Xiaohongshu
Every student at UCL has the potential to become a leader. Whether you’re starting at UCL with leadership experience already or at the start of your journey, we have everything you need to take the next step.
Here are some of the different leadership opportunities available to you at UCL…
Students’ Union leadership
The Union is led by six elected students, who work full time to lead every area of the Union and represent the interests of all students, helping to shape UCL now and in the future. They’re called Sabbatical Officers, and every March, all students get to vote for the next team of students to take on these roles. You could stand for election and put yourself forward to become a voice for UCL students.
Skills developed: Influencing, negotiation, strategic leadership, charity governance, teamwork, communication, resilience.
Club and society leadership
Each of our 400+ clubs and societies is led by students. Students join committees in roles such as President, Captain, Treasurer, Marketing Officer and many more. Every role is vital to how a group operates, from managing budgets and organising events to running training sessions. Clubs and societies wouldn’t exist without the thousands of dedicated student leaders who make them happen. You can even start your own group and join its committee.
Skills developed: Teamworking, communication, organisation and management, creative thinking.
London leadership
Our Student-Led Volunteering Programme will help you set up and run community outreach projects that make a real difference to the lives of people across London. You can also join an existing project and get out into the community to make a difference yourself.
Skills developed: Project management, teamworking, communication.
Sustainability leadership
Climate change affects us all. Our planet is facing rising temperatures and the destruction of natural habitats at an unsustainable rate. But there is hope: a growing community of student leaders is at the forefront of climate action. Led by our Sustainability Officer, our Sustainability Council will help you make a real and lasting impact at UCL and beyond. You can also take our sustainability leadership training, or attend our two-day, term three Sustainability Leadership Conference for expert-led leadership development.
Skills developed: Planning and organising, campaigning, communication.
Community leadership
We’re a community of students from every background, and our Networks help students from underrepresented groups organise, campaign for change and build a sense of community. Networks are led by elected students and cover everything from Parents and Carers to Trans Students. Get involved in the Networks that are relevant to you and help lead meaningful change across UCL.
Skills developed: Planning and organising, campaigning, communication.
Academic leadership
Students shape the way UCL works. In fact, more than 2,000 academic representatives at course, department and faculty level make positive changes every day by representing students’ academic interests. These students lead projects, influence decision-making and negotiate with staff to help make sure your academic experience is the best it can be. In October, you can put yourself forward to lead as an academic rep.
Skills developed: Influencing, communication, representation.
Leaders in dialogue
The world is becoming more polarised, and we need people who can help build cohesive communities through constructive dialogue. Our Leaders in Dialogue programme develops the leadership skills you need to communicate across difference, disagree well and help create a more cohesive community through constructive dialogue. If you want to become a Leader in Dialogue this year, you can apply for the programme here.
Skills developed: Communication, mediation, conflict resolution.
