for accepting a UCL Master’s offer?

There may be a deadline for accepting a Master’s offer at UCL on your offer letter. If there is no deadline or timeline specified, then there is no fixed deadline, however it is encouraged that you make your decision as soon as possible to allow time for both you and UCL to prepare for the start of your studies. For example, if your course starts in September or October and you receive your offer after the 30th June, UCL strongly recommends that you respond within two weeks. If you will be applying for a student visa, you should aim to accept your offer as soon as possible to allow enough time for your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) number to be issued and for your visa application to be processed. UCL cannot prepare your CAS until you have formally accepted your offer. 

Can I switch my Masters degree UCL?

It is not possible for you to transfer your offer to another Master’s programme at UCL. If you would like to be considered for another course, you will need to apply for that course separately.

How long is a PhD at UCL?

Full-time PhDs at UCL usually take 3-4 years to complete (3 years of research plus 1 optional writing-up year). You can also register for part-time study, in which case your PhD would typically take 5-7 years to complete (5 years of research plus 2 years optional writing-up).

How long is a Masters degree in UCL?

UCL Masters degrees typically last for 1 year if studied full-time. If you choose to study part-time, they usually take 2 years to complete.

How much does a Masters cost at UCL?

The cost of your UCL Masters will depend on the type of programme you are completing and whether you are a UK or international student. Fees for most Master’s programmes range from £10,700-£45,000 for UK students, or £19,300-£57,700 for international students. Fees for MRes programmes are slightly cheaper, ranging from £5,860-£26,200 for UK students and £24,200-£35,000 for international students.

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