How to Select a Summer School Course

Why attend LSE Summer School? Imagine combining the excitement of exploring a vibrant city with the chance to dive deep into a subject you're passionate about. That's exactly what LSE Summer School offered me. For me, attending Summer School was motivated by my desire to experience studying abroad, deepen my understanding of public policy - a field I am passionate about pursuing in my future career - and explore London! However, it can be hard to decide which course to take to make sure you get the most out of your Summer School experience, so below are my tips for selecting the course for you this summer.

Step 1: Understanding Your Goals

Before selecting a course, it’s essential to reflect on your personal and academic goals. Are you aiming to strengthen existing knowledge in your field or explore new areas? Self-reflection helps clarify your motivations and aspirations, making your choice clearer. In my case, I aspire to pursue a career in public sector consulting, so I wanted to build my foundational knowledge in economics and politics while focusing on public policy, which aligned perfectly with the course EC260: The Political Economy of Public Policy!

Step 2: Researching Course Options

When researching potential Summer School courses, consider whether you prefer broader subjects for exploration or specialised ones for deeper insights. Use the course finder to explore everything on offer, filtering by subject area or start date. While broader courses allow for a wide-ranging understanding, specialised courses can equip you with specific skills. It’s important to explore the course content, structure, and prerequisites on the course page. I opted for EC260 because it effectively and engagingly intertwined economic theory with political processes, providing a comprehensive understanding of how policies shape governance and market interactions.

Step 3: Balancing Interests and Practicality

Finding a course that balances personal interest with practical career benefits is crucial. Consider whether the subject matter is intellectually stimulating while also offering skills applicable to your future career. For me, EC260 was appealing not only for its theoretical foundations but also for its practical implications in public policy and economic governance. This alignment solidified my decision to apply, as it complemented my career aspirations in policy development and research. Something I looked forward to in every lecture was discussing our opinions on the previous day’s political news and tying it to the lecture content. This approach not only kept me updated on global events and allowed me to learn from my peers’ perspectives but also taught me how to present and share political views in a professional setting.

Step 4: Considering the Learning Environment

Understanding the type of learning environment you prefer can significantly influence your experience. Check the course page on the website to see the course structure, the assessments and the detailed course outline. Whether the course relies on lectures, case studies, or group work will affect your engagement and learning outcomes, as well as your long-term goals. The value of peer interaction is particularly important in a globally diverse Summer School setting. It also provides a space to enhance communication skills, debate and negotiation abilities, and critical thinking. In my course, I experienced a mix of lectures and seminars, which fostered collaborative learning and allowed me to engage with diverse perspectives on complex political economy issues, which was my favourite part of the course!

Step 5: Logistics: Timing and Commitment

Logistical considerations are paramount when selecting a Summer School course. Balancing summer internships, personal commitments, and leisure time can be challenging. Assessing the course intensity is essential to ensure it fits into your schedule. My course spanned three weeks, as all LSE Summer School courses do, with daily three-hour lectures and seminars that lasted for an hour and a half, along with a mid-semester essay assignment and a final exam. This structure required careful time management. However, a smart schedule made everything work out! Summer School also runs three sessions over the summer, so if you know you have plans in early summer, then you should focus on finding a course in the later sessions, for example.

Conclusion: Making the Right Choice

Selecting a Summer School course is an essential decision that can impact both your personal and professional development. By setting clear goals, researching your options, and reflecting on how a course aligns with your aspirations, you can make an informed choice. My experience of my Summer School course EC260 not only enriched my academic knowledge but also strengthened my commitment to pursuing a career in public sector consulting. As you consider your Summer School options, remember that the right course can serve as a stepping stone towards achieving your long-term goals!

 

This blog was written by one of our 2024 Student Ambassadors, who are here to share their stories and help you understand the summer school experience at LSE.