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Immersion - United Kingdom Universities
Experience the rich histories, diverse cultures, and vibrant lifestyles of the United Kingdom while immersing yourself in the stimulating learning environment of one of EAP’s partner universities in England or Scotland. Choose from one of the many locations available and discover for yourself what makes the U.K. one of the world’s most popular study destinations!
 
  • Rolling hills, sweeping plains, woodlands, moors and the natural beauty of the seashore can be found in the distinctly English and historical university towns of Cambridge, York, Canterbury, or Norwich.
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  • Fast-paced, metropolitan London provides the ultimate big-city experience, while trendy or Manchester provides a more affordable and compact urban setting. Smaller cities such as Brighton, Coventry, or Bristol offer a less daunting but just as lively study abroad experience.
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  • If Scotland is your preferred destination, Glasgow and Edinburgh are bustling hubs of business and culture, while coastal St. Andrews is a quiet university town that offers a traditional and unique Scottish experience.
Students attend classes with international students.

Course Opportunities

This program allows you to become fully integrated into the academic and social life of any one of EAP’s exchange partners in England and Scotland. Each institution is a top public university that provides a consistently strong undergraduate education and offers a wide range of disciplines.
 
Use the following resources to learn about courses on EAP:
MyEAP Course Catalog lists courses previously taken by UC students. Additional courses may be available and not all courses may still be offered. Since courses in new programs have not yet been taken for credit, they may not appear in the MyEAP Course Catalog.
 

Course Restrictions

Note: Most Math departments at UK host universities on the semester system will not allow EAP students to take early exams in order to depart the UK before winter break.
 
Imperial College London
  • Engineering majors only. Aeronautical engineering and math courses are not open to international students.
​
King's College London
  • Courses are often impacted in the English Department and international students may not get into popular courses such as Creative Writing even if they are pre-enrolled. Students will need to have back-up course choices.
 
University of Bristol
  • Courses in the following departments, faculties, and schools are not open to international students: Applied Community and Health Studies, Clinical Science, Clinical Veterinary Science, Community-Based Medicine, Drama (Theater), Exercise, Nutrition and Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Graduate School of Education, Oral and Dental Science, 2nd-year psychology lab courses, and some sociology courses.
  • Courses in the following departments and faculties are only open to participants in the year program: Aerospace Engineering, Chemistry, Civil Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Engineering Management Group, Engineering Mathematics, Faculty of Engineering, Geographic Sciences, Law, Physics, and Mechanical Engineering.
  • Spring-only students cannot take courses in the School of Economics, Finance, and Management.
University of East Anglia
  • You are required to take two-thirds of your workload within the faculty in which your school is located, and you may take the remainder of your courses outside of your faculty.
University of Edinburgh
  • Honors (3rd year) courses in the humanities and social sciences have limited space, particularly in the fields of English literature, history, politics, psychology, and sociology. If you are interested in these areas, be prepared to be flexible about course choices.
University of Glasgow
  • Courses in architecture, education, medicine, nursing, and veterinary medicine courses are not open to international students.
University of Leeds
  • Level 1 and Level 2 studio art classes within the School of Fine Art are permitted, but Level 3 classes are not. However, the following Level 3 studio art courses are available in the School of Design: DESN 3440 and DESN 3441. The School of Design also offers a variety of classes at different levels in drawing, printmaking, fashion and textiles, and digital media.
University of Manchester
  • Courses in dentistry, medicine, midwifery, and pharmacy are not available to international students.
  • Honors (3rd year) courses in the humanities and social sciences have limited space, particularly in the fields of architecture, drama, English literature, history, politics, psychology, and sociology. If you are interested in these areas, prepare to be flexible about course choices.
  • Fall-only students may not take courses in economics because the Department of Economics does not offer early assessment.
University of Warwick
  • Courses in the Department of Politics & International Studies (PAIS) are not open to EAP spring-only participants.
  • Fall-only or spring-only participants may not take courses in the Department of Computer Science.
  • University of Warwick quarter and two-quarter participants may not use the MyEAP Course Catalog and should consult the Availability of Departments chart before selecting courses.
University of York
  • Spring two-quarter participants may only take sociology courses from either second- or third-year listings.

Units

You are required to take a full-time course of study while abroad; 21 to 24 UC quarter units are required each semester or 14 to 16 units per quarter. A total of 42 to 48 UC quarter units are required each year.
 
University of Edinburgh, science and engineering, fall or spring semester: 16 UC units out of the required 21-24 UC units must come from the College of Science and Engineering. If you wish to take courses from another college (e.g., Humanities and Social Sciences), you must do this as units above the required 40 credits in the College of Science and Engineering.
 

Language of Instruction

English


Language Study

None


Internships, Research, and Independent Study

Independent study for academic credit may be possible in this program. Arrangements are generally made at the Study Center after arrival at the host institution, although in some cases predeparture preparation may be required.
 
Internships for academic credit or life experience may be possible but depend upon making the arrangements either before or after arrival at the host institution and obtaining the correct Tier 4 Student Visa before departure. Past participants have interned at cultural events such as the Edinburgh Film Festival, at various city councils, and communication companies such as the BBC. 
 

Special Internship Program

Of special note is the EAP Scottish Parliament Internship program, a unique, full-time internship program that gives you a chance to study the culture of another country from within its political governing body. As part of this program you’ll work closely with a member of the Scottish Parliament (MSP) in Edinburgh, Scotland. Students of all disciplinary backgrounds are welcome. The application process is competitive and includes selection by an EAP committee, assignment to a specific MSP, sponsorship by BUNAC, and receipt of the correct work visa. You would enter the UK as an intern, not as a student. To participate in the Scottish Parliament Internship program in the spring (after your regular fall study program), you must apply for both programs separately and return to the U.S. during winter break to obtain the correct visa from the British consulate.
 

Duration

​Go to the Participants section to see current or past calendars.

Fall :  
​September to mid-December

Spring :  
​January to mid/late June

Year :  
September to late May or mid/late June​

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​The fall semester at the University of Manchester and the University of St. Andrews runs through the end of January, but students in most departments may be able to arrange final exams in December.

Housing

​You can choose to live in university dorms or in private off-campus housing, which may require a substantial daily commute in large cities like London. Each university provides an extensive housing website, filled with important information.
 
Most universities guarantee housing for Year students if the housing application deadline is met, but Fall students cannot always be accommodated.  Housing is not guaranteed for Spring students.  All universities have resources for students to use in finding housing in the community.
 

On-site Support

This program is overseen by EAP Study Centers in London (responsible for nine universities) and Edinburgh (responsible for five universities). UC faculty and local staff abroad help students integrate into the culture and provide assistance with academics, safety, and other issues.
 
​See the EAP Program Guide (PDF) for program-specific details about host institutions, program structure, and courses; academic culture and conduct; internships, research, & independent study; units, exams, and grades; orientation; housing; and information about the intensive language program (if applicable).

Host Institutions

As part of the application process you will rank your top university preferences, so UCEAP recommends that you fully explore the host university websites below. In evaluating the differences between universities, you might consider whether courses in your major are available to exchange students; the number of students enrolled; the layout of the campus; the size of the nearest city; nearby attractions; the comments made by knowledgeable family, friends, and returnees; and your preference for an urban, suburban, or rural locale. Each U.K. host university is an enjoyable train ride from either London or Edinburgh, most have similar weather, and all offer a full complement of the usual campus amenities, sports facilities, and cultural learning opportunities.

The United Kingdom is full of wonderful opportunities, new people, and exciting destinations, so whichever host university offers you a place, you are in for the time of your life!

Imperial College London

Imperial College London

Take stimulating courses at this outstanding university in the center of London. Known for world-class scholarship, education, and research, Imperial College London is consistently rated in the top three universities in the UK. Distinguished past members of the college include 14 Nobel Laureates, pharmacologist Alexander Fleming, former Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, and author H. G. Wells.

Imperial College’s main campus, which includes the engineering departments, is in South Kensington, central London. Other London-based Imperial College campuses, all within a short distance of South Kensington, are at Charing Cross, Chelsea and Westminster, Hammersmith, Royal Brompton, and St. Mary’s.

Visit the Imperial College London website

University of Bristol

University of Bristol

The University of Bristol is a traditional university in which students study in a single academic department. You may develop a personal study program to suit your individual needs. Strong disciplines available to you include biochemistry, chemistry, classics, computer science, economics, engineering (including civil, electrical, and mechanical), geography, history, law, physics, mathematics, religious studies, and social policy.

The campus is located in the Clifton area of Bristol, within walking distance of the city center. Bristol has a strong arts scene. Its distinguished history, stretching from medieval to contemporary periods, has left a rich legacy in architecture, literature, and science.

Visit the University of Bristol website

 

University of East Anglia, Norwich

University of East Anglia, Norwich

UEA is well known for famous alumni in film (such as Gurinder Chadha, director of Bend It Like Beckham) and creative writing (Malcolm Bradbury, author of the novel History Man, taught at UEA) as well as for its classes in Third World/Development Studies. Other strong disciplines of interest include American studies, biological sciences, chemistry, communications, drama (including theater history, theory, and performance), English literature, environmental/ecological sciences, film studies, and linguistics.

UEA’s International Office provides helpful information for both American students going to UEA and UEA students coming to the U.S.

Norwich, the local town adjacent to UEA, is a beautiful British town, with a large cathedral and active nightlife. It is also on the Norfolk Broads, near the sea, and, if you want to visit London, the capital is only a one-and-a-half- to two-hour train journey away.

Visit the University of East Anglia website

University of Edinburgh

University of Edinburgh

The University of Edinburgh enrolls about 24,000 students, and about 5,000 international students from more than 130 different nations. You may enroll in courses offered by the university’s College of Humanities and Social Sciences, Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, and Science and Engineering. Strong disciplines include accounting, anthropology, art history, Asian studies, biological sciences, business studies, Celtic studies, chemistry, computer science, economics, engineering (including chemical, civil, electrical, and mechanical), English, environmental/ecological studies, French, geography, German, history, Italian, law, linguistics, mathematics, Middle Eastern and African studies, music, physics, political science, psychology, religious studies, Russian, sociology, and Spanish.

In addition to the regular year-long program, UC science and engineering students have the opportunity to spend fall or spring semester Edinburgh, where science or “natural philosophy” has been studied since the university was established in 1583. Famous alumni of the University of Edinburgh include Charles Darwin; Daniel Rutherford, who discovered nitrogen; Alexander Graham Bell; and James Hutton, the founder of our modern geology.

The central campus of Regency and Victorian buildings is located near the historic center of Edinburgh, and its modern science campus is a mile to the south. Edinburgh is Scotland’s capital city (population 500,000). An historic, lively and easily navigable city, it hosts the largest cultural festival in the United Kingdom every summer.

Visit the University of Edinburgh website

University of Glasgow

University of Glasgow

The University of Glasgow enrolls about 24,000 students, including about 2,000 international students from more than 80 countries worldwide. Strong disciplines include accounting, archaeology, art history, biochemistry, biological sciences, business studies, Celtic studies, chemistry, classics, computer science, drama (including theater history, theory, and performance), economics, engineering (including chemical, civil, electrical, and mechanical), English, European studies, French, geography, German, law, mathematics, music, physics, philosophy, politics, psychology, religious studies, Russian, and sociology.

If you are interested in honor-level courses in English literature, film and television, theater, or politics, you must indicate this interest on your application.

Teaching is by lecture, seminar, tutorial, and—for science subjects—practical laboratory classes. The university has excellent computing facilities, a wide range of support services, and well-equipped facilities for sports and recreation.

The attractive Victorian campus is situated about two miles from the center of Glasgow.

Visit the University of Glasgow website

University of Kent, Canterbury

University of Kent, Canterbury

The University of Kent is located on 300 acres overlooking Canterbury, a city that dates back to the 2nd century. Canterbury, with its magnificent cathedral, remains the seat of the Church of England, and is a commercial and shopping center for much of rural Kent. It is located an hour and a half east of London.

Strong disciplines include computer science, drama (including theater history, theory, and performance), economics, international relations, political science, and social policy. The School of Politics and International Relations is enlivened by Kent’s participation in the Brussels School of International Studies. The School of Drama offers an exciting and diverse program where students explore everything from Shakespeare to scenography, farce to feminism, acting to anthropology, and playwriting to performance art. There are also courses in design, directing, radio production, contemporary performance practice, and stand-up comedy.

Visit the University of Kent website

University of Leeds

University of Leeds

The University of Leeds is one of the largest universities in the UK with a population of about 34,000 students, including international students from more than 65 countries. The university’s emphasis on innovative research and investment in high-quality facilities means that no fewer than 35 departments are rated, both nationally and internationally, as “excellent.” With more than 600 undergradutestate programs, the university offers the widest range of undergraduate courses in the UK. Strong disciplines include business, chemistry, communications, computer science, design, engineering, English (a 3.3 GPA is required for all English classes), fine arts, geography, history, law, mathematics, physics, and psychology.

Leeds is one of the fastest growing cities in the UK. Located midway between London and Edinburgh, Leeds is a lively, modern city with an impressive arts scene and it is an attractive base from which to explore the rest of the country. The 100-acre university campus is just a 10-minute walk from the city center. To escape city life, you can visit the impressive Yorkshire Dales and Lake District, with their awe-inspiring scenery and huge selection of outdoor activities and pursuits.

Visit the University of Leeds website

King’s College, London

University of London (King's College; Queen Mary College; Royal Holloway)

King’s College, the largest constituent college at the University of London, enrolls about 22,000 students, including more than 4,000 international students. King’s College offers degree programs in schools of Education, Humanities, Law, Physical Sciences, Engineering, and Life Sciences, including Medicine and Dentistry. Strong disciplines include American studies, classics, computer science, film studies, geography, physics, and religious studies. The School of Biomedical Sciences offers a wide range of undergraduate program courses in the areas of anatomy, cell and human biology, biomolecular science, pharmacology, and therapeutic physiotherapy.

King’s College is located in the heart of London, close to the city’s many academic resources and rich cultural opportunities in music, theater, sports, museums, and art galleries. The British Museum, Covent Garden, Trafalgar Square, the National Gallery, and the West End are all within walking distance of the college, although student residences are located in many different parts of the city. Students should be independent, proactive, and able to afford living in central London, which is expensive.

Visit the King’s College, University of London website

Queen Mary, University of London

University of London (King's College; Queen Mary College; Royal Holloway)

A part of the University of London, Queen Mary enrolls about 12,000 students in faculties of Humanities, Social Sciences and Law, Medicine and Dentistry, and Science and Engineering. Strong disciplines include economics, English, history, linguistics, literature, mathematics, modern European languages/literatures, and political science. The Department of English features courses that focus on theoretical and cultural issues as they relate to the study of literature.

Queen Mary is located in London’s East End, a multicultural district with easy access to the city center. Living costs are less expensive than in central London. The university’s location provides students with the opportunity to study and observe the heart of government, media, business, and cultural activity.

Visit the Queen Mary, University of London website

University of Manchester

University of Manchester

The University of Manchester enrolls over 40,000 students, and about 2,500 international students from over 180 countries. The university has more than 70 departments, which fall under the faculties of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Humanities, Life Sciences, and Medical and Human Sciences. Strong disciplines offered include art history, drama (including theater history and theory only), economics, engineering, English, music, physics, political science, psychology, and sociology.

Manchester is the only university in the UK that offers courses through a combined Department of Art History and Archaeology. Art history courses offered through this distinguished dual department combine the two interrelated disciplines.

The university is located within the city and offers a big-city setting with a compact and friendly center. Manchester is modern and high-tech while maintaining its historic architectural heritage.

Visit the University of Manchester website

University of St. Andrews

University of St. Andrews

St. Andrews is the oldest university in Scotland, enrolling approximately 9,000 students in the United College of St. Salvator and St. Leonard (for arts and sciences), and St. Mary’s College (for divinity). Both colleges have a cloistered, medieval atmosphere. Strong disciplines include anthropology, art history, biological sciences, business and management, chemistry, computer science, engineering (including electrical and general), English, environmental science, European languages, geography, history, law, mathematics, music, physics, philosophy, politics, psychology, religious studies, and sociology.

Visit the University of St. Andrews website

University of Sussex, Brighton

University of Sussex, Brighton

The emphasis at Sussex is on small group teaching in seminars of about 8 to 12 students. The curriculum promotes a high level of independent, self-directed study. The university distinguishes itself both academically and organizationally in its commitment to providing an interdisciplinary approach to study. You have the opportunity to take both departmental major courses and courses that span traditional departments. Strong disciplines include art history, biological science, chemistry, communications and media studies, computer science, English, history, international relations, mathematics, and political science.

The university is located on 200 acres of parkland near the south coast, just a few miles from the seaside town of Brighton, and an hour from London. The university is noted for its political and social awareness.

Visit the University of Sussex website

University of Warwick, Coventry

University of Warwick, Coventry

The University of Warwick enrolls about 16,000 students; approximately 1,000 international students from 100 countries also attend. Strong disciplines include biological science, business and management, computer science, creative writing, economics, English literature, history, mathematics, social work, and sociology. The emphasis is on small group teaching in seminars of about 8 to 12 students. The curriculum promotes a high level of independent, self-directed study.

Warwick is located on a 300-acre campus and is only an hour train ride from London. Stratford-upon-Avon, Shakespeare’s birthplace and home to the Royal Shakespeare Company, is 12 miles from the university.

Visit the University of Warwick website

University of York

University of York

The University of York enrolls about 14,000 students from almost 100 countries. Strong disciplines include archaeology, art history, biological science, computer science, economics, electrical engineering, English (a strong English background is required), history, linguistics, music, political science, psychology, social policy, social work, and sociology.

With over 30 departments, and consistently ranked among the top ten UK universities, York has a great international reputation for the quality of its teaching and research. York encourages specialized study in your major field. Students at York are assigned an advisor or director of studies who helps them progress throughout the program.

The university occupies an attractive 200-acre lakeside campus at Heslington, just outside of York. York is one of the prettier historic towns in England. The city center features ancient timbered houses lining narrow, crooked streets. As a student city, York is big enough to feel cosmopolitan, but small enough not to be overwhelming. York provides excellent theater, cinema, concerts, and other cultural events as well as an attractive range of pubs and restaurants. Located on the north/south rail line, both London and Edinburgh are only about two hours away by train.

Visit the University of York website

 

Estimated Cost

Participation in UCEAP is a great value! The cost of studying abroad on UCEAP programs is typically less than that of non-UC study abroad programs. The dollar figures listed in the chart represent: 1) the amount of the fees that are paid directly to UCEAP in the current year, and 2) an estimate of the amount needed to cover personal living expenses in this location. Personal travel and entertainment are not included here.
 
Don't forget that you take your financial aid with you and the amount of your financial aid package will take into account the estimated TOTAL COST of this experience, as it is estimated below.
 
These expenses are estimated for 2012-13. Amounts will vary for 2012-13 participation due to potential changes to UC fees, exchange rate fluctuation, etc. Non-Resident Fees apply: If you are subject to out-of-state tuition at your UC campus, you will pay the same fees on UCEAP. For a more detailed breakdown of 2012-13 payment information, visit the Participants Portal and select the appropriate program. 
 
Here’s what is included in the estimate:
  • Predeparture expenses (health clearance, student visa, etc.)
  • Round-trip airfare
  • UC fees
  • Cost of attending the host university
  • Accident and medical insurance
  • On-site orientation
  • Room and board
  • Optional excursions
  • Books and other incidental expenses
  • Local transportation
  • Automatic transfer of credits and grades to your UC transcript

Estimated EAP Costs*

Options Cost
  • Fall
  • Spring
  • Year
  • $13,600 - $16,700
  • $17,600 - $21,500
  • $30,400 - $33,100
*Based on most recent costs to the nearest $100.

Scholarships

UCEAP scholarships for the 2012-13 academic year are available. Please visit our scholarships overview page for general information and details  regarding eligibility requirements and application deadlines.

Application Requirements

Class Level:

Junior, Senior, Graduate

Language Prerequisites:

None

GPA:

2.85 cumulative GPA at the time of application and maintained through the end of the last term prior to departure.
GPA Note: • Imperial College London: Students with a GPA in the 2.85-2.99 range should submit a letter from an engineering faculty who can explain this GPA and the student’s potential for success in the program.
GPA Note: • King’s College London: 3.2 cumulative GPA is required for application; 3.3 cumulative GPA is required for American studies, classics, English, film, and philosophy; 3.5 cumulative GPA is required for history; 3.75 cumulative GPA is required for admission to courses taken in the War Studies Department.
GPA Note: • University of Bristol: 3.2 cumulative GPA is required for admission and 3.5 cumulative GPA for science and engineering majors is required for admission but applicants with lower GPAs may be considered.
GPA Note: • University of Edinburgh, Science and Engineering, Fall and Spring semester: 3.0 cumulative GPA is required.
GPA Note: • University of Leeds: 3.3 major GPA is required for all English classes.
GPA Note: • University of St. Andrews: 3.2 cumulative GPA is required for admission but applicants with lower GPAs may be considered.

Other Eligibility Requirements:


• Edinburgh Science and Engineering Fall or Spring: Students must be majors in science or engineering fields

• Imperial College London Year: Students must be majors in engineering fields. Aeronautical engineering is not available for UCEAP students.

Minimum Criteria:

 All applicants must also have:
  • Serious academic goals and a clear plan for integrating EAP studies into the student's UC degree program
  • Social and cross-cultural sensitivity; maturity; ability to adapt successfully to a different environment and an new education system; ability to assess and exhibit appropriate behavior in a variety of situations
  • A willingness to abide by program regulations
  • An endorsement by the Campus EAP Selection Committee and completion of all campus-specific requirements (an interview may be required)

Deadlines

Application deadlines and information on the application process are available through your Campus EAP Office. Supplemental predeparture materials will be required for many programs, including, but not limited to, host institution applications, visa and housing applications, medical clearances, etc.

For participation in the program, you must meet all deadlines and submit complete application materials.

Visit your Campus EAP Office for more information: