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 and you must be 18 years of age or older at the time of attendance.
In previous years, our Summer School students have ranged in age from 18 to 68 and joined us from 45 different countries. They were high school graduates, current undergraduate students, postgraduate students, professionals looking for an opportunity to develop and people just interested in exploring a topic for their own personal interest
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 can only accept students who will be 18 at the time of attending the summer school.
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.
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?
You may only take one course 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 10 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 our offer of admissions is made to you.
If your home institution is being invoiced for your fees, or if you are joining us as part of an exchange we will bill your home institution directly and your acceptance letter will confirm this.
How do I pay my tuition and/or housing fees?
You can pay by credit or debit card and instructions on how to do this will be sent to you in your offer letter. There is also the option to pay your fees via bank transfer. Instructions on how to do this are on our Fees and Finance page.
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.
For more detailed information please see the terms and conditions:
Will the university provide housing?
You can apply for our on campus housing via our application form. Students are also welcome to make their own arrangements for housing. For details of costs and dates visit our webpage. Housing is offered on a first-come-first-served basis.
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 application deadline (24th May 2024). 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.
What will be provided in my housing?
Each of our rooms are single rooms with private bathrooms and a shared kitchen. Each room comes with a bed, wardrobe, desk, chair and bathroom. Bedding and towels are also provided.
Please note that there will be no cooking equipment (e.g., pots and plates) provided in your shared kitchen but we will send you details on how to can purchase a kitchen pack.
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, or 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?
You can select the option to book housing as part of the application form.
Please note that we are unable to guarantee housing for all students, and accommodation will be provided on a first-come first-serve basis.
Which facilities will be available to me on campus?
During the summer period, the following campus facilities will be available to students:
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 within the overview section of the module section of the site, just click on the module you are interested in. Students will also be able to view their timetable and course syllabus on QMPlus and you will obtain access to this once you have completed enrolment.
How will I be assessed?
Each of our courses is assessed differently, and may include written assignments, in-class tests, presentations or practical assessments.
For course-specific information, please read the 'Assessment' information on the relevant module page.
How will the course be structured?
Each course comprises 48 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.
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 offer a free welcome and farewell event to all students so you can meet new people and also celebrate the end of your programme. In addition to this, there is a paid for social events programme that you will be able to sign up for.
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.
When will I receive my transcript?
You will be able to access your transcript through our digital transcript service and you will receive instructions on how to set up an account as part of the enrolment process.
Transcripts will be released after the 12th September 2024
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.