5 of the best summer schools in London for students

Welcome, students! As summer approaches, it's time to consider how you can make the most of your break whilst furthering your education. Look no further than the bustling metropolis of London, a city brimming with opportunities for personal growth and academic enrichment. In this blog post, we will delve into the exciting world of university summer courses in London, exploring the benefits, subjects on offer and valuable tips for a rewarding summer experience.

London School of Economics (LSE) Summer School

Located in the heart of London, LSE offers a wide range of summer courses taught by esteemed LSE faculty, including economics, finance, law and more. 2023 celebrates the 35th year of LSE’s Summer School and students can choose from a diverse selection of subjects that can be credited towards their degree at their home institution, subject to approval.

The LSE campus offers a vibrant, inclusive community and is situated near iconic landmarks such as the River Thames, Covent Garden and the West End, allowing students easy access to the cultural and historical gems that the city has to offer. Additionally, LSE offers a bespoke social programme that goes beyond the classroom, allowing students to forge lifelong friendships and expand their global network. Through a fun range of social events, both free and ticketed, students will have the opportunity to immerse themselves within London’s dynamic social scene. The experience at LSE Summer School extends far beyond the academic realm, providing students with life lessons that will shape both personal and professional growth.

Click here for LSE’s Summer School

King's College London Summer School

King's College London offers a comprehensive summer programme that covers a variety of subjects such as arts and humanities, business, health, law, science and social sciences. The courses are designed to provide an immersive learning experience and offer both pre-graduates and undergraduates the opportunity to delve deeper into their chosen subject under the guidance of distinguished lecturers. Students benefit from workshops, small group seminars, lectures, live case studies, educational visits and even discussions with expert guest speakers and they can also apply for external credit from their home institution towards their degree as well.

Click here for King's College London Summer School

Queen Mary Summer School

Queen Mary Summer School offers a diverse range of courses designed to provide students with an impactful and enriching learning experience. Students attending the Summer School benefit in numerous ways, acquiring valuable skills and knowledge for their chosen subject, making friends from around the globe and gaining academic credit for the completion of courses, which can be transferred back to their home degree.

There is a broad range of courses on offer at Queen Mary Summer School from Global Politics to Surgical Skills and Science, an Introduction to International Law and even Taylor Swift and Literature, allowing students to expand their knowledge and embrace new perspectives. 

Throughout the summer, Queen Mary Summer School also offers a dynamic social programme, providing students with opportunities to engage in various activities, events and outings, allowing them to further cultivate their social experiences and make the most of their time in London.

Click here for the Queen Mary Summer School

University College London (UCL) Summer School

UCL’s Summer School offers a fantastic opportunity for students seeking to gain new insights on various academic subjects that can be taken back to their home university as well as acquiring practical skills and industry insights. UCL is considered one of the top universities in the world and their Summer School offers a variety of undergraduate credit-bearing modules including Culture, Literature and the Arts, Geography and the Built Environment, Law and Medical Sciences to name but a few. Those teaching the classes range from lecturers who have completed their research at UCL and have gone on to publish their findings, to honourable guest speakers. There are also additional trips that students can join to further their educational journey, with previous students visiting the Old Bailey to sit in on murder cases on the ‘Understanding and Preventing Crime’ course.

Attending UCL's Summer School also provides students with the chance to immerse themselves in the vibrant and cosmopolitan city of London. As one of the world's most diverse and culturally rich cities, London offers a wealth of iconic landmarks to explore, a thriving arts scene and plenty of gourmet eateries to indulge in. UCL's central location allows for easy access to the city's numerous attractions, making it an ideal base for students to explore London on the weekends and after studies.

Click here for the UCL Summer School

Westminster Summer School

Westminster Summer School offers an excellent opportunity to make the most out of summer with a vast selection of exciting courses, a lively social programme and a central London location so students can make the most of everything the city has to offer. The programme runs for three or six weeks and upon completion, students receive academic credits and become a University of Westminster alumnus receiving additional benefits such as a 20% discount on Master’s courses, access to further education and professional development opportunities as well as a discounted gym membership.

Click here for Westminster Summer School

*Please note that availability, specific course offerings and schedules may vary each year. It's recommended to visit the official websites of these universities and check their current summer course offerings for the most accurate and up-to-date information.