How Prospective Students Can Explore Undergraduate and Graduate Courses at UCL

Updated

UCL's homepage (ucl.ac.uk) splits course exploration into two clear entry points: Undergraduate study for more than 400 undergraduate courses, and Graduate study for over 700 graduate courses, plus research degree and teacher training routes. Start at the level you're applying for, then use the course listings, open days and international-student pages to narrow your options. Short courses, CPD, summer school and study abroad sit in a separate section, so check there if you want a non-degree route.

Undergraduate study: start with the 400+ course listing

The Undergraduate study section is the first stop if you're applying for a bachelor's degree. From the homepage, it leads to:

  • Undergraduate courses — the full listing of more than 400 programmes.
  • UCL Open Days — events to explore courses and campus before applying.
  • Access and Widening Participation — information for students from underrepresented backgrounds.
  • Information for International Students — guidance for applicants from outside the UK.
  • Information for Parents and Guardians — a page aimed at family members supporting an application.

A practical sequence: open the undergraduate course listing, shortlist programmes by subject, then check the open days page to see whether a virtual or on-campus event covers your shortlisted courses.

Graduate study: 700+ courses plus research and teacher training

The Graduate study section is broader than taught Master's programmes. It links to:

  • Graduate courses — over 700 graduate programmes.
  • Research degree courses — for students seeking a research route rather than a taught degree.
  • Teacher Training courses — for those pursuing teaching qualifications.
  • Information for International Students — the same international guidance as at undergraduate level.

The homepage also promotes Master's study directly ("Make your Master's matter") and profiles current Master's students describing how their studies support career and knowledge goals — useful context if you're weighing a taught Master's against a research degree.

Short courses, CPD and other study routes

If you're not looking for a full degree, UCL lists alternative routes separately under Short Courses, CPD and more:

Route What it covers
Short Courses Standalone study outside full degree programmes
Graduate degree apprenticeships Work-based degree routes
Summer School Short seasonal study at UCL
Study Abroad at UCL Study for a period as a visiting student
Centre for Languages and International Education (CLIE) Language and international education courses

These are distinct from the undergraduate and graduate listings, so don't expect to find them in the main course search.

Cross-cutting pages worth using at any level

Two pages serve both undergraduate and graduate applicants:

  • Open days and events — a combined list of undergraduate and graduate virtual open events, described as a way to learn what studying your course at UCL would be like.
  • How we support our students — explains that UCL's wellbeing, disability and mental health staff offer a safe, confidential and non-judgemental space to discuss issues affecting study.

A workable exploration path

  1. Decide your level: undergraduate, graduate (taught or research), teacher training, or a short/alternative route.
  2. Open the matching course listing and shortlist by subject.
  3. Check the open days and events page for sessions on your shortlisted courses.
  4. If you're an international applicant, read the international students page for your level before applying.
  5. If cost, entry requirements or deadlines matter, confirm them on the individual course pages — the homepage itself doesn't publish fees or dates.

The main pitfall is mixing levels: short courses, summer school and study abroad are not part of the 400+ undergraduate or 700+ graduate listings, so search the section that matches your goal rather than assuming one catalogue covers everything.