ESPS at UCL

I recently graduated with a law degree from Kings, but have decided that I would like to do another degree, and the ESPS course at UCL has caught my attention. I have done some research on it and it seems like a really interesting course.

Does anyone know how competitive it is to get an offer? I have AAA at A-Level (English Literature, French, Music), and a B at AS-Level (Physics), as well as all A's and A*'s at GCSE. I would like to major in Italian - if I get an interview should I be prepared for a series of questions to determine my knowledge of all things Italian?! Does anyone have any suggestions on how to make my UCAS personal statement stand out?

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

Reply 1

chiller521

hey i applied for ESPS last year and im starting it this sept at UCL.
In regards to your grades they seem absoulty fine- my offer for ESPS- was AAA and a pass at AS level- i got AAAc and got in!
ESPS is very competitive, u definetly need to do some research on europe and go in knowing what you want 2 do with this degree- general knowledge is an advantage but as they said in the pre interview lecture they want to see a spark and a passion for the degree. I think a couple of hundred apply for ESPS, 400 i think, and 40 get a place.
I also am majoring in Italian- but im starting it frm scratch, i dont know a word- i just went and they asked me why do u want 2 do italian here? i rambled off something about being passionate for the language and italian society and culture.
the interview itself, was an experience, they asked questions that i wasnt prepared for, like 'Should the USA have the right to police the world?' and then they ask questions on ure response, the staff are very friendly and you get tea and bickies, always an advantage
all the best with your application! any other questions email me
d :smile:

Reply 2

FarEastGerman

I'm also starting ESPS in September (or, next week even!!! :-) ) , with major language French. I also got, and met an AAA offer (French, History, English Lit or Maths).

Your grades seem good enough, but what might be a problem is that you studied no 'humanities' for A-level, which they explicitly ask for. And no, English Literature doesn't count as a 'humanities' subject, i asked that myself (but i also had History). On the other hand, you have an A in French, which should be a plus (even though you're doing Italian) since it shows your interest in foreign cultures/ability with languages.

Like chiller said, it is quite competitive. I really don't want to show off, but i got the 5 A's i was predicted and i also had an A in German, so it does seem that they are quite demanding. Since you have that problem of no humanities you're really going to need to impress them with your personal statement/interview. I put quite a heavy emphasis in mine on my international upbringing, 'European spirit' etc...although i don't know if that's what did the trick for me. I did have the feeling that they had already made their mind up by the time i went for the interview, so if you do impress them with your Personal Statement it might work.

I fell in love with this course from the start, and i really recommend applying-it's definitely worth trying and you certainly have a chance of getting in! All the best!

PS: there's quite a large thread on ESPS further back in this forum (something like page 8 or so) have a look for more tips...

ESPS at UCL

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