Summer Schools Programmes In The UK: How They Help

Over the years, many students from India have fulfilled their dreams of studying in some of the world’s best education institutes in the UK. However, some students very understandably can find taking the first step towards a new country daunting and would like to understand their options really well before making an important decision. The UK offers summer school and short-taster programmes that help international students take a taster module and experience campus life even before they join their coveted institutions for longer-term programmes.

Typically, a summer school is a short off-term course lasting for a few weeks that allows students to be a part of different cultural and professional scenarios and learn specific subjects or skills and can be a great standalone learning experience itself.

These programmes help students maximise education through short courses that help them acquire new skills and build on existing knowledge. The duration of summer school programmes is generally three weeks with active classes for two to three hours every day. Such courses allow students to make the most of their summer break while keeping a balance between leisure and learning. In addition to the many academic benefits, a summer school programme can help students break the ice with new people and cultures.

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Attending A Summer School In The UK

The UK is widely acknowledged as a learning hub for students from around the world. It is a leader in several fields of study including Law, Art and Design, Engineering, Business Studies, Management, Finance, and Science. A degree from the UK enables students to trace a pathway to professional success in the competitive knowledge economy and prepares them for jobs of the future. Similarly, a summer school programme in the UK can be an excellent way for students to explore untapped possibilities, add new skills and really stand out. The UK offers many summer school programmes at top universities including four of the top 10 universities in the world as per the QS University Rankings 2022.

As a long standing tradition, schools in the UK break for 8-9 weeks for the regular scholars during the summer and this is the period that the universities open their doors to school students from all over the world. The UK has two types of summer schools for students at the school level and for college level students. Students from the UK as well as international students can apply to these schools and get to experience some of the leading universities in the world. At a summer school in the UK, students can not only learn skills not covered in the academic curriculum but also have great fun with people who can share a very different perspective.

A Unique Academic Experience

Undergraduate students can learn a unique set of skills and choose from a wide range of subjects and courses that complement their field of study at the home university. It could be anything from Coding to Business Studies, or from Psychology to Data Analytics. Not just this, during the summer programmes universities bring in some of the most experienced industry professionals who help students gain the most current and relevant understanding of real-world challenges, along with the application of their solutions. With leaner classes, students can get more face-time with the faculty to really absorb concepts overall. Many courses provide a certification which helps in building a solid resume. The experience renders a new meaning to the word ‘school’.

A Chance To Stand Out

Skills learned during a summer school are usually transferrable and add value to a student’s academic profile. With the opportunity to break free from a traditional structure, students can get the confidence to explore your untapped potential. It can help them develop strong leadership skills and an understanding of teamwork that may give them an edge over their peers in a competitive job market.

Summer School Programmes Are Also Your Chance To Stand Out

Exposure To New Cultures

Students can develop a completely new perspective through exposure to a diversity of thoughts and cultures with classmates from across the globe. They get a closer look at each other’s lives, which truly helps them develop an innate sense of being global citizens. The programmes are designed to be fun and engaging, to offer students the opportunity to make friends and build networks and really create memories that may last a lifetime. From city excursions to group assignments there are many activities that connect all the students together. UK summer schools focus on creating compassion and cultural awareness, which is what really stays with the students even after the programme is over.

Explore Various Culture With Summer School Programme In UK

How To Apply

The application procedure varies, based on a student’s choice of university. It is important for applicants to understand the options carefully, even though the entire process is online. In order to apply, students will need to check out details about the eligibility criteria, important dates, and the specifics of the application form. Students are advised to connect directly with the university for clarifying any queries or doubts about the process.

International students will need to submit documents like proof of their English proficiency and that they are attending a university or school in their native country. Students can present accepted test scores like IELTS for proving their linguistic ability or the university may ask them to take an English exam to assess their skills. Some of the more established high-ranking universities may ask for a minimum GPA score. Once the application is complete, they must send it to the university via mail or submit it online depending on the terms and conditions laid down by the university.

Eligibility Criteria

The UK offers hundreds of summer school programmes. Eligibility depends on the admission criteria set by the specific university a student applies for. Every student must carefully read through the rules and requirements as some courses need them to have certain qualifications or skill sets.

Indian students will need to submit proficiency scores like IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE based on the university’s pre-set conditions, as English is not the first language. Besides this, Indian students need to submit a visa application to the UK for gaining access to a summer school programme. Students can learn more about the visa requirements on the official UKVI website.

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The article is co-authored by Rittika Chanda Parruck, Director Education, British Council, India, and Robert Carthy, Vice-Chair, BUILA.