1. Dr Christine Hoffmann Director UCL Language Centre
University Preparatory Certificate for Science and Engineering (UPCSE) at UCL Language Centre
Dr Christine Hoffmann
Director
UCL Language Centre

2. UPCSE at UCL Reasons and Rationale
To allow high-ability international students to prepare for access to UK universities (rigorous entry testing in science subjects and English);
Pre-university course taught at university (full-time UCL students, use of all facilities including laboratories, quality assurances) - best preparation for academically demanding university programmes;
Integrated teaching and learning in English for Academic Purposes, Academic Research Skills and Science;
Close liaison of UCL science departments (convenors) with UCL Language Centre in terms of syllabus design and assessment structure.

3. UPCSE Students – Profile and Performance
Students come from a range of countries with specific entry profiles (see handout);
Approximately 50% of participants apply to and study at UCL (see handout);
Only the most able students are selected to study at UCL;
Students can apply to other leading UK universities (Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial, LSE) that have programmes not offered by UCL;
Evidence that UPCSE students are in the top group of their year on undergraduate degree programmes.

4. UPCSE Staffing
Science lecturers (qualified to teach Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics and Physics and have a PGCE as well as ‘A-level’ teaching experience);
English for Academic Purposes (EAP) lecturers (DELTA qualified, MA, experience of teaching international students);
EAP/Science and Society plus Science Coordinators;
Educational Adviser;
Senior Administrators, Course Administrators and ICT Staff;
Convenors (from UCL departments);
Market Development Officer.

5. UPCSE Teaching and Timetables (Students)
Compulsory subjects include two science modules and EAP/Science & Society modules;
Sciences - 2 one-hour lectures a week and a number of small group weekly tutorials (academic problem-solving and discussion forum) and weekly laboratory sessions (2-3 hours per week);
Lecture review sessions (one hour per week per subject);
EAP – nine hours per week plus personal tutorials (academic progress and welfare issues);
Science & Society and Research Skills (2-3 hours per week);
Field trips (Biology and other Science subjects);
Student timetable (see handout).

6. UPCSE Teaching and Timetables (Staff)
Team meetings (weekly), Teaching Committee Meetings, Staff Student Consultative Meetings;
Programme Review and Development (syllabi, assessment structure, follow-up from external examiners’ feedback);
Staff Development.

7. Further Preparatory Certificate Developments
University Preparatory Certificate for the Humanities;
Graduate Preparatory Certificate for the Humanities (Pre-Master’s Programme).