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Advice and signposting for prospective students from Nigeria

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Student life

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Bachelor's degrees

Introduction

Most bachelor's degrees in the UK areÌýthree years in duration (e.g. BA, BSc, BEng, LLB).

For some subjects we also offer four-year programmes.ÌýThis is usually a bachelor's degree with an integrated master's (e.g. MSci, MEng) or a year abroad.

We offer very few programmes with a placement yearÌýfor three main reasons. Firstly, because aÌýprogramme with a single or limited amount of fixed (i.e. guaranteed) placement options isÌýunlikely to be the best fit for all students, and your preferences may change after studying the subject at university level for two years. Secondly, because youÌýmay subsequently decide to work in a field that is not among the availableÌýplacement options. Thirdly, because the summer vacation is long, from June until October, and our extensive careers support and links to industry will help you find summer placements and vacation schemes that align with your ambitions.ÌýÌý

A UK degree is comprised of modules, which are courses on a specific topic. Each module has its own lectures, classes, tutorials, labs, and so on. Your degree programme will specify a set ofÌýcompulsory and optional modules over its duration. Our location, size, and multidisciplinary structure means that we canÌýoffer a uniquelyÌýwide selection.

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Application process

All UK bachelor's degree applications are made via , a centralised application portal. It allows you to apply to up to five programmes at UK universities, but you can submit only one personal statement.ÌýIt also requires final or predictedÌýgrades and a teacher's reference.

If you are successful and yet to complete your final exams, you will receive a conditional offer. This will become unconditional once we have received yourÌýresults.

AÌýsmall number of programmes require additional documents,Ìýtests, or a portfolio. This will be indicated on theÌý.

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Entry requirements

Our minimum grade requirements are high, but UCAS gives you five programme options, so if your predicted grades are in line with the minimum, we encourage you to apply.

Grade and subject requirements for A Levels and IB Diploma are listed on each .ÌýEquivalent qualifications can be viewed by selecting a country in the same section.

The Senior School Certificate (WAEC or NECO) and Senior Arabic and Islamic Secondary Certificate (NABAIS) are not acceptable as an entrance qualification. In general, applicants require one of the following:

• An accepted school leaving qualification, e.g. A Levels, IB Diploma, French Baccalauréat, APs
  • If you haveÌýUS qualifications such as APs and ACTs, you should choose USA in our prospectus to see the exact entry requirements for that programme; for theÌýFrench Baccalauréat choose France, etc.
• A UK university-based foundation course accepted by Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê, e.g.ÌýourÌý
• Completion ofÌýtwo years of a bachelor's degreeÌýat a recognised institution with (equivalent to upper-second class UK grades):
  • Distinction
  • Upper credit
• Completion of a National or Higher National Diploma at a recognised institution withÌý(equivalent to upper-second class UK grades):
  • Distinction
  • Upper credit

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Deadlines

• If applicable, your school's internal deadline should take precedence
• Medicine MBBS BSc or applications that include programmes at Oxford orÌýCambridge: 15 October (18:00 GMT)
• All other programmes: late January, may vary by yearÌý(2023 entry deadline: 25 January, 18:00 GMT)

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Post-deadline vacancies, Adjustment and Clearing

If a programme has places after the deadline, it will remain listed on UCAS. This typically applies to veryÌýfew programmes at Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê.

UCAS AdjustmentÌýgives you the chance to apply for open programmes in addition to the ones on your original application if you have outperformed your offer requirements. UCAS Clearing is similar, but for when you have missed the offer requirements for your firm (i.e. first preference) and insurance programme choices.

The vast majority of Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê programmes will not open for applications via Adjustment or Clearing. More information will be published on our in the spring.

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Tips

PERSONAL STATEMENT

• • YourÌýgrade requirementsÌýare just a minimum threshold.
  • You will not be able to edit it after submitting your application.
  • You can only submit one personal statement, so it should not refer to the content that is unique to a single programme.Ìý
    • If a programme is unusual,Ìýyou may be able to submit an additional personal statement or similar essay to do your application justice. This will be specified in its prospectus entry on the university website.
• A personal statement for UK universities is different from a USA college essay. We want you to have a fulfilling student life, and our location, clubs, and societies will help, but for the personal statement we are primarily concerned with how you have engaged with your academic subject(s).Ìý
  • You should devote at least 75% of your personal statement to your academic area(s) of interest, demonstratingÌýenthusiasmÌýand development with examples.
  • The remaining portion should be about extra-curricular activities not related to your academic field. In general, it is best to useÌýexamples that demonstrate desirable qualities for your field or in general, as leadership, teamwork, perseverance, andÌýself-motivation.
• A Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê degree is research-based, and the curriculum changes every year – you should be aware of and enthused by this.
• Start undertaking experiences and learning about your field early. You might not write about all these experiences, but they will inform your decisions and future career.
• Make reflective notes as you undertake extra-curricular experiences and learning.
• Where you undertakeÌýyour experienceÌýis unimportant, as is its duration. We are concerned with what you learned and how it developed your interest in the subject.
• Leave time to write multiple drafts if possible, andÌýto review thoroughly.

Further advice is available from .

CHOOSING PROGRAMMES AND UNIVERSITIESÌý

• Does the university and department have a goodÌýinternational reputation?
• Is the location a good fit for you?ÌýCentral LondonÌýis convenient for your career – insight events, internships, assessment days, and interviews are likely to take place in London for any large company. It is alsoÌýgreat for food, culture, and sports. But it is not quiet or pastoral.
• ConsiderÌýthe contentÌýof programmes, especially the module options after your first year.Ìý
  • Our location, size, and multidisciplinary structure means that we canÌýoffer a uniquelyÌýwide selection.
• Look at the career destinations of previous graduates of the programme, either in the prospectus or on the departmental website.
• Are there other, less competitive programmes that offer a route into the same career? You do not need a LLB to become a solicitor or barrister, for example.
  • Check if we offer other programmes in the subject area. A slightly different programme or combination may be a better fit, and less competitive.
• Talk to staff and students directly: at open days, offer holder days, or .

Master's degrees

We offer hundreds ofÌýmaster's degrees across the academic spectrum, based on cutting-edge research.

Almost all are oneÌýyear in duration and begin in September.Ìý

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Entry requirements

Our require either anÌýupper or lower second-class bachelor's degree or equivalent from a recognised university. Some programmes may be flexible in this regard if you have several years ofÌýrelevant work experience.

Applicants already in possession of a master's degree or doctorate are eligible for all programmes.

Subject background, experience, and other requirements will be indicated on the .Ìý

Lower second-class (2:2) equivalent

• Bachelor's degree from aÌýtop-10 institutionÌýwith lower second-class honours
• Bachelor's degree from any other institutionÌýwith upper second-class honours

Upper second-class (2:1) equivalent

• Bachelor's degree from aÌýtop-10 institutionÌýwith upper second-class honours
• Bachelor's degree from any other institutionÌýwith first-class honours

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Application process

You can apply directly from the programme page in the prospectus.

WeÌýnormally require a personal statement, details of 1–2 referees, and your transcript(s). Some applicants alsoÌýinclude a CV.

AÌýsmall number of programmes require additional documents,Ìýtests, or a portfolio. This will be indicated on theÌýprogramme page in the prospectus.

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Deadlines

The deadline for applications to most programmes is 31 March, but some will close earlier. This will be indicated on the .

The deadline for Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê accommodation for graduate students is 30 June.

Funding deadlines may be earlier than degree application deadlines – you should check as early as possible, ideally in September or October.

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Tips

ARE YOU MOTIVATED?

• Why are you applying for a programme in this field? Tell us about how you became interested.
  • It may seem obvious, e.g. if it’s in the same field as your bachelor’s degree, but the content will not be the same, or the level. Tell us why you want to continue if this is the case.
• Are you a member of any relevant professional bodies, societies, or networks?
• Know the content of the programme.ÌýEven programmes with the same title can vary across different universities.
• Talk to staff and students directly: onÌýopen days, offer holder days, or one-to-oneÌýappointments.

ARE YOU CHOOSING THE RIGHT PROGRAMME FOR YOUR FUTURE AMBITIONS?

• Know the content of the programme.ÌýEven programmes with the same name can vary across different universities.
• Familiarise yourself with departmental research and areas of expertise.
• How will you applyÌýyour learning? What do you plan to do afterwards?

AFTER YOU HAVE APPLIED

• Talk to your referee(s) about your application and tell them to expect an email from Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê.
• Reviewing your application thoroughly takes time – usually 1–2 months, and sometimes longer.Ìý

Teacher training

The is a global leader in teacher education andÌýhas been rated as the for eight years in a row.

Our Ìýare rated Outstanding by across all subjects and phases. IOE teacher-educators are actively engaged in innovative education research, with many of them writing textbooks on every aspect of teaching.

We offer programmesÌýto prepare you for each stage of teaching:

You can apply directly from the .

PhD and research programmes

Start a dialogue

You must begin by establishing a dialogue with a prospective supervisor. AÌýspeculative application without prior communication will be unsuccessful, regardless of your funding.

StartÌýby sending an informal research enquiry either to an individual academic, or to the departmental contact. The process varies by department – get in touchÌýif you are unsure.ÌýYou can find a list of and on our .

We receive many research enquiries, and they are reviewed alongside teaching and other day-to-day responsibilities. It is important to explore your prospective supervisor’s interests thoroughly before you contact them, and to communicate clearly and concisely.

Academics at Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê undertake a lot of interdisciplinary research – you should consider variousÌýdepartments, academics, and research groups, not just the most obvious.

On ourÌý you can search for academics and centres of research by keyword and filter the results.

You can also search , our online research repository. If you identify a paper that interests you, it is possible that one of the authors could be a suitable supervisor.Ìý

Your email should include:

• Your qualifications (with institution, overall grade/classification, and year of graduation).
• A summary of your research experience.
• A summary of any published research.
• How you plan to fund your studies.

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Research proposal

Research proposals are common in the arts and social sciences, but not usually required in STEM, where research is usually undertaken in groups. If applicable, you should clearly describe the topic, aims,Ìýobjectives, and methodology as concisely as possible.ÌýIn the first instance it should be around 500 words.

If a prospective supervisor is interested, then you can refine and develop your initial outline to produce a final proposal.

A proposal shouldÌýinclude:

• A clear and descriptive working title.
• Some background, rationale, and any relevant issues.
• Your aims and objectives.
• A description of your theoretical framework and methodological approach.
• Sources or dataÌýyou plan to use.
• What valuable and useful knowledge will come out of your research.

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Application

An application is the final stage of the process and should only be submitted when requested, or when you have agreed on a research project with your supervisor.

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Decision

You will be able to track the progress of your application via the – details will be sent to you when your application has been received.

Recognised institutions

Top-10 institutions

• Federal University of Technology, Akure
• Nnamdi Azikiwe University
• Obafemi Awolowo University
• Rivers State University of Science and Technology
• University of Agriculture, Abeokuta
• University of Benin
• University of Calabar
• University of Ibadan
• University of Ilorin
• University of Lagos

Other recognised institutions

• Abia State University (formerly Imo State University)
• Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University
• Adamawa State University
• Adekunle Ajasin University
• Ahmadu Bello University
• Akwa Ibom State University
• Ambrose Alli University
• Anambra State University
• Anambra State University of Science and Technology
• Bayero University
• Benue State University
• Bukar Abba Ibrahim University
• Cross River University of Technology
• Delta State University
• Ebonyi State University
• Ekiti State University
• Enugu State University of Science and Technology
• Evan Enwerem University
• Federal University of Technology, Minna
• Federal University of Technology, Owerri
• Gombe State University
• Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University
• Kaduna State University
• Kano University of Science and Technology
• Kebbi State University
• Kogi State University
• Kwara State University
• Ladoke Akintola University of Technology
• Lagos State University
• Michael Okpara University of Agriculture
• Modibbo Adama University of Technology, Yola
• Nasarawa State University
• National Open University of Nigeria
• Niger Delta University
• Nigerian Defence Academy
• Olabisi Onabanjo University
• Ondo State University of Science and Technology
• Osun State University
• Plateau State University
• Rivers State University of Science and Technology
• Sokoto State University
• Taraba State University
• University Awka
• University of Abuja
• University of Agriculture, Makurdi
• University of Jos
• University of Maiduguri
• University of Nigeria
• University of Port Harcourt
• University of Uyo
• Usmanu Danfodiyo University

The list is not exhaustive. Please contact us if your university is not listed.

English language requirements

You do not need evidence of your English language proficiencyÌýat the time of your application, but evidence is required before you can receive an unconditional offer.

The required level of English varies and will be listed on each programme page, levels 1 to 5.

A full list of tests and qualifications, including a breakdown of required grades and how they correspond to our requirement levelsÌýcan be found on our English language requirements pages forÌýundergraduate (bachelor's) and graduate (master's and PhD)Ìýstudy.

If a test is required, we recommend booking a recognisedÌýEnglish test by July, to allow time for us to process your results and for you to subsequently apply for a visa.

Nigeria is considered a majority English speaking country by Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê but not the UK Home Office. This means that we although we still need to verify your English language proficiency, in some instances this can be done through education leading to an academic qualification or work experience. See our English language requirements pages forÌýundergraduate (bachelor's) and graduate (master's and PhD)Ìýstudy for more information.

Careers

We take your future ambitions seriously andÌýprovide you with the support you need toÌýrealise your full potential.

Our graduates areÌýin-demand, and more than 800 employersÌýattend our careers events every year.ÌýÏã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê is ranked among the top 20 universities worldwide for graduate employability in the .Ìý

Every week, more than 20,000 jobs,Ìýinternships and work experienceÌýopportunities are promoted on theÌýmyÏã¸ÛÁùºÏ²ÊCareers portal. Through the Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²ÊÌýTalent Bank, we can connect you directly toÌýsmall-to-medium-sized employers who are actively recruiting Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê graduates.Ìý

Our specialist careers consultants offer advice tailored to your field of study and intended industry. They can supportÌýyou with every aspect of applications. We also run employer-led coaching inÌýareas such as leadership, negotiation, and interview skills; workshops and adviceÌýsessions to help with your applications; and dedicated internship programmes.ÌýMany of our services are available for three years after you leave.

We have an alumni community of more than 350,000 and our tool will help you network and make new connections. ThisÌýcan be especially useful if you areÌýnew to the industry or country.

Accommodation

Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê accommodation

We offer accommodation to both and postgraduatesÌýin our halls of residence (known as dormitories or hostels in some countries) and shared houses.

Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê accommodation is Ìýfor undergraduateÌýstudents if you apply by the 10 June deadline.

Postgraduate students are accommodation, but new international students are proritised.ÌýPlaces are allocated in the order applications are received, so you are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.Ìý

The process for allocating accommodation is currently under review for 2024/25 and may change.Ìý

We have single rooms, shared rooms, and studio apartments. Some are , with a restaurant inside the building, andÌýothers are self-catered, with access to a kitchen. Some are en-suite, while others haveÌýa shared bathroom.Ìý

The location varies.ÌýSome are on campus, while others are a short walk away (see layered map below).

Accommodation is assigned based on your preferences – you are asked toÌýrank variables pertaining to room type.

Families

We have a limited amount of .Ìý

The Students' Union also maintains a page on .

For larger residences you should look toÌýthe private sector.

Deadlines

• Undergraduate and non-degreeÌýstudents: 10 June
• Postgraduate students: 30 June

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Privately managed accommodation

Private halls of residence

London has a growing number of options.ÌýThey typically operate in the same way as our halls of residence, but on a for-profit basis.

Private landlords

London has a large, diverse, and fast-moving private accommodation market. Most rental properties are advertised no earlier than oneÌýmonth before they are available. We recommend viewing properties in person before paying any deposits or signing a contract. Students often travel to London a little earlierÌýto undertake viewings.Ìý

Because Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê is conveniently located for most London Underground lines and many bus routes (see the Travel section below),Ìýthere is no one optimal area to live in;Ìýyou can live quite far in terms of distanceÌýfrom campus, while maintaining a short commuting time.

Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê can act as your .

The website has extensive , including a contract checking service,Ìýand .

Sharing

Most students share an apartmentÌýor house. Common ways of finding people to share with include offer holder groups on various platforms, social media, mutual acquaintances, and via the .

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Childcare

In general, it is best to find childcare or a school that is conveniently located for your residence, as opposed to one that is close to Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê.

Childcare is available from the Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê Day Nursery on campus, or ÌýforÌýprivate nurseries, day-care, or childminders.

For primary and secondary education,Ìý.ÌýIf your children are aged between 5 and 16 and in the UK as your dependants, they can attend state primary and secondary schools for free. However, schools may refuse places for children if they consider their stay in the UK to be too short. There are also private/prep school options across London.

Travel

Public transport

Our main campus in Bloomsbury is conveniently located for most of London because of its proximity to stations serving most London Underground (metro) lines, and nearby bus stops. This means that journeys can be deceptively short, relative to the actual distance.Ìý

Ìýand Ìýshould give you accurate door-to-door journey times.

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Cycling

Travelling to Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê on a privately owned or hired bicycle is easy.Ìý

Ìýand Ìýshould give you cycle-friendly routes and journey times.

Showers and storage are widely available.

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Airports

Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê andÌýcentral London are easily accessible by public transport and private hire vehicles from and .ÌýWe do not offer a pick-up service.

Uber operates in London, and you will be able to start your journey using airport Wi-Fi. The app will advise you on where to wait.

On weekdays and at times of high traffic, it may beÌýquicker to takeÌýthe to Paddington station, before taking a taxiÌýor Uber to your destination. The is the pre-bookedÌýsection of the taxi rank.

Funding and scholarships

All scholarships administered by or linked to Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê can be found viaÌýour scholarships finder.Ìý

The tool is not exhaustive, and many students receive funding from non-partner external sources, such as employers, private and corporate foundations,Ìýgovernment departments and NGOs.

Visits and events

We run regular university and department level events throughout the year, virtually and in person. If you have not yet applied, you can register your interest to hear about events relevant to your chosen field(s) of study.

You can also take aÌýcampus tour ifÌýyou visit London.

Upcoming public exhibitions and other events we are attending in NigeriaÌýwill be displayed below.

Visas and immigration

Timeframe

A visa application usually takes 3–4 weeks. You normally begin the process on the ,Ìýbefore attending an appointment for biometrics and other checks at a local visa office.

If you have a conditional offer, you should allow for an extra 2–3 weeks, to allowÌýus to process your documents and issue you with a CAS number.Ìý

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CAS

A Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) number is a unique 14-digit reference given to you by Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê,Ìýas your visa sponsor.ÌýIt is required for your student visa application.Ìý

You do not need to request a CAS. If you have firmly accepted a conditional or unconditional offer, Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²ÊÌýwill email you around four months before the start date of your programme to confirm your details.ÌýOnce your offer is unconditional and firmly accepted, and your details are confirmed, Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê will aim to issue your CAS within 5–10 working days, starting in July (i.e. no earlier than three months before your programme's start date).

CAS numbers are generated by the following offices:

• Undergraduate Students:ÌýAdmissions Office;ÌýFaculty of Laws;Ìýthe Bartlett, Faculty of the Built Environment
• Graduate Students:ÌýAdmissions Office
• Affiliate Students:ÌýAdmissions Office

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Part-time student visa

Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê does not support part-time student visas. This is primarily because this visa does not allow you to bring dependants, nor does it allow you to work in the UK.

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Families

You can bring your husband, wife, unmarried partner, and children (under 18) to the UK with you as a Student visa dependant if one of the following applies:

• You are studying a postgraduate course of 9 months or more.
• You are a government-sponsored student and studying a course at any level of 6 months or more.

Your dependants can apply to enter the UK at the same time as you or they can apply separately later. If they do not apply at the same time as you, they should ensure that you have received your visa first.Ìý

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Help and advice

Only staff from our dedicated team are qualified to advise you on visa and immigration matters.

• If you have already applied: use
• If you have not applied: useÌý

Contacts

• Programme-specific questions, e.g.Ìýmodule options: contact the people listed on the prospectus page
• Application updates:
  • askÏã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê
  • Postgraduate Admissions contact form
  • Teacher Training contact form
  • +44 (0)20 8059 0939
• CAS and visa enquiries:
  • Use askÏã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê if you have already applied
  • UseÌýthis formÌýif you have not
• General questions, e.g, about life at Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê and in London,Ìýthe student experience, application guidance:ÌýAameer PatelÌý(a.x.patel@ucl.ac.uk)
• Partnerships: Aameer Patel (a.x.patel@ucl.ac.uk)