Complete UCLA Physics abroad this summer!

UCEAP Summer Physics offers UCLA students the opportunity to complete intensive physics coursework while studying abroad in England, Scotland, or Ireland.

Starting Summer 2027, students in the Physics for Life Sciences track can complete the full UCLA Physics 5ABC series in one summer. Students in the Physics for Engineers track at the University of Glasgow can satisfy UCLA Physics 1A and 1B.

This page provides UCLA-specific information about program options, eligibility, the application process, and course equivalencies. For information about housing, academics, student life, and the experience at each location, visit the corresponding UCEAP program page.

Summer 2027 at a Glance
  • 3 destinations · England | Scotland | Ireland
  • 8 weeks · Two intensive 4-week sessions
  • Life Sciences · Complete UCLA Physics 5ABC
  • Engineering · Complete UCLA Physics 1A + 1B in Glasgow
  • Applications open · October 29, 2026

Sussex Summer Physics

University of Sussex | England

Track: Physics for Life Sciences
Courses Abroad: Introductory Physics 1 & 2 (15 quarter UC units)
UCLA equivalency: Physics 5A, 5B, and 5C
Program length: 8 weeks

[View Sussex Summer Physics on UCEAP]

Glasgow Summer Physics

University of Glasgow | Scotland

Physics for Life Sciences
Courses Abroad: Physics for Life Sciences 1 & 2 (15 quarter UC units)
UCLA equivalency: Physics 5A, 5B, and 5C
Program length: 8 weeks

Physics for Engineers
Courses Abroad: Physics for Engineering 1 & 2 (15 quarter UC units)
UCLA equivalency: Physics 1A and 1B
Program length: 8 weeks

[View Glasgow Summer Physics on UCEAP]

Dublin Summer Physics

University College Dublin | Ireland

Track: Physics for Life Sciences
Courses Abroad: Introductory Physics 1 & 2 (15 quarter UC units)
UCLA equivalency: Physics 5A, 5B, and 5C
Program length: 8 weeks

[View Dublin Summer Physics on UCEAP]

Am I Eligible?

To participate in UCEAP Summer Physics, UCLA students must meet the following requirements:

Eligibility:
✓ Math Prerequisites: Must be completed by the end of Spring 2027 with a minimum grade of C.

    • Physics for Life Science: Math 3A/B/C, Math 31A/B, or LS30A/B
    • Physics for Engineers: Math 31A/B and 32A, (32B recommended)

✓  Cumulative GPA:

    • 2.90 for the University of Glasgow
    • 2.50 for the University College Dublin
    • 2.50 for the University of Sussex

✓  Maintain good academic standing

Not sure if you’re academically prepared?

We encourage students to take the optional Math Readiness Test before applying. The test is a self-assessment designed to help you determine your preparation for the program and is not an application requirement.

What should I expect?
Summer Physics is intensive.
The program consists of two accelerated four-week sessions over eight weeks. Students should expect physics coursework to be their primary commitment while abroad. Visit the UCEAP program pages to compare the academic schedules and learning environments at each location.

Every fall, the UCLA Study Abroad office hosts a series of info sessions for the Summer Physics programs. We discuss the application process, eligibility, academics, and finances, among other topics. See previous & upcoming sessions below.

GLOW: UCEAP Summer Physics Info Session
(Murphy Hall, Room 2325)
2:30 – 5:00 PM

Previous Recorded Sessions (Please note that there are now 3 approved courses instead of 2):

  • Glasgow Summer Physics Info Session (watch here) took place on 12/3/2025
    • Info Session led by the University of Glasgow team. Followed by Q&A with UC campus advisors, the University of Glasgow, and the UCEAP systemwide team.
  • Dublin Summer Physics Info Session (watch here) took place on 11/12/2024 at 9 a.m.  
    • Info Session for Dublin Summer Physics led by Professor Padraig Dunne. Followed by Q&A with campus advisors, University College Dublin, and the UCEAP systemwide team

Step 1: View Deadlines –Applications open on Thursday, October 29th, 2026, at 9:00 am and close on Wednesday, March 3rd, 2027, at 11:59 pm. Apply early! Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and space is not guaranteed.

Step 2: Apply – Review the UCEAP How to Apply instructions, then complete the UCEAP online application. The UCEAP application provides program- and campus-specific instructions and identifies the documents students need to submit. If required by your school or college, upload the UCLA Study Abroad Clearance Form.

Students in the following UCLA schools and colleges are required to submit a study abroad clearance form:

Step 3: Application Review & Decision

UCEAP and UCLA Study Abroad will review your application to confirm that you meet the program’s eligibility requirements. If you meet and maintain all eligibility requirements, you may be accepted as long as space remains available.

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. You should generally receive your UCLA campus review notification approximately one month after submitting a complete application. If UCLA approves your application, UCEAP will then complete its review and notify you separately of your final program status.

Be sure to monitor your email for notifications and next steps from both UCLA Study Abroad and UCEAP.

Will these programs satisfy the Physics 5ABC or 1ABC series?

  • Starting Summer 2027, Bruins in the Physics for Life Sciences track can complete the full Physics 5ABC series.
  • Bruins participating in the Physics for Engineers track at the University of Glasgow can satisfy Physics 1A and 1B of the Physics 1ABC series.

Which UCEAP Summer Physics Programs are available to UCLA students for Summer 2027?

Is the Physics for Engineers track available at all locations?

Is the Math Readiness Test required?

  • No. The Math Readiness Test is an optional self-assessment designed to help students determine whether they are academically prepared for the accelerated Summer Physics curriculum. It is not an application requirement.

Can I apply for more than one program?

  • No. UCLA Study Abroad and UCEAP permit only one study abroad application per term.

Are these programs limited in space?

  • Space is not guaranteed. In previous years, we have generally accommodated interested UCLA students. However, with new program options that satisfy additional UCLA Physics requirements, we anticipate that student interest may increase for Summer 2027.We review applications on a first-come, first-served basis, so we strongly encourage students to apply early. Applications open October 29, 2026.

What happens if my preferred Summer Physics program fills up?

  • If the program you apply to fills up, you can transfer your application to another Summer Physics program with space available.

Is there financial aid available for these programs?

  • Eligible students may use UCLA financial aid toward these programs. Financial aid eligibility and award amounts vary by student. Students should consult UCLA Financial Aid and Scholarships for information about their individual eligibility and Summer 2027 financial aid.

Will medical schools and other health professions programs accept these courses?

  • UCEAP Summer Physics coursework earns UC credit and appears on the UCLA transcript. The host institution does not issue a separate transcript.However, medical schools and other health professions programs establish their own prerequisite and admission requirements. UCLA Study Abroad cannot guarantee that a particular medical school will accept this coursework to satisfy its prerequisites. Students are responsible for reviewing the requirements of the schools to which they plan to apply and should contact those schools directly with questions about prerequisite coursework.

    Since 2011, more than 1,000 UCLA students, many of whom are pre-health students, have participated in UCEAP Summer Physics programs.