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Learn more about the Undergraduate Preparatory Certificates (UPC) entrance tests. This includes how to prepare as well as when and how you鈥檒l take them.
Which entrance tests do I need to take?
UPCSE (Science and Engineering)
If you鈥檙e applying to the UPCSE, you'll choose two optional subjects from Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics and Physics.
You will then take an entrance test in each of your two optional subjects.
If you pass both of your entrance tests, a UPCSE Admissions Tutor will assess your whole application to decide if you will be invited to interview.
UPCH (Humanities)
UPCH without Mathematics
If you鈥檙e applying for UPCH without Mathematics, a UPCH Admissions Tutor will assess your application to decide whether you will be invited to interview.
If you are, you will be sent a critical thinking text to read and study before your interview.
UPCH with Mathematics
If you鈥檙e a UPCH applicant and you intend to study the Mathematics optional subject, you will take the mathematics entrance test first.聽
If you鈥檙e successful in the mathematics entrance test, a UPCH Admissions Tutor will assess your whole application to decide if you will be invited for a first interview, which will focus on your mathematical abilities.
If you鈥檙e successful in the first interview, you鈥檒l then be sent a critical thinking text to read and study, and you'll be invited to a second interview. You鈥檒l have at least one week to prepare for the second interview.聽
When will I take the entrance tests?
You can check the date of your entrance test(s), interview and the final decision on your application below.
There are different dates depending on which UPC stream you study, and whether you are taking the UPCH Mathematics subject.
A complete application means:
- a fully completed application form (including the personal statement)
- copies of school transcripts
- a reference
- IELTS for UKVI (Academic)/PTE Academic UKVI (taken after September 2023)
- payment of the application fee
- portfolio and/or showreel (if relevant).
UPCSE applicants and UPCH applicants taking Mathematics
| Submit a complete UPC application by | Take the UPC entrance tests on | Interviews scheduled between | Final decision on application by |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20 November 2024 | 30 November 2024 | 9鈥�18 December 2024 | 20 December 2024 |
| 15 January 2025 | 25 January 2025 | 3鈥�21 February 2025 | 21 February 2025 |
| 19 February 2025 | 1 March 2025 | 10鈥�28 March 2025 | 28 March 2025 |
| 19 March 2025 | 29 March 2025 | 7 April 鈥� 1 May 2025 | 1 May 2025 |
| 16 April 2025 | 3 May 2025 | 12鈥�23 May 2025 | 23 May 2025 |
If you鈥檙e an UPCH applicant taking Mathematics and you鈥檙e invited to a second interview, you will be sent the Critical Thinking Admissions task at least one week before your聽second interview.
UPCH applicants not taking Mathematics
| Submit a complete UPC application by | Interviews scheduled between | Final decision on application by |
|---|---|---|
| 20 November 2024 | 2鈥�6 December 2024 | 20 December 2024 |
| 15 January 2025 | 27鈥�31 January 2025 | 21 February 2025 |
| 19 February 2025 | 3鈥�7 March 2025 | 28 March 2025 |
| 19 March 2025 | 31 March 鈥� 4 April 2025 | 1 May 2025 |
| 16 April 2025 | 5鈥�9 May 2025 | 23 May 2025 |
If you鈥檙e invited to interview, you will be sent the Critical Thinking Admissions task at least one week before your interview.
How can I prepare for a test?
We strongly advise that you familiarise yourself with the practice entrance tests which are available below.
UPCH without Mathematics
Critical Thinking practice tests 1, 2 and 3 (including further guidance)
UPCH with Mathematics:
- .
UPCSE:
- .
These tests will give you a clear idea of the format and type of questions you will find in the actual entrance tests.
Recommended resources for preparing for the entrance tests
It may also be useful to look at a GCSE or AS-level textbook to see the range of topics and disciplines covered in each subject. You鈥檒l find suggestions on recommended resources below.
Biology:
- (select聽Biology AQA GCSE Higher).
Chemistry:
- Other Chemistry Primers on relevant topics from Oxford University Press.
Critical Thinking
For more information, please see information on the critical thinking text.
Mathematics:
- 聽(you do not need to go through the subjects on differentiation and integration)
- .
Physics:
- Any recent AS/Year 1 A Level Physics textbook.
Why do I need to take a test?
The entrance tests will help the Admissions Team decide whether you have the level of knowledge you need for the UPC course.
Biology, chemistry, mathematics and physics entrance tests
How do I take the tests?
You鈥檒l take these entrance tests online using a platform called 香港六合彩中特网 eXtend. Please see our guide on how to take the tests on 香港六合彩中特网 eXtend.
You should take the tests on a computer, tablet or laptop. Please make sure your device is fully charged or plugged in. You should not use your mobile phone to take the tests.
You need to use a JavaScript-enabled web browser. We recommend using Firefox, Chrome or Safari.
If your browser uses an advert blocker, ensure that 'extend.ucl.ac.uk' is approved in your settings.
On your test date, you鈥檒l need to log in to 香港六合彩中特网 eXtend with your eXtend username and password which will be sent to you the day before the test(s). Insert your username and the password to take your test(s).
Test format
The tests have 30 multiple-choice questions. You can try the practice tests in this format, and you鈥檒l receive feedback for each answer and an overall grade.
Time-limited attempt
You should also consider practising in limited time. You'll have one hour to complete the test on the actual test day, so time management is crucial.聽
Am I ready?
Your practice test score is derived from your first attempt at the test.
If you鈥檙e answering at least 50% of the questions correctly, you could be ready to take the UPC entrance tests.
This would also suggest that you should apply for the course if you haven't already. However, be sure that you meet the other entrance requirements.
What score do I need to be considered for an interview?
If you achieve 50% or above in each entrance test, a UPC Admissions tutor will assess your application.
Their decision regarding an invitation to interview will consider all elements of your application.
If you can't sit your test
If you can鈥檛 sit the test on the date you are given, please inform us by email at upc@ucl.ac.uk.
If you鈥檙e unwell before the test, it is best not to start them but to reschedule. Likewise, please inform us by email.
You will not be offered the chance to retake the tests if you start them.
Test day
On each test date, the test site will be open for 24 hours. This period starts at 10pm (UK time) the day before your test and ends at 10pm (UK time) on the test day.
On the test day, you鈥檙e expected to start your first test at 9am (your local time). If you have a second test, you should start this at 10:45am (your local time).
Entrance test instructions
UPC entrance tests should be taken under exam conditions:
- Your phone must be switched off and not in the room with you.
- You must not use the internet or seek help from anyone.
- The test should be completed without the assistance of another person.
Dictionary use
You can use a dictionary for the entrance tests. We recommend non-technical dictionaries (English-only or bilingual).
This is not essential, as the tests are designed so they can be completed without dictionaries.
Calculator use
A simple electronic calculator can be used. Below is a full list of suitable calculators:
- Casio FX85GT X
- Casio FX83GT+ (battery operated)
- Casio FX85GT+ (solar powered)
- Casio FX83MS (battery operated)
- Casio FX85MS (solar powered)
- Casio FX83ES (battery operated)
- Casio FX85ES (solar powered)
- Casio FX83WA (battery operated)
- Casio FX85GTCW
- Casio FX85WA (solar powered)
- Casio GT83GTCW.
If you have any problems during the test(s), please contact the UPC team. We will only be able to respond during UK office opening hours (Monday-Friday 9am鈥�5pm).