The French components of this course are taught and taken at UCL, and the Asian or African language components at the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), our near neighbour. There is strong emphasis on spoken and written language work and the opportunity to undertake interdisciplinary study. The Undergraduate Preparatory Certificates (UPCs) are intensive one-year foundation courses for international students of high academic potential who are aiming to gain access to undergraduate degree programmes at UCL and other top UK universities. Throughout the course your teaching will be conducted mainly through small seminar groups, together with some lectures. Seminars are characterized by a 'hands-on' textual and analytical approach, whereas lectures are used for discussing general intellectual contexts. In addition to linguistic and cultural understanding, the programme aims to develop skills in critical reasoning, independent thinking and application of theoretical concepts. You will learn how to conduct research and to communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Graduates of the department have entered a wide range of professions including finance, commerce, journalism, education, the media, public relations, translation and interpreting, and the police.