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International Summer School

Academic programmes

All our courses are accredited and provided by faculty within our colleges with input from specialist external speakers and researchers. We try to provide a range of courses to bring people from all walks of life together and offer them the chance to learn from each other as well as our staff. Our course are intermediate or advanced undergraduate levels and so are suitable for anyone who has completed a year of undergraduate study or more. We also welcome Postgraduate students and professionals onto our courses in each area.

Teaching is delivered through a range of lectures, seminars and tutorials as well as field trips in relevant areas and invitations from guest speakers from industry.

Each course is coordinated by a member of faculty who will be available throughout the programme. There may also be contributions from other faculties but who are experts on their particular topic. It is this interdisciplinary approach which will give you a comprehensive view of your chosen subject.

The aim of our teaching is not to tell you the ‘correct’ answer, but to explain the main points of a topic and encourage debate. This helps you to understand the different arguments, make judgements about their merits and learn to analyse a topic critically.

Our teaching style and ethos means that you will become a partner in the learning process. Classes are delivered to small groups, encouraging all students to participate and actively contribute to the programme. Participation is an important part of the learning process and it is important to do some reading before each class, so that you can follow and contribute to the discussion.

All participants on the International Summer School will have registered access to our IT system, enabling them to access ELE (Exeter Learning Environment) our virtual platform where readings and class notes are shared as well as 24 hour access to our Library in the Forum.

Each credit-bearing course includes 48 hours of academic contact time. You are expected to complete pre-course readings as well as individual study before and after each academic session. You should expect to complete at least two hours of independent study each day, in preparation for these sessions.

An important part of UK academic culture is independent study. This usually involves working on your own or in small groups to research a topic and contribute to a seminar. Independent study is intended to develop skills such as critical analysis and problem-solving to help develop your own ideas. Most of the courses include group work designed to encourage team-working skills. As groups will include students from different countries, it is a good way of learning about working in a multi-cultural environment.

The format of your assessment will depend on your chosen subject but will include a piece of ‘formative’ assessment early in the programme which will help you complete final assessments and achieve the best possible grade. The final assessments consist of a presentation on the final day of the programme and/or written assignment due either by the end of the programme or within 2 weeks of the end of the programme, dependent on your chosen course.

Some courses involve an examination on the last day instead of a written assignment. Please see your individual course syllabus for more specific assessment details.

Many students are able to take summer school courses for credit and each course has been accredited at 15 Exeter credits and 7.5 ECTS. North American universities generally award 3 credits. If you wish to receive credit for your course please check with your academic advisor or international office at your home institution regarding transfer policies before you apply. We will be happy to supply any additional information that they need.

The University of Exeter standard English Language Level requirements apply to this programme and full details can be found on our International Students area. Below is an overview of basic guidelines for applying and if you are unsure if any of these apply to you, please contact iss@exeter.ac.uk to confirm.

Basic English language level requirements:

  • Reside in a country for more than three months where English is a widely spoken or native language. This includes short term study where the course has lasted for 3 months or more
  • Come from an English-speaking country
  • Have a letter or transcript from your place of study to confirm that courses in your institution are taught exclusively in English (excluding English language courses)
  • Have a qualification from one of the following with the minimum grades detailed below.

Qualification

Grade

Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English

Grade C or above

Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English

Grade C or above

CEFR

Minimum score of B2

European Baccalaureate

60% or above

GCSE/IGCSE English Language

Grade C or above

IGCSE English as a Second Language

Grade B or above

HKDSE English (Hong Kong)

Level 5 overall (no less than Level 4 in any sub-section)

IELTS

6.5 (with no less than 6 in each component)

International Baccalaureate English

Standard Level Grade 5 or Higher Level Grade 4 or above

Pearson Test of English (Academic)

58 with a minimum of 51 in all communicative skills

TOEFL

Internet-based TOEFL - 90

CET-4

Score 550 or above

CET-6

Score 520 or above

Our courses are a mixture of introductory levels up to pre-master level courses but do not require applicants to be studying on particular courses before applying. It may be beneficial to have a background in the area, particularly on our more science based courses like Preventative Medicine, but this is not a requirement.

Anyone can apply for any of the courses providing they are able to prove a GPA of 3.0 out of 4.0 or above (or equivalent in their own country). For students who have yet to complete their first year or who are looking to try this before starting a degree programme, please contact iss@exeter.ac.uk to discuss entry requirements in more detail.

If you are unsure if you meet the entry requirements, you can email us to check or just apply and we will let you know if you have been successful. If you are not successful we will contact you to inform you what you need to gain a place on the programme.

Apply now

Applications for our 2024 are now closed. Please complete our Register your Interest form to get information on our 2025 programme, including dates and notification of our application window. 

Find out more about British Cultures from Dr Jo Ezra, the module convenor on the programme, as well as some previous students on the course.

"Studying at the University of Exeter was one of the best decisions I’ve made in college and probably my life. I met so many amazing people from all different countries and formed unforgettable friendships. Whether taking a weekend trip or just exploring Exeter after class, I was constantly having the time of my life. I couldn’t be more thankful for this experience and everyone who had a part in it."

Emma  – University of Kansas, USA

"The International Summer School program was a blast for me. I studied Global enterprise with a truly diverse class as my fellow student were from various countries across the globe. This made the class very much practical as we got to share experiences and business practices from our countries – truly global if you ask me. I totally loved the entire program from the tour in London, the social events to the very last day. I did not want it to end. Thank you Exeter for a lovely experience."

Oyinye Stephanie  - Ashesi University College, Ghana