UCL launches 2025‑26 study‑abroad year for History of Art undergraduates
Posted on Oct 22, 2025 by Lysander Templeton
When University College London announced that its Faculty of Social & Historical Sciences will roll out a dedicated year‑abroad track for History of Art undergraduates starting in the 2025‑2026 academic year, the news sparked immediate buzz among prospective students. The program, aimed at BA single‑honours students – including those on the Materials and Technology (MAT) route – will let a select group spend their third year studying at an approved partner university abroad, then return for a final year in London. The twist is that the extra year is built right into the degree, so graduates walk away with a BA (Honours) in History of Art with a Year Abroad on their diploma.
What the new program entails
Under the new scheme, students will apply for a placement during their second year and, if successful, will relocate for the entire third academic year. Upon completion, the total length of the degree stretches to four years instead of the usual three. Study abroad thus becomes not a side‑step but a formal component of the curriculum.
The cohort will launch in September 2025 – the same month the university’s 2025‑2026 UCL History of Art Year‑Abroad CohortLondon begins its first semester. Over the next twelve months, students will rotate through partner institutions that teach in English, French, Italian, Spanish or German, depending on language proficiency.
Eligibility and application process
Eligibility hinges on two concrete criteria: a minimum average of a 2:1 (or equivalent) in first‑year assessments and a completed study‑abroad application submitted by the end of the second year. The university’s UCL Study Abroad Office, overseen by Dr. Aisha Khan, Director of the office, says roughly “30‑35 places” are available each cycle – a figure that can shift depending on partner‑institution negotiations.
Applications open on 1 March 2025. Candidates upload academic transcripts, a personal statement, and, where required, proof of language proficiency (e.g., DELF B1 for French, DELE B1 for Spanish). Decisions are communicated by 15 July 2025, giving students just a few weeks to arrange visas, accommodation and travel.
Language and academic considerations
All History of Art undergraduates must choose a language option in their first year, a requirement introduced to smooth the transition to non‑English‑speaking partners. If a student lands a spot at, say, the University of Bologna (Italian‑taught) or the University of Barcelona (Spanish‑taught), they are expected to continue language studies in their second year to maintain competence.
Most partner universities require at least an intermediate level (CEFR B1/B2). The UCL Study Abroad Office provides a language‑support checklist, and the dedicated History of Art Study Abroad Tutor – a faculty member appointed specifically for this cohort – helps students match language skills with appropriate destinations.
Financial support and equity
Recognising that a year abroad can be costly, UCL earmarks funding through the UCL Turing Funding Scheme. The scheme offers up to £4,500 per student for travel, living costs and tuition differentials, but only to those from Access and Widening Participation backgrounds who meet the academic threshold.
“We want talent, not just those who can afford a plane ticket,” says Dr. Khan. 2023‑24 figures show that 22 % of applicants to the scheme received awards, a modest but growing proportion.
Partner institutions and flexibility
UCL’s network spans more than 40 universities across Europe, North America, Oceania and Asia. Notable partners include the École du Louvre (Paris), University of Melbourne, and the University of Toronto. The number of exchange slots at each partner is renegotiated annually; thus, students are urged to keep a flexible shortlist.
In practice, a student might apply to three institutions – perhaps the University of Florence (Italian), the University of Edinburgh (English) and the University of Zurich (German). If the Florence spot falls through, the Edinburgh placement can still be secured, preventing a lost year.
Implications for students and the Faculty
From a student‑experience perspective, the program promises not just academic enrichment but also employability boosts. A 2022 survey of UCL graduates who previously completed a year abroad showed a 15 % higher median starting salary compared to peers who stayed domestic.
For the Faculty of Social & Historical Sciences, the new track dovetails with its strategic goal to internationalise curricula. It also aligns with the broader UK higher‑education agenda to increase global mobility after pandemic‑induced setbacks.
Looking ahead
UCL plans to monitor the first cohort closely, publishing an impact report by summer 2026. Early indicators – such as student satisfaction scores of 8.7/10 and a 92 % retention rate for those returning for the final year – suggest the model could expand to other departments, pending capacity reviews.
Meanwhile, the university reminds prospective applicants to check the latest departmental restrictions for Fall 2025. Several science‑heavy departments (e.g., Engineering, Physics) will not host study‑abroad students, though the History of Art timeline remains unaffected.
- Programme start: September 2025
- Application opening: 1 March 2025
- Decision deadline: 15 July 2025
- Approx. places: 30‑35 annually
- Funding ceiling: £4,500 via Turing Scheme
Frequently Asked Questions
How many study‑abroad slots are available for History of Art students?
UCL typically allocates between 30 and 35 places each academic year for the History of Art programme. The exact number can shift slightly depending on the number of agreements signed with partner universities during the preceding summer.
What language proficiency is required for non‑English partners?
Most partner institutions ask for at least an intermediate (CEFR B1/B2) level in the local language. Students must submit proof – such as a DELF, DELE or Goethe‑Institute certificate – as part of the application. Those who lack the required level are encouraged to continue language studies in their second year before departure.
Can students from low‑income backgrounds afford the extra year?
Yes. Eligible applicants from Access and Widening Participation backgrounds may apply for the UCL Turing Funding Scheme, which can cover up to £4,500 of travel, living and tuition costs. The scheme is competitive, and applicants must meet the same academic standards as other candidates.
What happens if a partner university cancels its exchange slots?
Because exchange numbers are renegotiated each year, UCL warns students to keep backup options. If a partner withdraws, the Study Abroad Office will re‑allocate the student to another approved university with a similar academic profile, ensuring no one loses the opportunity to study abroad.
Will the year abroad affect graduation timelines?
The program extends the degree to four years, but the extra year is built into the qualification. Students still graduate with a BA (Honours) in History of Art – the transcript simply notes “with a Year Abroad”. This structure means employers recognise the international experience without penalising the graduate’s progression.