If you have any questions about studying at the Queen Mary Summer School, check out our information below. Still can't find an answer to your question? Please feel free to get in touch with a member of the team at summerschool@qmul.ac.uk.
What kind of people apply to a Summer School?
Students from all backgrounds are welcome to apply to the Queen Mary Summer School. However, as an academic guideline, we recommend that you have undertaken at least a year's worth of university study. We also cannot accept anyone aged under 18 at the time of attendance for legal reasons.
In previous years, our Summer School students have ranged in age from 18 to 68 and joined us from 45 different countries. They were current undergraduate students, postgraduate students, and professionals looking for an opportunity to develop.
Is there an application fee?
No - it is free to apply to our summer school!
Can I apply if I am under 18?
Unfortunately, we are unable to accept students who are under 18 at the time of study.
What academic level are the Summer School courses?
Our courses range from the equivalent of a first or second year undergraduate degree to postgraduate study. However, most courses will be appropriate for all applicants with previous experience. We will be making updates shortly to reflect this in our individual course guidelines.
If I have a disability, how will I let you know?
If you have a disability, you will be able to let us know when you fill out our online application form. At Queen Mary, we are committed to ensuring that all reasonable adjustments are made for all students to make the most of their studies. Once you have accepted your offer, we will pass your contact information on to the Disability and Dyslexia Service who will then liaise with you about how they can help you while you are a student at Queen Mary.
If you have any concerns regarding accessibility or your specific needs, we encourage you to contact us in advance.
What are the entry requirements?
We welcome international qualifications and we consider each application on its individual merit. You can check out our entry requirements here. If you would like to discuss your qualifications with a member of the team before you submit an application, please feel free to get in touch through our email, summerschool@qmul.ac.uk
Do I need to sit a language exam if English is not my first language, but I am fluent?
No, you will not necessarily need to sit a language exam. We accept a range of alternative documentation. Please check the English language requirements of the course you wish to apply for, and if you have any questions regarding your suitability, please get in touch.
What kind of documents do you require?
As part of your online application form, we require the following:
Can I take more than one course per session?
As our courses are designed to be intensive, you may only take one course one per session. However, students are welcome to join us for Session 1 and Session 2.
When will I know if I have been accepted?
Once we have received your application form along with your documents, you will be notified via email of the outcome. We aim to make a decision within 7 working days of the application date.
When will I have to pay my fee?
While you may pay at any time until the application deadline, you are not guaranteed a place on the programme until you have paid. If a course is over-subscribed priority will be given to students that have paid, on a first-come, first-served basis. Applications that have not yet been paid for will be protected from displacement by paid students until ten days after the application was made.
If your home institution is being invoiced for your fees, or if you are joining us as part of an exchange, a different procedure will apply.
How do I pay my tuition fees?
When you receive your offer letter, you will be given a link to the Queen Mary online store, where you can pay your tuition fees via credit or debit card. There is also the option to pay your fees via bank transfer. If you choose this option, please contact the Summer School Office to receive instructions.
We do not accept payment of fees in cash and all payments must be made in pounds sterling, inclusive of VAT and other taxes where applicable.
If it is impossible for you to pay in pounds sterling we may be able to make an exception - please contact us for more details.
For more detailed information please see the terms and conditions:
Summer School Terms and Conditions 2023 [PDF 145KB]
Will the university provide housing?
All Summer School students are given the opportunity to stay in our on-campus accommodation.
On-campus housing costs and dates are outlined below - these rates also include breakfast.
Session 1 (21 nights): £1029
Move in date for housing is from 3 PM Sunday 2nd July
Move out date for housing is Sunday 23rd July by 10 AM
Session 2 (21 nights): £1029
Move in date for housing is from 3 PM Sunday 23rd July
Move out date for housing is Sunday 13th August by 10 AM
Sessions 1&2 (42 nights): £2058
Can I arrange my own housing?
Students are also welcome to make their own arrangements for housing.
Am I able to change the course I applied for once I have been made an offer?
Yes - if you decide you would like to study a different course, we will do everything we can to accommodate you provided you request the course change by the the application deadline (29th May 2023). However, please note that we are unable to guarantee you a place on an alternative course.
What happens if my course is cancelled?
We are committed to delivering your course as closely as it was described on our website when you applied. However, in some exceptional circumstances, such as the unexpected departure of a key member of staff or lack of demand from applicants, we may have to suspend or withdraw a course. In this instance, we would notify you at the earliest possible opportunity and make every effort to offer a suitable alternative or a refund.
Will I need a visa to come to the Summer School?
You need to check your visa status to find out if you need a visitor visa to study on the Summer School, to do so please see our visa page
The Summer School team is unable to give visa advice. If you require any assistance, please get in touch with the Queen Mary Advice and Counselling Service.
How will I get from the airport to campus?
You will need to arrange your own transfer from the airport to your housing.
All of London's airports are easily accessible by train, tube or taxi. Here are some suggestions, but there are plenty of options for all budgets for each airport.
We will send out further information about getting around London in our predeparture information.
What will be provided in my accommodation?
Each of our rooms are single, rooms with private bathrooms and a shared kitchen. Each room comes with a bed, wardrobe, desk, chair and and bathroom. Bedding and towels are also provided.
Please note that there will be no catering equipment (eg. pots and plates) provided in your shared kitchen.
There will also be a deep-clean of the communal areas (kitchen and hallways) once a week.
You will be provided with free Wi-Fi.
Who will I be sharing housing with?
You will be placed in a flat with fellow Summer School students, who may not necessarily be studying the same course as you. This will be a great opportunity for you to meet even more people and gain insights from students studying a variety of subjects.
Will the Summer School include cooked meals?
You can use the kitchens to cook your own food, although breakfast is included seven days a week between 7:30-9:30am. In addition, you can eat on campus at The Curve, with other eating places and a selection of supermarkets right on our doorstep. We will include further information on where to eat around campus in your welcome pack.
How do I book housing?
Housing for Summer School students is managed centrally by the Queen Mary Residences team. To apply for a room on campus, you must indicate on your application form that you would like accommodation and you will then be added to our reservation list.
The residence team will send you arrivals information and instructions for accessing your room.
Please note that we are unable to guarantee housing for all students, and accommodation will be provided on a first-come first-serve basis.
Will I be allocated a single point of contact for support?
For the duration of your stay, you will be able to contact your course leader for academic support.
If you need any additional support, the Summer School Team will be on hand between 9am and 4pm, Monday to Friday.
Will I need to purchase any text books or study materials?
No - prior to starting your course you will gain access to our virtual learning environment (QMPlus) which will contain all of your course materials. You will also have full access to the Queen Mary library.
When will I have access to my timetable and course syllabus?
Course syllabi are currently available on the course pages. We expect course timetables to be finalised three weeks prior to the start of Session 1, and they will be sent to students via email. Students will also be able to view their timetable and course syllabus on QMPlus.
How will I be assessed?
Each of our courses is assessed differently, and may encompass written assignments, in-class tests, presentations or practical assessments. Your work will be graded according to Queen Mary's five letter grading system (A-E) and number to indicate different levels of passes.
For course-specific information, please read the 'Assessment' information in the right sidebar of each.
How will the course be structured?
Each course comprises of 45 contact hours with a further recommended 150 hours of personal study. Classes will run on Monday to Thursday, between 10am and 3pm.
Some of our courses have academically led field trips included in the structure of them. Field trips may incur a small additional fee, which will vary from course to course. Usually the cost is between £30-£50.
Where will the classes be based?
All classes will be held at our Mile End or Charterhouse campus.
Is there an additional cost for events in the social programme?
We always include free events within the social programme, so that students from all financial backgrounds can take part.
Some social events, particularly those off-campus, may incur an extra fee. More detailed information about this will be made available closer to the date, however please see below an example of social activities offered in the past and the cost incurred for them, to give you an idea of what to expect:
Which facilities will be available to me on campus?
During the summer period, the following campus facilities will be available to students:
When will I receive my transcript?
This year we are moving to a self-service transcript record. This means you will be able to download your transcript from an online service within six months of the course's end.
Will I receive credit towards my undergraduate course at my home university?
Each of our Summer School courses is worth 15 credits which translates as 3-4 credits in the US system and 7.5 ECTS in the European system. It is down to the discretion of your home institution whether they will allow the credits you earn at our Summer School to count towards your degree, and it is your responsibility to check with them before you apply for the Summer School.
Please note that institutions within the UK rarely allow the transfer of credit between universities. For more information, please check with your home institution.
Will the course credits count towards my undergraduate degree at Queen Mary?
If you are a current student at Queen Mary you will not be able to use the credits earned at the Summer School towards your degree.