5 min read
We have worked hard to make the application process for LSE Summer School as straight forward as possible for everyone who is keen to join us for a truly international summer at Europe’s largest summer school. In this article, we’ve put together some tips and tricks to help you experience a smooth application process!
Where to start
To begin with, browse through the courses on offer and identify a course (or two, or three!) which interests you. Every course page will include any prerequisites for the given course, and you can find more in-depth information about the difficulty levels of courses on our ‘how to apply’ webpage. If you require assistance or guidance with your choice of course, we suggest discussing this with your home institution – they will be best placed to advise on which course suits you best and whether you can take credits back to your degree if this is what you are aiming for. Lots of our students choose to study within the subject area of their degree; however, LSE Summer School is also a great opportunity to expand your knowledge into a new subject area. We have undergraduates, postgraduates and working professionals opting for one of our introductory 100-level courses to broaden their knowledge in something completely new, so don’t feel restricted by your degree subject and have a look around.
What do I need in order to apply?
Once you have found the course(s) that interests you, have a look at the prerequisites listed on the course page. For our 100-level courses, you will need to show proof of a university offer, or a transcript showing you are currently attending/have previously attended university with your application. For the 200 and 300-level courses, we need to see a university transcript showing you meet the course prerequisites - this transcript should show all grades you have achieved at university so far and your current semester enrolment (if applicable).
Once you have your offer letter or transcript ready, you need to make sure you meet our English language requirements.
If English is not your first language, your application needs to show your English level. You can either show that you have been taught in English at a university within one of the listed countries on our ‘how to apply’ webpage or show that you have studied a course at university that is taught in English. We accept any university course taught in English, but it cannot be an English language course e.g., Business English. Your transcript must clearly show the course was given in English. If you have not been taught in English at university, you will need to provide an English language certificate - this needs to have been completed within the past two years and be on our list of accepted certificates.
Wondering if you're the right fit? Send us an application now!
The best way to know for sure if you will be accepted is to apply so that we can assess your application as a whole. The Summer School team cannot easily advise before you apply, as we do not make the academic decision – this lies with LSE faculty and the course directors. If you are not successful with an application to one course, you will have the option to change your course and try applying for something else.
What to check before submitting
Your transcript/offer letter needs to show your full name and your university name, along with any grades you have achieved so far and your current semester enrolment (if applicable).
If we have a partnership with your institution, make sure to input the code they have provided you with on your application form. If you are not sure whether your university has a partnership with us, contact your study abroad office to check.
If you are submitting your masters/PhD transcript, please ensure you attach your undergraduate transcript as well.
What next?
You now have everything you need to complete your application! Make sure to fill out your details carefully and attach all the required documents. Once you have clicked ‘submit’, you will receive an email acknowledging your application.
After this, your application will be assessed. If anything is unclear or missed off in your application, we will be in contact with you – so make sure to add summer.school@lse.ac.uk as a safe sender.
You should hear back from us within 10 working days of submitting your application about whether you have been successful.
Should you have any further queries, please don’t hesitate to contact us – we are more than happy to help!