The Students’ Union’s biggest election is coming to campus this term. If you’re thinking about running, planning to vote, or just want to know what’s actually going on, here’s everything you need to know about the Leadership Race.

What is the Leadership Race?

Every year, thousands of students step forward in the Leadership Race. Each March, you vote to choose the leaders who will shape student life at UCL.

Students life needs student leaders to shape every part of the student experience - from clubs, societies, and networks to the Students’ Union itself. You can be one of them.

Most leadership roles, such as society committees or Student Officer positions, are voluntary and sit alongside your studies. But six roles are full-time, paid Sabbatical Officer positions, where elected students take a year out of study to lead the entire Students’ Union.

Nominate yourself today

How does it all work?

We recruit undergraduate and postgraduate students who want to make a difference at UCL to step into leadership positions. By becoming a leader, you build skills in project management, teamwork, communication, and leadership, all while creating real change.

From Monday 26 January to Thursday 5 March, you can put yourself forward for a leadership role.

Nominations are open. Apply today.

Once nominations close, we announce candidates and launch campaigning during Vote Week, running from Monday 16 - Friday 20 March 2026. During this week, every students at UCL votes for the people they wish to represent them.

View the full schedule and key dates here.

Why student life needs student leaders

Student life is shaped by those chosen to speak for it. At a time when higher education faces rising costs, rapid advances in artificial intelligence, and an urgent need for sustainable change, student leadership matters more than ever.

This voting period is a rare moment for students to decide who will push for real support during the cost-of-living crisis, ensure new technologies benefit everyone, and put climate action first, among other challenges students are facing day-to-day. These decisions won’t just shape the year ahead - they’ll define the next century at UCL.

By voting, you take part in something larger than any one campaign: the shared responsibility of protecting, improving, and guiding higher education through uncertain times. The future of student life at UCL does not arrive by chance. It is shaped directly by those who choose to take part by applying for roles and voting.

What roles are available?

During the Leadership Race you can nominate yourself and vote for:

  • The six full-time Sabbatical Officers who lead the Students’ Union.
  • Student Officers, including the People of Colour (POC) Students’ Officer and Women’s Officer, who volunteer their time to represent students.
  • The president or treasurer of your society.
  • The president or treasurer of your sports club.
  • Networks
  • Student Trustees

What do Sabbatical officers do?

Picture yourself at the top - you'll be at the forefront of student advocacy, making key decisions across the Students' Union as a Director and Trustee for the students who elect you. As a Sabbatical Officer, you won't just be a representative – you'll be the driving force behind every aspect of student experiences at UCL.

  • Become a Director and Trustee of a £15m organisation and oversee the Student Union's strategic direction, finances, budgeting, and decision-making, managing the Chief Executive and senior team
  • Decide on the SU strategy and oversee the work of its services
  • Work strategically with UCL to influence key decisions, practices, and policies
  • Attend meetings with multiple departments across the Student Union to provide feedback on key developments and updates
  • Work to achieve your manifesto objectives
  • Be a point of contact for students and share their opinions across the Students' Union
  • Plan events and activities across campus to increase student engagement

Serving as a Sabbatical Officer isn't just a role; it's the ultimate graduate scheme. In this paid position, you'll gain invaluable leadership skills, strategic thinking, and hands-on experience that will set you apart in the professional world.

There will be no shortage of mentors, coaching, and training to set you up for success. We'll support you to grow professionally and personally, so you can thrive as a leader. So, what are you waiting for? Be part of the legacy of student leaders who have left a huge impact and apply today.

What's next?

Last updated 22 hours ago