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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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PERSONAL STATEMENT EXAMPLE History Personal Statement

Unlock the past at Leicester University.

Dive into Elizabethan London, revolutionary Russia, and the Aztec Empire. Choose a History degree.

History Personal Statement

My interest in history started with stories of my grandparents’ struggles when they first migrated to England from Guyana. This family experience is the result of social, economic and political forces and I would like to study for a history degree at university as it would give me the opportunity to study a wide range of interests.

What enthuses me the most about history is that we are not forced to accept a universal truth. Instead, we are encouraged to come to our own, unique conclusions about the true impact and legacy of historical events. History allows us to understand how our world has evolved both socially and economically. This knowledge is vital in terms of both appreciating humanity’s progress and criticising the areas that still require improvement. Studying the Civil Rights Movement for my History A-Level allowed me to develop these evaluative skills in order to come to insightful conclusions regarding the extent of change in race relations in America. This drove me to watch the documentary ‘The Murder of Emmett Till’ and read Adam Fairclough’s ‘Better Days Coming’ , helping me to comprehend the challenges faced by African Americans at the time. This, combined with the recent killings of unarmed black people by American law enforcement officers and the fact that we must remind people that ‘Black Lives Matter’ on social media helped me come to the conclusion that not much has genuinely changed in terms of race relations in the country.

History is central to my A-Level subjects. The novel ‘Heart of Darkness’ and its historical context in English Literature links directly to my current history course, examining the motives behind European colonisation and decolonisation in Africa . This intensified my interest in imperialism, influencing me to attend a talk by Professor Denis Judd, where he discussed his book ‘The Lion and the Tiger: The Rise and Fall of the British Raj’. Moreover, my sociology course involves comparing the past to our current society in order to understand social advances in terms of different sociological perspectives, such as the rise of feminism through time.

Joining my college’s Law Support Group has given me the ability to utilise and further my debating skills. From watching real court cases at The Old Bailey to partaking in mock trials over topics such as the legalisation of euthanasia, I have learned how to balance multiple viewpoints in order to produce a convincing and fair argument. Being a part of my college’s History Club and subscribing to ‘BBC History Magazine’ has enabled me to stay connected to developments in history and communicate with people who share my enthusiasm for the subject.

Completing a Bronze Arts Award boosted my confidence and self-motivation, as I gave presentations to my peers about topics of my choosing. Additionally, partaking in the Jack Petchey Speak-Out Challenge taught me how to present any topic in an engaging and inspiring way. I have worked at the Lee Valley White Water Centre’s café, where I gained valuable social skills through interactions with customers. During my work experience placement at Wood Green Crown Court, I was trusted with important tasks, such as filing away legal evidence ready for the barristers to use.

Overall, I am a hardworking and self-motivated student with a willingness to better myself in any way possible. My experiences prove that I am suited to both independent and social activity, essential to history as a subject and university life as a whole. I feel confident that history will provide me with the intellectual challenge that is best suited to my personality and the thought of studying this whilst integrating with university life truly excites me.

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Studying history at UCL gives you opportunities to explore the subject which are unrivalled anywhere else in the UK or Europe. This flexible degree programme offers an exceptional range of modules, enabling you to study ancient, medieval and modern history, from the third millennium BCE to the contemporary world.

Key Information

Programme starts, entry requirements, contextual offer, uk applicants qualifications.

For entry requirements with other UK qualifications accepted by UCL, choose your qualification from the list below:

Equivalent qualification

Not acceptable for entrance to this programme

Pass in Access to HE Diploma, with a minimum of 23 credits awarded with Distinction in the Level 3 units, the remainder of the Level 3 units awarded with Merit.

D3,D3,D3 in three Cambridge Pre-U Principal Subjects, including History

AAA at Advanced Highers (or AA at Advanced Higher and AAA at Higher), including History at Advanced Higher.

Successful completion of the WBQ Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate plus 2 GCE A-Levels at grades AAA, including History.

International applications

In addition to A level and International Baccalaureate, UCL considers a wide range of international qualifications for entry to its undergraduate degree programmes.

English language requirements

If your education has not been conducted in the English language, you will be expected to demonstrate evidence of an adequate level of English proficiency. Information about the evidence required, acceptable qualifications and test providers can be found on our English language requirements page.

The English language level for this programme is: Advanced

A variety of English language programmes are offered at the UCL Centre for Languages & International Education .

Degree benefits

Drawing upon UCL History, related UCL departments, including the Institute of the Americas and the School of Slavonic & East European Studies, and relevant University of London colleges, the programme offers a wide variety of courses spanning extraordinary chronological and geographical range.

Specialisms of the department include the history of the ancient Near East; the history of the Americas; the cultural and intellectual history of Europe; and imperial and transnational history.

The flexible programme structure allows you to pursue your own intellectual passions. You are encouraged to study languages and can take courses in related subjects such as archaeology or anthropology.

Exceptional resources, including the British Museum and the British Library, are within walking distance, and other London-based museums and organisations provide unrivalled opportunities for accessing primary source material.

Degree structure

In each year of your degree you will take a number of individual modules, normally valued at 15 or 30 credits, adding up to a total of 120 credits for the year. Modules are assessed in the academic year in which they are taken. The balance of compulsory and optional modules varies from programme to programme and year to year. A 30-credit module is considered equivalent to 15 credits in the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS).

The programme includes three first-year core modules, a further core module and a research project in the second year, and a dissertation, a special subject, and options chosen from a range of full-year and half-year modules in the final year.

We strongly encourage all our students to gain maximum benefit from the chronological range of expertise in the department by taking at least one module in each of ancient history; medieval or early modern history; and modern history.

Beyond these requirements the syllabus is very flexible. You may take up to 30 credits a year from another discipline, such as archaeology, geography, history of art, or a language.

In your second and third year you may choose specialist history courses offered throughout the University of London. Teaching is delivered via lectures and seminars, and one-to-one tutorials provide personal feedback on essays. All seminar groups are capped at a maximum of 15; final-year dissertation subjects at a maximum of 10.

An indicative guide to the structure of this programme, year by year.

Core or compulsory module(s)

Writing History Making History Approaching History

Optional modules

You will select 60 credits of optional modules, including at least 30 credits from a wide range of options in History. Options may include: The Hellenistic World from Alexander to the End of the Attalid Kingdom The Medieval Universe British History 1850-1990 Building the American Nation: The United States 1789-1920 History of Latin America c.1830-c.1930 Remaining credits can be selected from another approved interdepartmental or intercollegiate module.

Research Seminar

You will select 90 credits of optional modules, including at least 60 credits from a wide range of options in History. Options may include: Enlightenment and Revolution: Europe 1715-1805 London in the Twentieth Century: From Imperial to Global City American History in Hollywood Film Islamic Empires in a Comparative Perspective: The Foundations of Mediterranean Politics in the Age of Crusades Africa, Decolonization and Internationalism Up to 30 credits can be selected from another approved interdepartmental or intercollegiate module.

Dissertation

You will select 90 credits of optional modules, including at least 30 credits from a History Special Subject, at least 30 credits from History full-year and half-year modules (which may include an approved intercollegiate module) and up to 30 credits from another department or discipline. History Special Subject options may include: Competitive Men: The Politics of Competition in Ancient Greece Passages to Jerusalem: The Crusades and the Medieval World Great Britain and the American Colonies, 1760-1776 Che Guevara: The Making of a Revolutionary Race and Resistance in Black Atlantic Thought

Your learning

Our approach to learning places emphasis on active student participation in seminar discussion (always in groups of fifteen or fewer). Some modules, particularly in your first year, will also include lectures. Essays you write will always be returned to you in individual face-to-face tutorials in which you will receive constructive, personal feedback.

Your work will be assessed by a mixture of examinations and written coursework. Significant weight is given to an extended essay, based on original sources, produced in your final year.

The programme is designed to teach many transferable skills: how to gather and organise evidence; how to analyse it and present a structured argument; how to express yourself clearly both in writing and orally.

UCL's History graduates have excelled in a wide range of occupations, as lawyers, financial advisers, stockbrokers, television producers, diplomats, journalists, bankers, teachers, and in the health service, the police and overseas development programmes, as well as in progressing to further study.

UCL is commited to helping you get the best start after graduation. Read more about how UCL Careers and UCL Innovation and Enterprise can help you find employment or learn about entrepreneurship .

Alumni view

“ During my BA I volunteered at the Foundling Museum, which helped me understand the different approaches to academic history and popular history. I have chosen to stay at UCL to carry on with postgraduate work at Master’s level, and I will be applying to do a PhD here, as well. The quality of teaching, the expertise of the staff and the wealth of resources in and around UCL – especially the libraries – are crucial to the history research I am interested in. ” Agata Izis Zielinska - History BA 2015

Fees and funding

Tuition fees.

The fees indicated are for undergraduate entry in the 2019/20 academic year. The UK/EU fees shown are for the first year of the programme at UCL only. Fees for future years may be subject to an inflationary increase. The Overseas fees shown are the fees that will be charged to 2019/20 entrants for each year of study on the programme, unless otherwise indicated below.

Full details of UCL's tuition fees, tuition fee policy and potential increases to fees can be found on the UCL Students website .

Additional costs

If you are concerned by potential additional costs for books, equipment, etc. on this programme, please get in touch with the relevant departmental contact (details given on this page).

Various funding options are available, including student loans, scholarships and bursaries. UK students whose household income falls below a certain level may also be eligible for a non-repayable bursary or for certain scholarships. Please see the Fees and funding pages for more details.

Departmental scholarships

Funding opportunities relevant to the department may appear in this section when they are available. Please check carefully or confirm with the programme contact to ensure they apply to this degree programme.

Douglas Johnson Scholarship

The Scholarships and Funding website lists scholarships and funding schemes available to UCL students. These may be open to all students, or restricted to specific nationalities, regions or academic department.

Application and next steps

Your application.

Each candidate's profile is considered as a complete picture, taking into account your interest in and suitability for the degree, as shown in your personal statement and referee's report, as well as achieved and predicted grades. Your ability to present an argument, evidence of intellectual curiosity and your enthusiasm for and commitment to studying history will also be assessed.

How to apply

Application for admission should be made through UCAS (the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service). Applicants currently at school or college will be provided with advice on the process; however, applicants who have left school or who are based outside the United Kingdom may obtain information directly from UCAS.

Application deadline: 15 January 2019

• Apply through UCAS
• Application guidelines

We are keen to attract students from a wide range of backgrounds, finding this helps to maintain an intellectually and socially stimulating community. Applicants will normally have studied History; English or a language taken to a higher level is also an advantage.

For further information on UCL's selection process see: Selection of students .

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History personal statement example 24.

My decision to study History was never a difficult one. Having always been captivated by the past and its relationship to the present, study at Advanced Level has served only to strengthen my interest. Last year I especially enjoyed reading Gash's biography of Robert Peel.

In comparing his approach to history with that of other historians, I found myself profoundly interested in Gash's conviction that Peel was an individual who shaped not only his time, but the rest of the century. Seeking to read more widely than the syllabus allowed, Christopher Hill's 'God's Englishman' provided me with a historical perspective which, although very different, appealed to me perhaps as much as Gash's. Indeed, the comparison between interpretations is one of the most exciting parts of the study of history; but far from being persuaded by a single perspective, I strive to understand and appreciate the differences.

Also of particular appeal to me was reading Hague's biography of Pitt the Younger. Although not a professional historian, Hague's expertise in today's politics and the politics of previous centuries helped me to bridge the gap between the two. The world of ideas also fascinates me, which began with my reading about Marxism after studying Russian history. With the help of my school's "Intellectual Development Extending Able Students" program I expanded my interest in philosophy, which was most helpful in comparing Gash and Hill's respective views of history. Through the program I took specific interest in Nietzsche, whose appeal to me is owed partly to the emphasis he places upon interpretation, and partly to the satisfaction I found in finishing "Beyond Good and Evil" with more questions posed than answered!

Similarly my Advanced Level studies have also helped stimulate my historical interest. Law has brought me closer to politics and current affairs, and there were times when studying factory legislation of the nineteenth century obscured the divisions between History and Law. Post-graduation, I aspire to train as a legal professional, and hope to take with me a better understanding of legal history. Moreover, my interest in Geography has always leant toward the socio-political/ economic aspects of the subject, which are closely linked to the study of history. Learning German and spending time in Germany has brought not just a life skill, but also a better understanding of German culture.

Much more than a life enhancing and simple pleasure, it became of great use in my study of nineteenth century German history and in appreciating Marx, Nietzsche and even Luther to a greater extent. Although this historical awareness may be considered narrow, one of my main motivations for studying history at degree level is to broaden my horizons. This will certainly include extending my, already well cemented, love of the discipline.

Believing the old adage about a healthy mind in a healthy body, I have long been a member of a lifesaving club. This has allowed me to qualify as a pool lifeguard thus improving my medical awareness and sense of responsibility. Above all, the role has helped my confidence to respond in an emergency which, as a practical person, I would wish always to be able to do. I strive to complete all tasks to a high standard and with great enthusiasm and have developed a fierce determination to achieve.

Additionally, regularly competing as a lead speaker in my School's Debating Society is not only greatly enjoyable, but has also helped to stimulate my competitive nature. In order to unwind, I often write creatively; which is frequently not just a matter of pen and paper, but one which involves guitar and piano (both of which I have some fluency in). If successful in my application I will capitalise on the opportunity to learn from leading practitioners in their fields. Furthermore, I will offer the utmost of my abilities in both the curricular and extra-curricular aspects of university life.

Profile info

This personal statement was written by benjball2009 for application in 2009.

benjball2009's university choices University College London London School of Economics Cardiff University The University of Birmingham

Green : offer made Red : no offer made

Degree History at Oxford University

benjball2009's Comments

I think it's self explanatory. I got offers from: Oxford, UCL, Cardiff, Birmingham; but got rejected by LSE. Hope it helps!

Related Personal Statements

What grades did you get if.

Sun, 11/09/2011 - 17:25

what grades did you get if you don't mind me asking?

@ guest at 11/09/2011 17:25:02

Fri, 19/10/2012 - 10:25

That's really personal.

Thu, 23/05/2013 - 13:01

llelelelelel you didn't get into London School of Economics

How did you get an offer from

Thu, 29/08/2013 - 13:04

How did you get an offer from Oxford but be rejected by LSE?

LSE would have required a

Thu, 12/12/2013 - 00:04

LSE would have required a more obvious interest in global interactions etc.

Add new comment

History (SSEES) MA

London, Bloomsbury

This is the programme information for 2025 entry

If you require details of the previous year's programme, History (SSEES) MA (2024), click here

Our History MA at the School of Slavonic and East European Studies provides a unique range of options covering the region (Central, Eastern and south-east Europe and Russia). You can explore the early modern period to the present, covering lands where mighty empires and many nations have interacted and competed over the centuries: the Russian Empire, the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, the Habsburg Monarchy, the Ottoman Empire, the German Empire, and their successor states.

UK tuition fees (2025/26)

Overseas tuition fees (2025/26), programme starts, applications accepted.

Applications open

• Entry requirements

Normally an upper second-class Bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline from a UK university or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard.

The English language level for this programme is: Level 3

UCL Pre-Master's and Pre-sessional English courses are for international students who are aiming to study for a postgraduate degree at UCL. The courses will develop your academic English and academic skills required to succeed at postgraduate level.

Further information can be found on our English language requirements page.

Equivalent qualifications

Country-specific information, including details of when UCL representatives are visiting your part of the world, can be obtained from the International Students website .

International applicants can find out the equivalent qualification for their country by selecting from the list below. Please note that the equivalency will correspond to the broad UK degree classification stated on this page (e.g. upper second-class). Where a specific overall percentage is required in the UK qualification, the international equivalency will be higher than that stated below. Please contact Graduate Admissions should you require further advice.

About this degree

You are encouraged to choose from modules which are as diverse in geography as they are varied in approach. The programme is especially rich in modules exploring the relationship between power and culture. Several methods modules are available to underpin your studies.

Further guidance on the programme and structure can be found in the Programme Handbook

Who this course is for

Our students come from a variety of backgrounds. Some have degrees in the study of the region; others have no acquaintance with central and Eastern Europe and Russia. We welcome students with one or more of the area's languages, and encourage those without a language to take one up, although this is not compulsory. 

What this course will give you

The UCL School of Slavonic & East European Studies (SSEES) is one of the largest national centres in the UK, for the study of central, Eastern and south-east Europe and Russia.

Our unique specialist library and central London location provide an ideal environment for research, while our close contacts with employers, policymakers, embassies and alumni afford you excellent opportunities for networking and career development.

The foundation of your career

Students who have successfully completed this programme have moved into further academic research and doctoral studies, careers in teaching and careers in government, NGOs or the European Parliament. The regional specialism of this MA along with the opportunity to learn a language is attractive to employers. Internship opportunities and excellent links with other universities in the region as well as suite of leading events and research seminars complement your studies.

Employability

With their specialist knowledge and language skills, SSEES Master's graduates can be found in business, finance, the media, international agencies, charities, diplomacy, international security organisations, the law, and academia. Graduates have been known to advise the Russian, Polish, American and other governments, and the European Commission.

Our London location and links with cultural institutions, such as the Ukrainian Institute and Pushkin House; think-tanks such as Chatham House, and proximity to Embassies of the region, mean we attract a wide range of external and influential speakers at our events. The SSEES Employers Evening hosts a range of employers with relevant job opportunities for SSEES students, enabling networking with key organisations to help further your career.

Teaching and learning

The programme is delivered through a combination of lectures, seminars, tutorials and private study. The third term is devoted to revision sessions and the dissertation project. 

A 15-credit module is equivalent to 150 hours of study and a 30-credit module equivalent to 300 hours. This includes contact time, private study and the undertaking of coursework assignments.

You will be assessed through unseen examinations, long essays, coursework and the research dissertation.

For a full-time postgraduate course, we recommend around 20-25 hours of independent study per week. Contact hours may vary depending on module choices, but full-time students will have approximately 8-10 contact hours each week during term time, spent in lectures and seminars.

For a part-time postgraduate course, contact hours would usually be 4-6 hours per week across 2-3 days and we recommend around 10-12 hours of independent study per week.

Those undertaking language modules may have additional contact hours. There is minimal teaching during Term 3, as students focus on the dissertation and assessments.

Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits.

The taught modules comprise the core Historical Methods and Approaches module, and a choice from a list of available options.  In addition, you will undertake a free-standing dissertation of 12,000 words, and a Dissertation Preparation Module. 

The MA can be taken part-time, across two years. Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits.

In Year 1, you will take a compulsory methods module; Historical Methods and Approaches and a choice of optional modules.

In Year 2, you will take optional modules to develop your broader understanding and develop key concepts learnt in Year 1. You will also continue to formulate and develop your dissertation outline and structure with support from your supervisor. You will then spend the summer of Year 2 researching and writing your 12,000 word dissertation on a topic to be determined in discussion with your supervisor.

Compulsory modules

Optional modules.

Please note that the list of modules given here is indicative. This information is published a long time in advance of enrolment and module content and availability are subject to change. Modules that are in use for the current academic year are linked for further information. Where no link is present, further information is not yet available.

You will undertake modules to the value of 180 credits. Upon successful completion of 180 credits, you will be awarded an MA in History (SSEES).

Accessibility

Details of the accessibility of UCL buildings can be obtained from AccessAble . Further information can also be obtained from the UCL Student Support and Wellbeing Services team .

Fees and funding

Fees for this course.

The tuition fees shown are for the year indicated above. Fees for subsequent years may increase or otherwise vary. Where the programme is offered on a flexible/modular basis, fees are charged pro-rata to the appropriate full-time Master's fee taken in an academic session. Further information on fee status, fee increases and the fee schedule can be viewed on the UCL Students website: ucl.ac.uk/students/fees .

Additional costs

For Full-time and Part-time offer holders a fee deposit will be charged at 10% of the first year fee.

Further information can be found in the Tuition fee deposits section on this page: Tuition fees .

Additional costs may include expenses such as books, stationery, printing or photocopying, or conference registration fees and associated travel costs.

The department strives to keep additional costs low. Books and journal articles are usually available via the UCL library as hard copies or via e-journal subscriptions.

UCL’s main teaching locations are in zones 1 (Bloomsbury) and zones 2/3 (UCL East). The cost of a monthly 18+ Oyster travel card for zones 1-2 is £114.50. This price was published by TfL in 2024. For more information on additional costs for prospective students and the cost of living in London, please view our estimated cost of essential expenditure at UCL's cost of living guide .

Funding your studies

For a comprehensive list of the funding opportunities available at UCL, including funding relevant to your nationality, please visit the Scholarships and Funding website .

Students are advised to apply as early as possible due to competition for places. Those applying for scholarship funding (particularly overseas applicants) should take note of application deadlines.

There is an application processing fee for this programme of £90 for online applications. Further information can be found at Application fees .

When we assess your application we would like to learn:

• why you want to study History (SSEES) at graduate level
• why you want to study History (SSEES) at UCL
• what particularly attracts you to this programme
• how your personal, academic and professional background meets the demands of a challenging and truly international academic environment
• where you would like to go professionally with your degree

Together with essential academic requirements, the personal statement is your opportunity to illustrate whether your reasons for applying to this programme match what the programme will deliver.

Please note that you may submit applications for a maximum of two graduate programmes (or one application for the Law LLM) in any application cycle.

Choose your programme

Please read the Application Guidance before proceeding with your application.

Year of entry: 2025-2026

Got questions get in touch.

SSEES - School of Slavonic and East European Studies

[email protected]

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