A summer school gives you the opportunity to study in another country, make new friends and gain skills that will stand out on your CV.
What's involved
A summer school is a short programme, held over the summer months, where you can study overseas in a specific subject area.
Most summer schools last between one and eight weeks, depending on the programme.
You can choose courses similar to your degree subject, or try something completely new.
Teaching is delivered in English unless you're joining a language-specific programme. Some programmes also offer the chance to learn the local language or build on what you already know.
Key benefits
- Experience living and studying in a new country and culture
- Programmes are short and can fit around your main studies
- Meet new people and make lifelong friendships
- Improve your job prospects – employers worldwide value global experience and cultural awareness
- Build your confidence – studying and living abroad can be transformative, helping you to adapt to new situations and problem-solve
- Most importantly, it's a chance to have a great time while gaining new skills
Who's eligible?
You can usually take part in a summer school if you've completed at least one semester of undergraduate study at Westminster.
If you're taking a referral or deferral exam during the summer period, make sure your summer school dates don't clash.
Final-year students will also need to consider their graduation date when applying.
Entry requirements and documents
Requirements will vary depending on the summer school you apply for. Most will ask for:
- your most recent academic transcript
- a personal statement
- an academic reference
- a copy of your passport ID page
What are my options?
Summer school exchanges
Each year, we offer undergraduates a number of summer school places with partner institutions around the world.
In the past, students have attended programmes in Denmark, Hong Kong, Italy and Sweden.
Details of opportunities and how to apply can be found in the Global Opportunities section on Blackboard.
Other summer schools
You can also search for your own opportunities if you're looking for a programme that better suits your interests.
To help you with your research, we regularly share opportunities for you to consider on Blackboard.
Costs and funding
If you're attending a summer school with one of our exchange partners, tuition fees may be waived. If so, this will be clearly stated on Blackboard.
If you source your own summer school, you'll likely need to pay tuition fees and any other associated costs.
If you need help with funding, you may be able to apply for a Global Experience Bursary.
How to apply
Application deadlines vary depending on the institution. Most are in April or May, but you might get a discount if you apply early.
To learn about summer schools and how to apply, get in touch with our Student Mobility Team via the Student Centre.