For prospective students:
- Introduction
- Undergraduate study
- Postgraduate study
- International students
- Tuition fees
- Employability and graduate profiles
- Queen Mary learning
- Teaching
- IT facilities
- Library
- English language and study skills
- Language learning
- Foundation programmes
- Erasmus scheme and study in Europe
- International exchange programme
- Queen Mary living
- QM:Insight [ new window ]
In Visit us:
The Study China programme
Do you want to go to China for three weeks to explore its rich
and diverse economy and culture? Do you want to learn Chinese
language and find out how your future might be connected with China? Take a look at The Study China Programme.
Study India Programme 2010
Study India is a programme for UK undergraduate students, funded by UK India Education and Research Initiative. King's College London runs Study India in partnership with University of Birmingham. Students are accepted onto the programme by competitive application. Applications are welcomed from all undergraduate students enrolled on a degree at a University within the UK. Deadline for applications is March 17 2010. Visit www.studyindia.org.uk/ or email studyindia@kcl.ac.uk for further information and details on how to apply.
Student profiles:
Cristina Malaspina
BSc Business Management
Studied at the University of Miami
"Studying as an international student at the University of Miami has given me the opportunity to broaden my fields of interest, and integrate them with my degree. Academic standards in the US are extremely high, and I think I fully benefited from them. Aside from the academic, this year abroad has enabled me to grow and meet people from different backgrounds. It was one of the most memorable experiences of my life."
Sara Hammond
BA English and French
Studied at University of California San Diego
"UCSD was a fantastic experience for so many reasons. There were a huge variety of courses with a lot of different approaches to my subject and a lot of excellent teachers. I also learnt a lot outside of the classroom. San Diego is a fun city to be in and I had the chance to learn to scuba dive, go surfing, run a marathon, visit Mexico, ride on the equestrian team, swim with a club... I met a lot of really great people that I will be keeping in touch with. In all, it was the best possible way to spend the second year of my degree and I will be going back the first chance I get."
International exchange programme
- Introduction
- Eligibility
- Participating universities
- Finance
- Working
- Academic programme
- Accommodation and welfare
- Application procedures
- Contact
- Notes for successful applicants
Introduction
The international exchange programme enables students from Queen Mary to spend a year or the autumn semester at one of our partner institutions. First year students enrolled on a three year programme are invited to apply to spend the second year (or first semester of the second year) of their Queen Mary undergraduate degree course overseas. Four year degree students can apply for entry in year two or three of their degree programmes. The academic work you complete abroad will be credited towards your Queen Mary degree. You will continue to pay tuition fees to Queen Mary for your period abroad, you will not have to pay tuition fees at the host institution.
Eligibility
Current Queen Mary undergraduate students (with the exception of students in Law, Dentistry and Medicine) are eligible to apply. In exceptional cases students will be considered, (although some departments will not permit this) to apply for the autumn semester only in their final year.
Students who wish to apply for our exchanges with California or Melbourne must have entered Queen Mary with at least three grade Bs (or 300 tariff points) at A2-level or an equivalent qualification. Applicants for our other exchanges will be expected to have entered Queen Mary with at least three grade Cs (240 UCAS tariff points) at A-Level or an equivalent qualification ie BTEC, Access Course or international qualification. All applicants will need to demonstrate to their departmental adviser that a suitable course of study is available at the receiving institution, which will integrate into their current studies to provide an overall programme of study that is academically acceptable for the award of a Queen Mary degree. All successful applications must be approved by the applicant's department and by the Director of Study Abroad.
All offers of admission to the exchange programme will be conditional upon students successfully completing their end of year Queen Mary examinations. Students who fail to meet this offer will have their participation reviewed by their academic department at Queen Mary and the host institution. Either party may withdraw a student from the programme.
You can email any enquiries to Harry Gibney, Study Abroad Officer, at h.gibney@qmul.ac.uk. Discussions with your subject tutor, or Departmental Senior Tutor, should take place to ensure you have their permission to apply.
Participating universities
The following is a brief background to the institutions participating in the Queen Mary Exchange Programme. We recommend that you explore their websites and/or view the catalogues available in the Study Abroad Office, Room E09, Queens' Building.
[Please note that all external links open in a new window]
Academic strengths
| Institute | Academic strengths |
Hunter College |
Biological and Chemical Sciences Computing Science Economics English and Drama Geography History Mathematics Languages, Linguistics and Film Politics Physics |
| University of Miami | Biological and Chemical Sciences Business Management Computing Science Economics Engineering (all) English and Drama Geography History Mathematics Languages, Linguistics and Film Politics Physics |
| University of Richmond | Business Management Computing Science Economics English and Drama History Languages, Linguistics and Film Politics Physics |
| University of California | Biological and Chemical Sciences Business Management Economics Engineering (all) English and Drama Geography History Mathematics Languages, Linguistics and Film Politics Physics |
| University of Melbourne | Economics English and Drama Geography History Languages, Linguistics and Film Politics |
| Nanyang Technological University | Biological and Chemical Sciences Business Management Computing Science Economics Engineering (all) Materials Science |
University of California
Like the University of London, UCal consists of a number of campuses spread over the whole state. They are:
As here, each University has its own particular strengths, but all offer programmes in arts, social studies, science and engineering. The campuses are very different from each other, eg, some are urban, others rural, and each has a distinctive student body. The university is public and has a high academic reputation.
Costs also vary considerably both with regard to fees (which won't concern you) and accommodation (which will!). UCLA for example has high accommodation and living costs. Generally, the California exchange is the most expensive. If you are selected to apply for the University of California you can choose up to three campuses (in order of preference) to apply to.
University of Richmond, Virginia
University of Richmond, Virginia is an academically strong, private institution that combines the characteristics of a small college with the range and diversity of a major university. Students benefit from small classes and close student-faculty interaction. It has an undergraduate population of about 3000 students. It has a 350 acre landscaped campus (with lakes, trees etc) in a suburban setting six miles from the town of Richmond. Classified for regular undergraduate applicants as 'Highly Competitive'.
University of Miami, Florida
The University of Miami, Florida is a medium sized private university of about 8500 undergraduates and is situated in Coral Gables suburb, a metro ride from downtown Miami, on a lush, green campus of 250 acres. It has a high academic standing and offers courses in all faculties. Classified for regular undergraduate applicants as 'Very Competitive'.
Hunter College, City University of New York
Hunter College, City University of New York, is a three-acre campus situated in the heart of Manhattan in New York City. Established in 1870 it is a constituent College of the City University of New York. Some accommodation is available in Hunter dorms also located in Manhattan. Classified for regular undergraduate applicants as 'Very Competitive'.
University of Melbourne
With a student population of around 30,000 the University is one of Australia's largest and most prestigious institutions with an international reputation for the quality of its teaching and research. Note that the Australian academic year runs from January to December. However, Queen Mary students can only exchange from July to December for one semester or for one academic year, doing Semester 2 followed by Semester 1 (March - June).
Please also note that the University of Melbourne exchange is only open to students from the following departments: History, English and Drama, School of Modern Languages, Politics and Economics.
Nanyang Technological University
Nanyang Technological University was recently ranked by the Times Higher Education Supplement in the top 200 universities in the world (ranked 50 globally). The Yunan Garden campus is located in the southwestern part of Singapore and was designed by the world-famous architect Kenzo Tange. It currently has an undergraduate population of 17, 500 students.
Please note that the Nanyang Technological University exchange is not open to students reading Arts degrees.
Finance
You will continue to pay Queen Mary tuition fees for the period of study overseas - no additional tuition fee is levied. Students who participate on the exchange programme for one academic year will be charged half the normal tuition fee for that period. Students who receive an LEA grant will find their funding is reduced by the same amount. For LEA funded students, tuition fees (and where applicable maintenance grants) should continue to be paid. Applicants are advised to check individually, and as early as possible, with their LEAs that this will be the case as some LEAs will reduce the contribution made towards your tuition fee. You should also contact any other bodies involved with your finances to see how participation on the programme will affect their contribution.
All other costs such as travel, accommodation, living expenses, health insurance, campus charges etc must be met by the student.
Participation in these exchanges will almost certainly cost more than remaining at Queen Mary for the year; estimated costs, based on information provided by exchange institutions are given below. Students' experiences suggest that these figures err on the low side. Please note that the exchange university will not provide the required documentation for obtaining your visa unless you can demonstrate that you have access to the recommended amount of funds (personal savings, family support, student loans etc.)
| University | Full Year | Autumn Semester |
| UCal: Berkeley | 15,000 USD | N/A |
| UCal: Davis | 12,225 USD | N/A |
| UCal: Irvine | 14,199 USD | N/A |
| UCal: Los Angeles | 20,220 USD | N/A |
| UCal: Riverside | 13,251 USD | N/A |
| UCal: Santa Barbara | 13,500 USD | N/A |
| UCal: Santa Cruz | 18,000 USD | N/A |
| UCal: San Diego | 18,000 USD | N/A |
| Hunter College, NYC | 16,200 USD | 8,000 USD |
| Miami (1999-2000) | 16,200 USD | 8,800 USD |
| Richmond | 15,000 USD | 7,500 USD |
| Melbourne | 24,500 AUD | 12,250 AUD |
| Nanyang | 18,600 SGD | 9,300 SGD |
Conversion Rate Used: £1.00 = $1.80 (US), $2.50 (AUS) and $3.08 (SG)
Working
Your student visa will allow you to work a maximum of twenty hours per week. In the US, the employment must be on campus. Any work done must not conflict with your academic programme of study. Your host institute will advise you on employment opportuinites upon arrival.
Academic programme
Study options
All advertised course units in the catalogues of our exchange partners are potentially open to Queen Mary exchange students, although usual factors such as prerequisites and availability of places may prohibit entry to a particular unit. Your course selection should be double-checked with your departmental tutor/adviser.
Accommodation and welfare
You will be able to apply for accommodation at all the exchange institutions. Please note you are responsible for all housing costs. Exchange students will have access to all available welfare and sporting/social facilities on the same basis as any other fully enrolled student of the host institutions.
Application procedures
Interested applicants should:
- Read these pages and/or the Exchange programme brochure thoroughly.
- Talk with the departmental tutor/adviser to be sure of their agreement.
- Visit the on-line catalogues of partner institutions to ensure that a suitable programme of study is available.
- Meet the Study Abroad Adviser, Harry Gibney (Study Abroad Office, Room E09, Queens' Building), to discuss their intention to join the programme.
An application form should be completed and returned to Harry Gibney (email: h.gibney@qmul.ac.uk).
Student Exchange Programme application form [PDF 24KB]
The deadline for applications is 27 November 2009.
Applications will not be considered unless submitted with an academic reference from your department.
No further documentation is required at this stage, although successful applicants will be required to provide further information such as financial guarantees and evidence of academic achievement at a later stage.
It is envisaged that initial decisions will be made before the Christmas vacation and applicants will be notified as soon as possible as to whether they have been successful. The host institutions are expected to ratify all Queen Mary decisions, but they retain the final right of acceptance in all cases.
In order to ensure that all students representing Queen Mary are of a suitable academic standard, all offers of a place on the programme will be conditional upon performance in the end of year assessments.
Contact
Harry Gibney
Study Abroad Officer
Tel: +44 (0)20 7882 5074
email: h.gibney@qmul.ac.uk
Notes for successful applicants
On the following pages you will find information for successful applicants to the international exchange programme.