University College London (UCL) Admission Requirements
Contents
Are you aiming to study at one of the Best Universities in the UK? With its reputation for academic excellence, University College London (UCL) attracts talented students from all over the world. Understanding its admission requirements is crucial for success. In this guide, we’ll summarise the admission requirements for your application, from minimum grade requirements to English language qualifications, to help you maximise your chance of success.
Academic Requirements of UCL
In general, most UCL undergraduate programmes typically require A-Level grades ranging from AAA to A*AA, or IB marks ranging from 34–39 points. However, different programmes have different requirements and some may include additional tests or interviews. Here is a table summarising all academic requirements for all undergraduate programmes available at UCL:
| Programme | A-Level Requirements | IB Requirements | Admission Test | Interview |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Faculty of Arts and Humanities: | ||||
| Ancient Languages BA | AAA | 38 points | No | No |
| Archaeology BA | ABB | 34 points | No | No |
| Arts and Sciences BASc | A*AA | 39 points | No | No |
| Comparative Literature BA | AAB | 36 points | No | No |
| English BA | AAA | 38 points | ELAT | Yes |
| European Social and Political Studies BA | A*AA | 39 points | TSA | Yes |
| Fine Art BA | AAB | 36 points | No | Yes |
| History BA | AAA | 38 points | No | No |
| History of Art BA | AAB | 36 points | No | No |
| Languages and Cultures BA | AAB | 36 points | No | No |
| Modern Languages BA | AAB | 36 points | No | No |
| Philosophy BA | AAA | 38 points | No | No |
| Faculty of Brain Sciences: | ||||
| Applied Medical Sciences BSc | AAA, including Biology and one of Chemistry, Mathematics, or Physics. GCSEs: English Language and Mathematics at grade B or 6. | 36 points overall, with 18 points at higher level including 6 in Biology and 6 in one of Chemistry, Mathematics, or Physics. | No | No |
| Audiology BSc | AAB, including Biology and one other Science (Mathematics, Physics, or Psychology preferred). GCSEs: English Language and Mathematics at grade B or 6. | 34 points overall, with 17 points at higher level including 6 in Biology and 6 in one other Science (Mathematics, Physics, or Psychology preferred). | No | No |
| Neuroscience BSc | AAA, including Biology and Chemistry. GCSEs: English Language and Mathematics at grade B or 6. | 36 points overall, with 17 points at higher level including 6 in Biology and 6 in Chemistry. | No | No |
| Psychology BSc | AAA, including at least one subject from Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics, or Psychology. GCSEs: English Language and Mathematics at grade B or 6. | 36 points overall, with 17 points at higher level including 6 in one subject from Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics, or Psychology. | No | No |
| Speech Sciences BSc | AAB, including at least one subject from Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics, or Psychology. GCSEs: English Language and Mathematics at grade B or 6. | 34 points overall, with 17 points at higher level including 6 in one subject from Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics, or Psychology. | UCAT | Yes |
| Faculty of Engineering Sciences: | ||||
| Biochemical Engineering BEng/MEng | A*AA | 39 points | No | No |
| Biomedical Engineering BEng/MEng | A*AA | 39 points | No | No |
| Chemical Engineering BEng/MEng | A*AA | 39 points | No | No |
| Civil Engineering BEng/MEng | A*AA | 39 points | No | No |
| Computer Science BSc/MEng | A*AA | 39 points | No | No |
| Electronic and Electrical Engineering BEng/MEng | A*AA | 39 points | No | No |
| Engineering (Mechanical) BEng/MEng | A*AA | 39 points | No | No |
| Management Science BSc/MSci | A*AA | 39 points | No | No |
| Faculty of Laws: | ||||
| Law LLB | A*AA | 39 points overall, with 19 in three Higher Level subjects | LNAT | Yes |
| Faculty of Life Sciences: | ||||
| Biological Sciences BSc | AAA; Biology and Chemistry required; Mathematics preferred. | 38 points overall, including 18 in three Higher Level subjects, with 6 in both Biology and Chemistry; Mathematics preferred. | No | No |
| Biomedical Sciences BSc | AAA; Biology and Chemistry required; Mathematics preferred. | 38 points overall, including 18 in three Higher Level subjects, with 6 in both Biology and Chemistry; Mathematics preferred. | No | No |
| Genetics BSc | AAA; Biology and Chemistry required; Mathematics preferred. | 38 points overall, including 18 in three Higher Level subjects, with 6 in both Biology and Chemistry; Mathematics preferred. | No | No |
| Human Sciences BSc | AAA; Biology required; Chemistry and Mathematics preferred. | 38 points overall, including 18 in three Higher Level subjects, with 6 in Biology; Chemistry and Mathematics preferred. | No | No |
| Pharmacology BSc | AAA; Biology and Chemistry required; Mathematics preferred. | 38 points overall, including 18 in three Higher Level subjects, with 6 in both Biology and Chemistry; Mathematics preferred. | No | No |
| Physiology BSc | AAA; Biology and Chemistry required; Mathematics preferred. | 38 points overall, including 18 in three Higher Level subjects, with 6 in both Biology and Chemistry; Mathematics preferred. | No | No |
| Faculty of Mathematical and Physical Sciences: | ||||
| Chemistry BSc/MSci | AAA (including Chemistry and one of Biology, Physics, or Mathematics) | 38 points overall with a score of 18 in three higher level subjects, including grade 6 in Chemistry and one of Biology, Physics, or Mathematics | No | No |
| Earth Sciences BSc/MSci | ABB | 34 points overall with a score of 16 in three higher level subjects | No | No |
| Mathematics BSc/MSci | A*A*A (including A* in Mathematics) | 39 points overall with a score of 19 in three higher level subjects, including grade 7 in Mathematics | No | No |
| Natural Sciences BSc/MSci | A*A*A (including A* in Mathematics or a science subject | 39 points overall with a score of 19 in three higher level subjects, including grade 7 in Mathematics or a science subject | No | No |
| Physics BSc/MSci | A*A*A (including A* in Mathematics and A in Physics) | 39 points overall with a score of 19 in three higher level subjects, including grade 7 in Mathematics and Physics | No | No |
| Statistics BSc/MSci | A*A*A (including A* in Mathematics) | 39 points overall with a score of 19 in three higher level subjects, including grade 7 in Mathematics | No | No |
| Faculty of Medical Sciences: | ||||
| Medicine MBBS | A*A*A (Biology and Chemistry required, with one at A*) | 19 points in three higher level subjects, including 6 and 7 in Biology and Chemistry, in either order | UCAT | Yes |
| Nutrition and Medical Sciences BSc | AAA (Biology at grade A and either Chemistry, Mathematics, or Physics) | 18 points in three higher level subjects, including 6 in Biology and either Mathematics, Physics, or Chemistry | No | No |
| Sports and Exercise Medical Sciences BSc | NA | NA | NA | NA |
| Faculty of Population Health Sciences: | ||||
| Population Health BSc | ABB | 34 points | No | No |
| Faculty of Social and Historical Sciences: | ||||
| Anthropology BSc | AAA | 38 points | No | No |
| Economics BSc | A*AA | 39 points | No | No |
| Geography BA/BSc | AAA | 38 points | No | No |
| History and Politics of the Americas BA | AAA | 38 points | No | No |
| Political Science BSc | AAA | 38 points | No | No |
| Social Sciences BSc | AAA | 38 points | No | No |
| The Bartlett Faculty of the Built Environment: | ||||
| Architecture BSc | AAB; no specific subjects; comprehensive portfolio required upon invitation | 17 points in three higher level subjects, with no higher level score below 5; comprehensive portfolio required upon invitation | No | Yes (portfolio review) |
| Urban Planning, Design and Management BSc | AAB; preferred subjects include Geography, Economics, Government and Politics, History, Business, Psychology, Design subjects, English Literature, and Religious Studies | 17 points in three higher level subjects, with no higher level score below 5 | No | No |
As the table demonstrates, the competition for a place at UCL is very intense. If you’re unsure whether you can meet these grade requirements, it is strongly advised to consider consulting an A-Level Tutor or IB Tutor for your subject of interest. Similarly, if your subject requires an admission test, make sure to first understand what they are! Especially familiarise yourself with the new UCAT test, given that it’s only recently been rolled out. you’re not sure how to prepare for the admission tests, consider working with admissions test tutor, like a UCAT Tutor, LNAT Tutor, or MAT Tutor.
If you’re confident about your grades and are rather worried about your interviews ahead, check out our article Common University Interview Questions and Answers for starters. For a more complete guide on How to Get into University College London (UCL), check out this article, where you can get tips on how to write a personal statement and more.
For the most updated information about the above admission requirements, remember to check with the official UCL admissions page.
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English Language Requirements for International Students
For students whose first language is not English, UCL requires proof of English proficiency through one of the following qualifications:
- IELTS Academic: A minimum overall score of 6.5–7.5, depending on the course, with no subscore below 6.0.
- TOEFL iBT: A minimum score of 92–109, with at least 24 in writing and 20 in other sections.
- Cambridge English Qualifications: Advanced or Proficiency with minimum scores as specified by the programme.
Preparing well in advance for these tests is recommended, as UCL requires recent scores (within two years of application). For more tips on Applying to UK Universities as an International Student, check out this separeate article.
Application Deadlines and Timeline
UCL follows the UCAS application process, and it’s vital to adhere to these key deadlines:
- 15 October 2024: Deadline for Medicine applications.
- 29 January 2025: Deadline for most other undergraduate courses.
- March–June: Interviews, if applicable.
- May: Offers sent out.
- August: Final decisions after results are released.
International students should also account for visa processing timelines and additional requirements for certain countries.
Conclusion: Admission Requirements of UCL
The Acceptance Rate at UCL is notoriously low, but with thorough preparation and a strong application, you can secure your place at this globally renowned institution. Whether you’re navigating the Education System in the UK Explained or looking to optimise your chances as an international student, understanding the requirements and starting early is key. Take advantage of tutoring, research your chosen programme, and demonstrate your enthusiasm to stand out. Good luck on your journey to joining UCL!
FAQ
What can I do if I don’t meet the A-level or IB requirements for my chosen programme at UCL?
If you don’t meet the standard A-level or IB requirements for your chosen programme, there are still options to consider. First, check if UCL offers a foundation or preparatory programme in your field of interest. These programmes are designed for students who show potential but may not have the traditional qualifications required for direct entry.
Alternatively, you might be eligible for contextual offers if you have faced educational or social challenges, such as attending a school with lower than average performance. UCL uses contextual data to make lower grade offers to eligible applicants.
Another option is to improve your qualifications by resitting exams or taking additional courses to meet the required grades. It’s also helpful to contact the admissions team for guidance, as they may suggest alternative routes or provide advice tailored to your circumstances.
Finally, consider demonstrating exceptional skills or achievements in other areas, such as extracurricular activities, work experience, or a strong personal statement, which could strengthen your application.
Are there alternative qualifications accepted by UCL besides A-levels and the IB Diploma?
Yes, UCL accepts a wide range of qualifications beyond A-levels and the IB Diploma. Some examples include Advanced Placement (AP) tests and SAT scores for students from the United States, the European Baccalaureate for EU students, and qualifications like the Abitur from Germany or the French Baccalauréat. UCL also recognises the International A-levels and the Scottish Advanced Highers.
In addition, specific programmes might accept professional qualifications or vocational equivalents, such as the BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma, if they are relevant to the course of study. However, these are usually assessed on a case-by-case basis.
To confirm whether your qualification is accepted, check UCL’s qualification equivalency page or contact their admissions office directly. It’s important to ensure your chosen programme aligns with your qualification’s requirements, including any subject-specific prerequisites.
Do I have to submit a personal statement?
Yes, UCL requires all undergraduate applicants to submit a personal statement as part of their application through UCAS. The personal statement is a critical component of your application, as it provides an opportunity to demonstrate your passion for the subject, academic interests, and relevant experiences.
In your personal statement, you should explain why you have chosen your specific programme and how your academic background, extracurricular activities, or work experience aligns with your career aspirations. Highlighting any unique skills, such as research projects, leadership roles, or personal achievements, can also make your application stand out.
For programmes that require a portfolio or interview, such as Architecture, the personal statement also acts as an initial demonstration of your commitment and suitability for the course. Crafting a clear, engaging, and concise statement tailored to your chosen field is essential for a competitive application.
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Written by: Vicky Liu
Vicky has an undergraduate degree from The University of Hong Kong and a Masters from University College London, and has a background in legal and educational writing.
