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London Direct Enrollment - University College London
$6+ Million in Scholarships & Aid
Academics
Our mission is simple: to provide you with the best study abroad program possible—which includes the highest quality academic and cultural experiences. That is why we partnered with University College London (UCL).
You must meet the requisite minimum number of credits as stipulated for UCL.
You also have to meet UCL’s specific requirements, including the requisite minimum GPA (3.3-3.7 on a 4.0 scale), relevant prerequisites for your study track, and junior or senior standing. You should select courses in your major or minor and be prepared to provide documentation of relevant prior coursework.
University College London
University College London (UCL) was founded in 1826 and was the first university in England to welcome students without regard to religion, race, gender, or class. UCL has approximately 38,000 students representing 150 countries with 29 Nobel Prize winners from the UCL community.
Location
The concentration of UCL’s academic buildings in Bloomsbury (Central London) reflects the location’s rich intellectual and literary history. Charles Dickens, Virginia Woolf, and Dylan Thomas (to name a few) once called Bloomsbury home. The British Museum, Oxford Street, Covent Garden, and the West End are all within easy walking distance of Bloomsbury.
Courses
The UCL undergraduate program consists of a series of lectures, seminars, and tutorials (and lab classes if enrolling in science subjects). Tutorial classes are much smaller than lecture courses and, in some departments, are taught on a one-on-one basis.
You apply to one or two academic departments and then select courses from these departments. As a student of UCL, you are required to enroll in 16 credits per semester. UCL offers a wide range of disciplines, with particular strengths in:
- Archaeology
- Economics
- English
- Geography
- History
- Philosophy
For a complete list of current classes, see UCL's list of subjects.
Important note: Not all departments are available each term and some may require an additional fee. For a summary of which departments are available when and which incur an additional fee, click here. For the most up-to-date information and additional details on courses, please see UCL's website.
Slade School of Fine Art - Independent Studio Program
With proven artistic ability and commitment, you can apply to the full-time Independent Studio Program at the Slade School of Fine Art. You can specialize in painting, sculpture, or fine art media, and work alongside BA and BFA in Fine Arts students in the studios. Designed for highly motivated students, this program offers personal tutors, studio and seminar programs, and firsthand study of art in galleries and museums around London.
Advising & Support
In a direct enrollment program, you are enrolled as a full-time student at one of our international partner institutions. Even though your local host institution is where you’ll take your classes, we’re still here to fully support you.
Advising
Choosing and directly enrolling in courses abroad can be confusing and overwhelming—we offer you predeparture advising that’s specific to you. Our goal is to provide support and guidance throughout your application and enrollment process.
On-Site Staff
As an IES Abroad student directly enrolled at a local British university, you have access to the IES Abroad London Center and staff who are specifically dedicated to your needs. Our on-site staff work with you and your local institution to answer any questions about academic requirements, housing, or well-being and safety.
Support
Our support services for direct enrollment students are designed to help you achieve your study abroad goals. We know studying abroad is an adventure, and, at times, you may need help or just someone to talk to—that’s why our staff is here for you.
Field Trips & Events
Even though your adventure starts in London, our field trips take you outside the city to discover the culture and traditions of your host country and beyond. These trips are partially subsidized by IES Abroad.
Bath & Stonehenge
2 days | Fall & Spring
Visit mysterious Stonehenge and the ancient Roman baths in Bath. Marvel at the collection of world-class couture at the Fashion Museum and explore the Jane Austen Centre.
Brighton
1 day | Fall & Spring
Explore the historic maze of twisting alleyways and enjoy a visit to the Royal Pavilion, one of Europe’s most exotic palaces.
Cambridge
1 day | Fall & Spring
Visit this historic university town, with its picturesque colleges and punt in a gondola on the river.
Liverpool
1 day | Fall & Spring
Spend a Saturday experiencing Liverpool. Enjoy a guided tour around the city, including a visit to the Beatles Museum.
Stratford-Upon-Avon
1 day | Fall & Spring
Visit Shakespeare’s house, which was the place of his birth, and Holy Trinity Church, where he is buried.
IES Abroad field trip destinations, activities, and length of stay may vary according to term and availability.
Daily Life
Part of making you feel at home in London is doing our best to help you feel safe and cared for. Whether it is an orientation program that makes you feel prepared, housing that is well-located and comfortable, or field trips that take you off the beaten path—we’re all about our student services.
Orientation
IES Abroad Orientation
Your program begins at home with our virtual orientation to help you prepare for your IES Abroad experience. Upon arrival in London, you participate in an introductory orientation with the IES Abroad London staff. Designed specifically for direct enrollment students, our orientation program introduces you to your direct enrollment program, your fellow students, and to London.
University Orientation
You also attend UCL's orientation, where you get acquainted with the logistics of student life at the university.
Housing
As part of our direct enrollment services, we offer well-located, comfortable housing for all students because securing housing independently can be challenging. Our housing options reflect the local student culture and meet our safety and security standards.
Student Houses - While studying at UCL, you live in student houses. You 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. WiFi access is available in your room.
Extracurricular Activities & Cultural Events
Take advantage of the cultural events we organize in London, such as:
- Organized walks and activities introducing various London neighborhoods
- Outings to London’s diverse markets
- World-class performances at London’s many entertainment venues
University Clubs & Events
The UCL student union is a valuable resource for you to further integrate into local student life. The union sponsors more than 250 clubs and societies. Each year, thousands of students choose to participate. Visit the union website for information on clubs, events, and student resources. You also have access to the University of London’s student Union, Student Central.
Get to Know Your New City
Explore Neighborhoods
The best way to get a feel for this culturally-vibrant metropolis is to visit some of its 48 distinct neighborhoods.
Walk Along the Thames
Snap an obligatory photo from the Westminster Bridge as you begin your stroll along the Southbank.
Tour the Tower of London
Set along the River Thames, this imposing castle has been a part of the London skyline since 1078.
Unwind in Parks & Gardens
From small garden squares to sprawling grounds with herds of deer, you are always close to a green space in London. Whenever you need a break from the craziness of the city, relax and recharge in one of the city’s many parks.
Take the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London: The Making of Harry Potter
Make the short trek to Leavesden to pay homage to J.K. Rowling and discover the magic of all things Harry Potter.
Program Cost
Consider these prices as a starting point. We encourage you to contact your study abroad office to determine the actual cost to you when factoring in financial aid, scholarships, your home school policies, and other factors.
Scholarships & Aid
Featured Scholarships
Robert McNeill Need-Based International Business Scholarship
This scholarship is named in honor of Robert McNeill, member of the IES Abroad Board of Directors for 25 years (6 years as Chairman). Open to students who have an interest in international business. Majors might include management, marketing, economics, finance, international relations, and social and behavioral sciences.
Dr. William Louis Gaines Need-Based History or International Relations Scholarship
This scholarship is named in honor of Dr. William Louis Gaines, President of IES Abroad from 1974-1992. Dr. Gaines was dedicated to strengthening IES Abroad's academic framework, broadening the scope of IES Abroad locations, and securing the financial foundation of the organization.
Open to students majoring in History or International Relations.
Edward Mowatt Endowed Scholarship
These scholarships are for students on IES Abroad London semester and year programs.
Study Abroad Scholarship for Future Engineers
The Study Abroad Scholarship for Future Engineers was established by an anonymous donor to encourage more engineering students to have the enriching, life changing experience of study abroad.
Use our budget worksheet to calculate your costs
$6+ Million in Scholarships & Aid
Our Center
The IES Abroad London Center is an 18th-century Georgian building located in the central London neighborhood of Bloomsbury and a two-minute walk from the British Museum.
Our Center is your connection point for all things IES Abroad.
- Take your IES Abroad courses in the Center’s classrooms
- Meet with staff in their offices
- Study in the library
- Bring your lunch to eat on the outdoor patio
- Meet up with friends in the student lounge
- Other features include: WiFi, printing facilities, and gender-neutral bathrooms.
The IES Abroad London Center is recognized by The Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) for meeting or exceeding UK expectations as a quality higher education provider. Learn more about our recent QAA reports.
Our Staff
John Ockey
Center Director
John brings over 15 years of experience with IES Abroad, including seven years with IES Abroad Milan and nearly three years with IES Abroad Siena before coming to IES Abroad London. Here, he oversees all programs in London and Oxford. During his time in Siena, John developed and implemented a banner program with a strong focus on cultural immersion and academic rigor. In Milan, he played a key role in improving and developing the Milan program, notably in the areas of student housing, student activities, orientation, and supervision of the student services staff. Prior to working for IES Abroad, John received his undergraduate and graduate degrees in Italian Literature and Art History from Brigham Young University and worked in Geneva for the United Nations.
IES Abroad London Staff
Zosia Rutkowska
Assistant Director and Head of Customised Programmes
Martin Hannan
Head of Operations
Rohima Ahmed
Academic Manager
Beth Lehlbach
Internships Manager
Nicoletta Pazzaglia
Student Affairs & Wellness Manager
Health & Safety
With 70 years of experience, we are proud to set the standard for health and safety in study abroad. Our Chicago-based and on-site staff are all highly trained and experienced in the matters of health, safety, and crisis management. We are here for you from predeparture to your return, and are ready to support you—no matter what time zone you’re in.
In response to COVID-19, enhanced safety guidelines will be implemented this year—such as social distancing and personal protective equipment (PPE) in on-site classes, in-country field trips and travel only, and apartment or residence hall housing (no homestays) that ensures proper space should self-quarantining be necessary.
How We Support You
We plan for "what if" so that you don't have to. From international health insurance included in the cost of your program to highly-trained local staff who can connect you to English-speaking healthcare providers, we are working around the clock to ensure your health and safety while abroad.
Learn more about the support you can expect to receive on our programs, including:
- International health insurance through CISI in the case you need to see a doctor or mental health professional
- 24/7 emergency support whether you encounter an issue while traveling or in your host city
- Location-specific health and safety information presented at orienation by on-site staff
- TripTracker system allowing you to share independent travel plans in case you need to be contacted swiftly in a crisis
- A mandatory cell phone policy so that you can be contacted locally and receive any emergency updates via call or text
- Crisis drills so that you feel prepared to respond to an emergency should one arise
- And more!
Health & Safety Resources
You safety begins with being accurately informed from the moment you're considering study abroad through to the day you return home.
Take note of ways you can maintain your health and stay safe abroad while reviewing our resources, including:
- IES Abroad MAP for Student Health, Safety & Crisis Management
- Study Abroad Safety Tips for Traveling
- IES Abroad Student Blogs on Safety and Mental Health
- And more!
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