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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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Ucl - Mechanical Engineering

Mechanical engineering – 2013 ( cambridge interview, imperial college, ucl, bath, edinburgh ).

I have always wondered what the future would be like when I am older. As a child, I tried picturing the world without its most basic problems and spent time ...

Mechanical Engineering – 2013 ( Bristol, UCL, Surrey )

For me, Mechanical Engineering explores new frontiers in many areas of life. It is about innovation and technology, investigation and discovery, teamwork and management, and most importantly the capacity ...

Please note UCAS will detect any form of plagiarism. PSE and its contributors do not take any responsibility for the way in which personal statements are used.

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2024 HBHL Undergraduate Summer Research Internship

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Healthy Brains, Healthy Lives (HBHL) is a high-profile, high-priority multidisciplinary and cross-sectoral initiative located at McGill University made possible with support from the Canada First Research Excellence Fund (CFREF), Quebec’s Ministère de l'Économie et de l'Innovation (MEI), and the Fonds de recherche du Québec (FRQS, FRQSC and FRQNT). HBHL builds on McGill’s scientific excellence and global leadership in areas of neuroscience that hold the greatest promise for delivering implementable, clinically effective outcomes in brain and mental health.

HBHL values creating experiences for students at all levels to get involved in brain health research. As such, we are pleased to announce the creation of a new HBHL funding initiative to support McGill undergraduate students in gaining hands-on research experience.

HBHL highly encourages individuals from equity-deserving backgrounds who are underrepresented in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) to apply. HBHL welcomes and encourages applications from individuals belonging to racialized communities, women, gender minorities, individuals with disabilities, 2SLGBTQIA+ students, Indigenous students, first-generation students, primary caregivers and students from lower-income backgrounds. We also welcome applications from all eligible applicants with the skills and knowledge to engage productively with diverse communities.

Funding Value and Duration

HBHL will fund up to 20 undergraduate student research internships (valued at $10,000 each) in brain and mental health research. This funding will compensate students for their research (spanning 16 weeks between May 2024 to August 2024, flexible start date) and provide them with the opportunity to gain valuable research and networking experience. All funded projects must align with one of HBHL’s research themes .

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible to apply for the HBHL Undergraduate Summer Research Internship Program, you must meet all of the following criteria:

• Be a current full- or part-time non-graduating undergraduate McGill student (non-graduating means that your expected graduation date is December 2024 or later) from ANY faculty .
• Have not previously had a paid research experience.
• The proposed research project must be aligned with HBHL’s goals and objectives and align with at least one of HBHL’s four Research Themes.
• Prior to applying you must complete at least one of CIHR's Online Training Modules on Integrating Sex and Gender in Health Research  (time required: 30-45 minutes) and submit your signed certificate of completion as part of your PDF application package (see below).  

Supervisor Selection and Proposal Design

Before applying for the internship, you must contact the prospective supervisor(s) you are interested in working with. To assist you in this process and to help you identify prospective supervisors at McGill currently working in brain health, please refer to the HBHL's overview of funded projects and the Integrated Program in Neuroscience supervisor database . However, you are not restricted to prospective supervisors only from this list—it is simply a tool to help you in your search.

In addition, the HBHL Trainee Committee has put together a document including resources and a template email that applicants can refer to get assistance in reaching out to a prospective supervisor.

At the time of application, you must have:

• A signed HBHL USRI 2024 Supervisor Agreement Form from a McGill faculty member who agrees to supervise you should you receive the internship funding.
• Theme 1: Neuroinformatics and Computational Modelling
• Theme 2: Mechanistic Models of Neurodegenerative Disorders
• Theme 3: Applied Cognitive Neuroscience of Brain Plasticity
• Theme 4: Population Neuroscience and Brain Health  

Application Process

Applications must be submitted through the online submission form by Sunday, March 3, 2024, by 11:59 p.m. EST.

The application package must include:

• Impact Statement
• Proposed Research Summary
• Supervisor Agreement Form
• Research Ethics Training (CIHR Certificate)  

Please see the section below for full details on the application package contents.

All applications must be submitted online through the Undergraduate Summer Research Fellowship Application Form as a single PDF document. Please save the application document using the following file name format: “Lastname_Firstname.pdf” (eg., Smith_Jane or Smith_John). Documents must be typed in size 12 of any standard font with one-inch margins.  

Application Package and Evaluation Criteria

Applications will be reviewed by the HBHL Trainee Committee in accordance with the following criteria:

Impact Statement (maximum 500 words)

Discuss how this internship will support you in achieving your career goals. For example, you may choose to discuss:

• Your potential career interests (including academic and non-academic paths);
• Skills you hope to gain through the internship and how they will support your education and career path;
• Barriers that have impacted your access to and/or participation in education and career development opportunities (including but not limited to barriers related to personal circumstances and societal injustice);
• Outcomes you hope to support through the proposed research; and/or
• Anything else that demonstrates the value of this internship experience for you.  

The Impact Statement counts for 50% of the total application grade, and will be evaluated using the following criteria:

• Explanation of the benefit the internship will provide the applicant: 95% (This may include: career interests that are connected to the proposed research project, learning, skill development, breaking down barriers, personal development, how it will allow student to reach their short-term and long-term goals)
• Quality of statement (e.g., clarity, grammar, used appropriate verb tense, easy to follow): 5%  

Proposed Research Summary (maximum one page, not including references. No page restriction on references)

Describe the project you will work on during your internship. The proposed project must fall under one of the four HBHL Research Themes . The Proposed Research Summary counts for 50% of the total application grade, and must include:

• A brief summary of literature in the field;
• Rationale for the study, explaining why this study is novel and important in the context of previous work;
• A clear hypothesis and aim;
• A description of the proposed methods, with considerations of feasibility and connections to the rationale and aim;
• Explanation of how equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) will be considered in the research design, as applicable (for example, testing for sex differences in a cellular or animal study; considerations in participant recruitment and integration of demographic data in a human study). If EDI is not applicable to your research project, you must provide an evidence-based justification; and
• A reference list in APA 7 th format.  

This proposal will be graded on the following:

• Structure (following page limit and guidelines): 0% (pass or fail)
• Quality of proposal (clarity, defined all the acronyms, grammatically correct, sufficiently explained scientific terms, easy to follow): 5%
• Understanding of existing literature (demonstrates that the student has explored existing research in their topic): 15%
• Rationale for study (it is suggested to have a clear statement): 20%
• Clear hypotheses and aims: 20%
• Proposed methods (sufficiently detailed, feasible, understanding of recruitment if applicable, evidence of thought put into the design of analyses, connected to rationale and aims): 25%
• Explanation of how equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) will be integrated into the study design: 15%  

Please note that you will be asked to indicate in which of HBHL’s Research Themes your project fits best.  

Supervisor Agreement Form (using the official form, completed by the proposed research supervisor)

The supervisor will: 

• Indicate the HBHL research theme that best fits with their work;
• State agreement to supervise the student applicant should the application be successful;
• Indicate the name and year of graduation of a postdoc or PhD student who will serve as a mentor to the undergraduate student; and
• State the percentage of the supervision the PI will be providing versus others such as a postdoc/PhD.  

Please download and provide your prospective supervisor with the HBHL USRI 2024 Supervisor Agreement Form .  

Research Ethics Training (CIHR Certificate)

Students must complete at least one of CIHR’s Online Training Modules on Integrating Sex and Gender in Health Research prior to submitting their application.

• Please submit your certificate of completion: 0% (pass or fail)
• Time estimate for completion: 30-45 minutes  

I'm graduating in May 2024. Am I eligible to apply?

No, unfortunately this award is restricted to non-graduating students. Students must be returning, but do not need to be returning for a full year (i.e., they may be returning for only one semester).

I have previously been awarded a summer internship (e.g., NSERC). Am I eligible to apply?

No, unfortunately this award is restricted to students who have not previously engaged in paid research work.

I've previously held/currently hold a paid research position (e.g., RA). Am I eligible to apply?

I've previously worked as a paid research assistant during the school year (but not in the summer). am i eligible to apply, i've previously worked as a paid research assistant outside of mcgill (e.g., in a hospital setting, internship, previous university, etc.). am i eligible to apply, i'm a student at another university in montreal (e.g., concordia, université de montréal). am i eligible to apply.

No, unfortunately due to the nature of the funding source, this award is restricted to McGill students.

I'm an international student at McGill. Am I eligible to apply?

Yes, all McGill students are eligible to apply.

How do I find a supervisor? Do they have to be at McGill? What happens if I can’t find one?

To help you identify prospective supervisors at McGill, please refer to the list of HBHL funded projects and the Integrated Program in Neuroscience Directory and their key research areas as a starting point to help you find a supervisor. While supervisors must be McGill faculty members, if a student is being co-supervised by another faculty member, only one of the supervisors must be at McGill. Please note that finding a professor who agrees to supervise you is not the only requirement and does not guarantee that you will receive funding. Additionally, we are not able to fund students who do not have a supervisor.

My research does not fit under one of the four HBHL Research Themes. Am I eligible?

No, only research projects aligning with one of HBHL’s four research themes will be selected.

Is funding restricted to students in a particular faculty or program?

No, funding is available to students from all undergraduate faculties and from any program (e.g., Psychology, Biology, Physiology, Physics, Biomedical Engineering, Computer Science, etc.).

When will I find out if my application was successful? Will I be contacted if it's not?

Yes, all applicants will be contacted, whether their application is selected or not. Results will be announced in the spring of 2024.

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• How we assess your application

Now your application is in, here's a guide to explain who reviews your application and the stages your application will go through as we make our assessment.

First, we receive your application from UCAS

After you submit your UCAS application, UCAS will send you an acknowledgement email. This will include your UCAS personal identity number. Please quote this in all correspondence with UCAS or UCL. 

We usually receive applications 24 to 48 hours after a completed application is submitted to UCAS. 

When we receive your application, we’ll send an email to the address you used in your UCAS application to let you know. We’ll also send you your UCL student number and an invitation to register for UCL’s Applicant Portal, Portico. 

You can use Portico to track the progress of your application. It provides an overview of the admission process and includes copies of all the emails we send you. If we need any additional documents or information from you, upload them to Portico. Please ensure you complete the steps to register for your Applicant Portal as soon as possible.  

If you have any problems accessing Portico, contact Portico support by telephone on +44(0)20 7679 5000 or by email to [email protected]. The Helpdesk is open Monday - Friday 8.30am-5.30pm.

UCL’s applicant portal (Portico)

Register for the portal as soon as you are invited so you don’t miss any communications, updates, or deadlines.

Then, our selectors review your application

An admissions selector will look at your application in full. 

First, they check you meet the essential academic requirements of UCL and the programme you have applied for. At this point, we assess your past and predicted academic performance. It is important to note that meeting the entrance criteria through achieved or predicted grades does not guarantee an offer will be made. 

Next, our selectors consider your personal statement and academic reference. We do this to assess your academic potential, your motivation for studying your chosen degree, and core skills required for the programme. 

In most cases, the information we need to complete our assessment is provided in your UCAS application. To ensure fairness, we do not accept any other supporting documents sent to us outside of UCAS. This includes additional references, supporting statements and extracurricular certificates.

Missing information

If any information is missing from your application, we will contact you or your referee. Please do not send us any information until we request it. 

Keep an eye on your emails. We may request further information from you or invite you to complete a selection task. If we do not hear from you by the deadline given, we may not be able to consider your application further. 

To help make sure our emails arrive in your inbox, we recommend you add “@ucl.ac.uk” to your safe senders list. 

You can also use Portico’s ‘Communications’ heading to view all emails we have sent you. 

Next, you may be required to complete a further selection task and/or interview

Again, keep an eye on your emails as we may ask you to complete a further selection task/and or interview for some of our programmes. 

These are an important part of our admissions process. Make sure you complete them by the deadline given or we may not be able to consider your application further.

Additional Selection Tasks, Tests and Interviews

The following programmes have an additional section task, test, or an interview. Please take a look at the prospectus entry for any of the programmes below to find out more about the additional steps. If your programme is not listed here, there are no further selection tasks, tests or interviews.

All applicants who apply to Bartlett School of Architecture are requested to submit a portfolio. You will be contacted by email with instructions on how to complete the task and submit it to us. Please note your academic qualifications will be fully assessed following the receipt of your Portfolio and your application and Portfolio will not be considered further if your qualifications do not meet the advertised requirements for the programme you have applied for. 

If you meet the programme advertised requirements and your Portfolio is successful, you will then be invited for an interview.  Further information on the application process is available at The Bartlett website . 

As the BASc programme is unique to UCL, after you submit your UCAS application we will send you a questionnaire by email. We will use this in lieu of your UCAS personal statement. You will also be asked to confirm your major pathway choice (Cultures, Societies, Science and Engineering or Health and Environment). 

Please see the UCL Arts and Sciences website for further information.  

If you are not studying a mix of arts/humanities/social science and science/maths subjects in your A Level (or equivalent) qualifications and you meet the minimum entry requirements, you need to take an additional maths/science test or arts/humanities/social science test in the subject area you're missing. 

Exact details of the test will be sent to you by email. 

If you are UK-based, meet the minimum entrance criteria, and have a strong personal statement, you will be invited to an online interview. After the interview you will write a short essay. If you live outside the UK, we may contact you to complete a questionnaire instead of an interview. In some cases exceptional candidates may be given an offer without being interviewed.

Please visit the  English Department website  for further information on the interview process and what to expect.

After your application has been reviewed, you may be invited to an assessment day to do a group activity and to meet members of the Engineering Foundation Year team at UCL.

If you reach the second stage of assessment, you will typically be invited to sit an online test (Thinking Skills Test). There are usually two sittings of the test – one in January and one in March. You will be required to register for one of these. A limited number of exceptional candidates may be given an offer based on their UCAS form alone.

After you submit your UCAS application we will send you a selection task by email. You will be asked to choose your campus and major language. Applicants who meet the criteria will be invited to sit an online test (Thinking Skills Test).

If you meet (or are expected to meet) our selection criteria, you will be invited to an interview conducted by staff from Sciences Po. Interviews will be conducted via Zoom.

You will need to provide a portfolio containing a selection of current and recent work including self-initiated work.

We’ll email you instructions on how to submit your portfolio after you submit your UCAS application. If you are shortlisted after the portfolios have been reviewed, you  will be invited to interview.

Please visit the  Slade School of Fine Art website  for further information.

All applicants are required to sit the National Admission Test for Law (LNAT)

For further information, please visit the  Laws website .

If you have applied to one of our LLB Law with a European Legal System degree programmes, and we are considering making an offer to you, we will also invite you to interview to assess your competence in the language of your programme.

After you submit your UCAS application we will send you an email inviting you to complete an Additional Personal Statement. This consists of a few questions designed to help you showcase your skills and how you think.

The email will include instructions on how to complete the statement and submit it to us.

All applicants are required to sit the UCAT test. Students applying for Medicine must take the University Clinical Aptitude Test in the year of application.

For further information, please visit the  Medical School website .

Please also see the  MBBS admissions notice board  for up-to-date information on the admissions process. 2025 UCAS cycle will be the first year that UCL uses UCAT to select candidates for interview. We therefore do not have any historical data that we can share with applicants, and will not be providing a "cut off" score for selection to interview.

If you are shortlisted, we will invite you to interview. Please see the  Medical School website  for further information on the Selection and Interview process.

If you are shortlisted, we will invite you to a selection day which includes a test and interview.

Please visit the School of Pharmacy website  for further information.

Alongside the UCAS application system, UCL will require all applicants applying for BSc/MEng Computer Science to sit the STAT (Special Tertiary Admissions Test) run by the Australian Council for Education Research. The fee for the test is £124.

Full details, including fee arrangements for Access UCL applicants, can be found on the  Computer Science BSc and MEng STAT admissions test webpage.

The following programmes or departments require applicants to specify a pathway or language choice. Applicants will receive an email outlining their options and instructions on how to submit this information. 

BASc Arts and Sciences  

BA Classics and the Ancient World 

BA European Social and Political Studies and BA International Social and Political Studies  

School of European Languages, Cultures, and Societies  

Some of our courses such as BA Comparative Literature (with Year Abroad), BA Language and Culture, and BA French with an Asian/African Language will require you to select your major language. 

You will need to provide a portfolio containing a selection of up to 6 items of work you have created, representing a variety of your work and approaches.

We’ll email you instructions on how to submit your portfolio after you submit your UCAS application. 

Please visit the BA Media pages for further information.

Last, we make a decision

Our programmes attract many talented and well qualified applicants so it may be some time before we can give you a final decision. For some of our most oversubscribed courses we use a ‘gathered field’ approach to assess applications.

Application timing

All applications submitted by the UCAS Equal Consideration Deadlines are considered.

You may wish to take a look at information about the  number of applications we receive for each undergraduate programme at UCL .

Gathered fields

A gathered field allows us to assess all applications in the same fair and consistent manner, whether they are received in October or January (by the UCAS deadline). This means we will need to wait until we have enough comparable applications to make a final decision. 

It is quite usual for some applicants to hear sooner than others, but this doesn't mean that your application will be unsuccessful if you don't get a quick response from us. 

We aim to make our decisions by the end of April at the latest. Please be assured that we are working hard to make our decisions sooner.  

Sadly, due to the intense competition for many of our oversubscribed programmes we are unable to make offers to a number of highly capable applicants. Where we receive a high number of applications per available place, it is possible that applicants who meet the entrance requirements via achieved or predicted grades will not receive an offer.

How we let you know

Once we have made our decision, we will send you an email to let you know that your application status has been updated, and you can then view our decision on  UCAS Track/Hub  and Portico.

We want to reassure you that we will contact you with the outcome of your application as soon as we can. We therefore ask you not to contact us before the end of April about the status of your application, as this can delay us processing applications. 

We appreciate your patience during this time. 

Please note: Information provided by applicants is expected to be accurate and complete. UCL reserves the right to refuse admission if information provided by an applicant is inaccurate or incomplete. 

Please see our  Academic Manual  for full details.

Diversity, access and equality

Our Equality Opportunities Policy underlies every aspect of our student selection process.

We want to admit excellent students who are likely to complete their degree programme successfully and derive benefit from it, regardless of:

• disability,
• ethnic origin,
• gender identity,
• marital status,
• sexual orientation,
• number of dependants, and
• religious or political beliefs.

We positively encourage and welcome applications from members of underrepresented groups at UCL.

For further information please see our:

• Academic Manual , 
• Access and Participation Plan , and
• Equality, Diversity & Inclusion website .

Further information

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