IES University College London
- Location: London, England, England
- Minimum GPA: 3.3; 3.5 for certain high demand disciplines ( ex. Psychology, Economics, English, History, Mathematics)
- Language of Instruction: English
- Class Eligibility: Juniors
Introduction
This program is fall only. Exceptions can only be made for year-long study abroad subjects. Please be aware that many departments at UCL have restrictions in terms of what is open to study abroad students. Check the IES website for the most up-to-date information regarding course restrictions.
Please note: Final admissions decisions are made by University College London, not IES Abroad. Average admission decision wait time is about 4-8 weeks. Non-Humanities majors may also be asked to provide more details on their courses upon application thereby increasing processing time.
University College London is situated near Regent’s Park in the heart of the Bloomsbury district, the center of London. The cultural attractions of London are within easy reach of the College. Nearby are more than twenty theaters, the Royal Opera House, the National Gallery, and the National Portrait Gallery. The National Theater, the Victoria and Albert and Geological Museums, and the Museums of Science and Natural History are also within easy walking distance, while the International Students House and the lively Soho area are a few minutes away. The College’s central position, in relation to such features of the cultural and social life of the capital city, makes traveling and access simple.
- Visa:
U.S. citizens entering the United Kingdom for a stay of less than six months do not need a visa. They apply for prior entry clearance as a ‘student visitor’. Students who plan to work while abroad (voluntary work, internships, placements, part-time work, or vacation work) must apply for the Student Route visa. If students plan to stay in the UK for longer than six months, they must apply for a Student Route visa.
Non-US citizens should consult with IES Abroad and the Office of International Student Support before applying to the program.
- Fees: Students pay Haverford tuition and room to Haverford College. Haverford will then be responsible for submitting payments to the program.
Academic Overview
Requirements
Each department has a different GPA requirement so please check the UCL website (3.5 for Biological Sciences, Biomedical Sciences, Political Science and International Relations, and Social Sciences departments; 3.7 for Neuroscience department). Students apply to a specific department and are expected to take a minimum of two courses in that department.
Direct Enrollment
IES Abroad London provides direct enrollment services, including housing placement and academic support.
Academic Credit
Students studying for the fall semester must take 16 credits. 16 UCL credits are equivalent to 4 Haverford credits.
Major, minor, and concentration transfer credit will only be granted for courses in which students received a grade of a C or above. Under no circumstances may students leave the program after the end of classes but before completion of the exams. Fall term students may be examined by an alternative means of formal assessment in lieu of the exam. In such cases, a department will either arrange for the student to sit for a specially arranged departmental exam or the student will be required to produce additional course work in the form of extended essays or project work.
Curriculum
The UCL undergraduate program consists of a series of lectures, seminar, and tutorials. Tutorial classes are much smaller than lecture courses and, in some departments, are taught on a one-on-one basis.
Course Highlights
Refer to the IES website for a list of departments open to study abroad students.
Note: Changes occur frequently. Students are responsible for finding the classes they need and consulting the official site of the institution.
Non-Academic Overview
Orientation
Mandatory. Upon arrival in London, students participate in an introductory orientation with the IES Abroad London staff. Designed specifically for direct enrollment students, the IES orientation program introduces students to the direct enrollment program, their fellow students, and to London. Students also receive a three-day orientation to the University, which includes meetings with faculty and academic registration.
Number of Students
~40,000
Housing/Meal Plans
Residence hall – You will have access to a kitchen where you can prepare your own food, or you have the option to buy your meals from the various food outlets on the main UCL campus. UCL does not have a central campus and student houses are scattered throughout London. Students should expect to commute 20 minutes to an hour to class.
Haverford students may not opt for housing not arranged by the program.
Notes
Additional Resources
- Support for LGTBQIA+ Students
- IES Abroad Student Diversity & Access
- Mental Health & Self Care While Abroad
- Diversity Abroad
Options
- Fall semester
- STEM Courses Offered
- Direct Enrollment
Dates
- Semester I: Mid-September to Mid-December
- Semester II: N/A
Application Deadlines
- Semester I: March 1
- Semester II: N/A