Welcome to UCL Debating Society! We're UCL’s oldest and likely largest/most prestigious society. Everyone is more than welcome. We welcome anyone and everyone to take part, regardless of whether you have had any previous experience or what academic discipline you are in. We cannot stress enough that you need no prior experience! Most members have no debating experience upon joining the society.
You’ll find that our committee and membership is very diverse in background and opinions, but we all have a shared commitment to good faith and good-natured debate and the promotion of critical thought. UCL Debating Society is more than willing to try and accommodate anyone who wants to get involved.
Roles on the committee include conveners (organising debating tournaments), training officers, treasurer, welfare officer, publicity officer, vice president, president, and more!
Each Thursday, we run training sessions (including 1 lesson and a practice round where you can observe, debate, or judge) which are open to everyone and a great way to develop your debating, public speaking and analytical skills. Attending these (alongside having standard membership) also allows you to represent UCL at competitions at other Universities.
We also have great social opportunities! Every Thursday after sessions, we socialise in the Institute bar. There are various socials throughout the year, but two that stand out are the annual Halloween social and the black tie Foundation Dinner in the spring.
UCL Debating Society not only attend debating tournaments but hosts many throughout the year, which you can get involved with by volunteering, judging, convening, or debating!
The standard membership provides unlimited access to our training sessions and allows members to participate in external competitions. External competitions are a great way to meet new people and compete at a national and international level.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us. If you're on the fence about joining, drop by for a taster session or message us!
We hope to see you around! - UCL Debating Soc
UCL Debating Society have signed the Zero Tolerance to Sexual Harassment Pledge.