Entry requirements
Who can attend the International Summer School?
The courses on offer this year are generally aimed at undergraduate students looking to undertake a subject that may not be on offer in their own university or for those simply looking to have an educational experience abroad.
Experiential programmes such as Theatre and Performance Studies, Geology in Scotland and Education in a Globalised World would be of interest to a wider range of students by providing a 'hands-on' experience.
In most instances a pre-requisite would be an IELTS score of 6.0 or equivalent and a GPA of at least 3.0.
I am under 18. Can I apply?
If you are under 18, please contact us before you apply.
I have a disability. How do I let you know?
You may indicate the nature of your disability while filling your online application form, but we would recommend that you discuss your needs (this could include access, examination and study arrangements) before you apply to ensure that appropriate support can be arranged for you.
You may also contact the University Disability Service. All information disclosed to them about your disability or medical condition will be treated as "sensitive personal data" as defined by the Data Protection Act (1998), and will not be passed on to a third party without your explicit signed consent.
The University is committed to the Disability Equality Scheme and ensuring that all students have a positive experience of the learning and teaching environment.
English requirements
What are the English requirements?
If your first language is not English, we require a minimum IELTS score of 6.0 with no subtest lower than 6.0, or equivalent
Which English tests do you accept?
The University accepts the following Secure English Tests (SELT):
- CAE (Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English)
- CPE (Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English)
- PTE Academic (Pearson Test of English, Academic test)
I am fluent in English but English is not my first language. Do I still need to provide an English test?
You don’t need to prove your knowledge of English if
- you can show you’re a national of one of the following majority English-speaking countries: Antigua and Barbuda; Australia; the Bahamas; Barbados; Belize; Canada; Dominica; Grenada; Guyana; Jamaica; New Zealand; St Kitts and Nevis; St Lucia; St Vincent and the Grenadines; Trinidad and Tobago; USA.
- you have an academic qualification that was taught in a majority English speaking country and is recognised by UK NARIC as being equivalent to a UK bachelors degree
- you have successfully completed a course as a Tier 4 (Child) student that was at least 6 months long, and that finished less than 2 years before you got your confirmation of acceptance for studies (CAS)
- you are an EU citizen and can demonstrate you have been taught in English.
Programme and Summer School information
What is a typical day like?
The number of contact hours with teaching staff will vary depending on the nature and on the pedagogical objectives of the course but on average they are between 50 and 80 hours across the duration of each course.
Most courses are a mix of seminar, lecture and experiential learning, supplemented by directed learning hours. Some courses will focus more on the practice and will be field-based; others will be more lab-based and lecture-based.
An average day would include
- 3-4 hours of lab/lecture/seminar/guided visit,
- 2-3 directed learning hours to prepare for assessment and other preparatory exercises,
- optional social programme activities in the evening.
Are there any assessments?
All credit-bearing courses are assessed and the type of assessment varies, depending on the pedagogical needs and objectives of the courses. Science courses have a continuous assessment while Social Sciences and Arts courses tend to focus on a mix of essay/project based assessment, group presentations, and individual presentations.
Non-credit-bearing courses are not assessed.
How many credits will I gain during the Summer School?
It depends.
Our credit bearing courses offer between 10 and 30 credits each dependent on the length of course and the subject. Generally our courses are awarded at least 3 credits in the US system and 7.5 ECTS in the European system, but we recommend that you check with your home institution how much credit will be awarded for the course you take at the University of Glasgow. Credit-bearing courses are of varying duration and can be as short as 1 week or as long as 8 weeks.
You will not earn any credit if you select a non-credit-bearing course.
What else will I gain during the International Summer school?
Make your CV stand out! The University of Glasgow is one of the world’s top-ranking Universities in the world. Part of the prestigious Russell Group, the University is also one of the oldest Universities of the English-speaking world.
Studying abroad is a highly rewarding experience. Alongside the personal growth that comes with international travel, seeing the world, experiencing other cultures and adapting to a new environment are essential learning experiences that are sought after by employers.
Why should I come to Glasgow?
Glasgow is Scotland's largest city and offers a blend of internationally-acclaimed museums and galleries, stunning architecture and vibrant nightlife. The city has also a long-standing reputation for its live music scene and fantastic shopping.
Glasgow is also a short ride away from the Scottish countryside and stunning scenery so it is an ideal gateway to explore Scotland’s spectacular heritage, discover its wildlife or take part in its many outdoors activities.
Visa
Will I need a visa to attend the International Summer School?
Yes. International students need a Student Visitor’s visa. Once you have accepted your unconditional offer of a place on one of the Summer School courses and paid your deposit, the Admissions team will issue a Visa Letter to you, to enable you to apply for your visa.
The Summer School is a short-term programme so a full Tier 4 Student visa is not normally required but please check the UKVI website for additional information on visas to the UK.
Accommodation
Do I have to find my own accommodation?
No. Accommodation in your own room is included in the fee. You will be able to apply for accommodation once you have received an offer of a place on your chosen course.
What type of accommodation is available?
Individual rooms are part of our self-contained flats which also include a well-equipped kitchen and laundry facilities. Normally 4-5 other students will share the flat. The halls of residence are self-catering and do not include meal plans.
The flats are located in the University’s Student accommodation in the West End of Glasgow. As with many UK ancient universities, the halls of residence are located outside of campus and so you may expect to walk 15-20 minutes to classes.
My course takes place at the Dumfries campus. Where will I stay?
Accommodation is provided at the Dumfries Campus and is included in the price.
Airport welcome and social programme
Will there be someone to welcome me at the airport?
Yes. For students arriving at Glasgow International Airport on the Sunday immediately before the start of the course, there will be an airport transfer service between 06.00 and 18.00 hours.
Closer to the start of the programme, we will ask you to provide your exact arrival details. This will also happen if you are studying at Dumfries Campus.
What does the social programme include?
The social programme offers you a choice of optional activities during the week as well as the chance to explore some of Scotland’s famous sights at the weekend. Last year’s activities included a visit to Edinburgh castle, a boat trip on Lomond and a Ceilidh (Gaelic social gathering, which usually involves Scottish traditional music and dancing).
You may still be able to fit in a visit to a distillery, enjoy a visit to a medieval castle, attend a Highland Games or play a round of golf.
My course takes place at the Dumfries campus. How do I join the social programme?
During the week, those attending the Dumfries campus will be enjoy an optional social programme in and around that campus.