We've gathered together some of the most common questions people ask about our summer and winter schools. If you have any other queries email summer-schools@nottingham.ac.uk.
General FAQs
Why choose the University of Nottingham for a summer or winter school in Europe?
The University of Nottingham is centrally located in the heart of the UK allowing students to easily add on cultural visits to other UK cities or tag on a stop over trip to continental Europe when visiting us for their summer or winter school.
What makes the University of Nottingham summer and winter schools special?
The University of Nottingham summer and winter schools combine world-class UK teaching, experiential learning, and an unforgettable cultural experience. You will live and study as University of Nottingham student, experiencing a range of our cutting-edge technologies, including our VR suite which is one of the largest globally and our award-winning sports facilities. As a globally ranked Top 100, Russell Group university with a truly international campus, Nottingham offers the perfect environment to study, explore, and connect with students from around the world.
Who should apply for Nottingham’s summer or winter schools?
These programmes are ideal for international undergraduate and postgraduate students, with programmes tailored to your learning pathway you will find content that compliments your current studies, whilst being introduced to postgraduate opportunities at the University of Nottingham.
Why should international students choose the University of Nottingham?
International students choose Nottingham for its academic excellence, welcoming campus community, outstanding student support, and strong global reputation. Studying here enhances your CV and gives you first-hand experience of UK higher education. Being one of the top ranked universities for careers and employability, you also have the opportunity to become part of this alumni if you decide to return to us for PGT studies.
Who are the summer and winter schools open to?
Summer school FAQs
What courses can I study during the University of Nottingham summer school?
The summer and winter schools at Nottingham offer a wide range of exciting subjects, including but not limited to:
- Medicine
- Pharmacy
- Business/Economics
- AI/Machine Learning
- Law
- Sustainability/Environmentalism
- Engineering
- Arts, and English language studies.
Courses are designed to be engaging, interactive, and relevant to global careers. Each of our programmes is bespoke and tailored to each summer or winter school cohort, ensuring every moment you are with us brings value.
How long is the University of Nottingham summer school?
Programmes typically run from 10 days to 3 weeks making them perfect for international students who want a high-impact academic experience in Europe in a short time.
When does the summer school take place?
The summer school usually runs between June and August, allowing students to make the most of the UK summer while studying on a beautiful green campus.
How much does the summer school cost for international students and what’s included?
Fees vary depending on course length and content. Our premium programmes include airport transfer, travel within the UK for field trips and cultural visits, tuition, accommodation, meals, social and cultural activities, and our enhanced sport package offering excellent value for a complete UK university summer school experience. In fact, for these programmes the only things not included are flights, visas, insurance and spending money.
Is accommodation included?
Yes. As standard, international summer school students are offered on-campus accommodation in our university halls, giving you the chance to live like a University of Nottingham student and make friends from around the world.
For our winter school students, we offer a range of accommodation alternatives depending on timings and capacity.
What is the food like at the summer schools?
We recommend our fully catered option for summer schools which means students don’t have to worry about where or when they will eat and get to taste a varied range of British cuisine. With breakfast and dinner in our fully catered halls, students will have a range of options to choose from with dietary requirements and allergies catered for. Lunch will either be provided in halls or close to teaching spaces dependent upon your programme. There are also a wide range of options for students to purchase additional food should they wish from our cafes and shops on site or external vendors within close proximity to campus.
Please note students must advise of any allergies/requirements in advance of their visit to a University of Nottingham summer school to ensure we have adequate time to accommodate.
What should I bring to a summer school?
UK weather can be unpredictable with temperatures during the day averaging 15-20 degrees Celsius so it’s best to back light comfortable layers with warmer layers for the cooler evenings. A raincoat or waterproof jacket is also essential. If your summer school includes any laboratory sessions you will need to make sure you have sensible, closed toe and heel shoes but we recommend this type of footwear to all students in order to be comfortable whilst they explore our vast 330 acres campus.
In order to make the most of your stay with us and enjoy the sports session and gym facilities, sports clothing and swimwear is also recommended - you will have towels available in your room but feel free to bring along your own if you wish. As our summer schools also include a graduation closing ceremony, which includes professional photography opportunities we recommend bringing something you would like to wear for this event.
A full list of everything that you may need including essential documentation will be included in your digital pre-welcome pack to ensure your summer school is as comfortable and stress free as possible. If you forget anything, we have a range of on-site facilities and shops close by if you need to purchase anything whilst in the UK.
Winter school FAQs
What is the University of Nottingham winter school?
The winter school is an intensive short-term programme that allows international students to study in the UK at a global top 100 university during their winter break.
When does the winter school run?
Winter school programmes typically take place between January and March, making them ideal for students who want to use their winter holiday time productively.
What are the benefits of attending a winter school?
Winter school students will enhance their subject knowledge, boost their CV, and experience life in the UK - all in just a few weeks. Attending a winter school at the University of Nottingham gives you the opportunity to experience life as a student across our award-winning campuses, engage with cutting-edge technologies and state of the art facilities and develop friendships that will last far longer.
Is the winter school suitable for first-time international students?
Absolutely. The winter school offers strong academic and pastoral support, making it an excellent introduction to studying abroad in the UK. Our team of student ambassadors are also on hand to support you during your stay with us.
What is the food like at a winter school?
Our winter school accommodation is based in our on-site hotel so your day will start with a range of hot and cold buffet style breakfast options, with lunch provided close to your learning space. For dinner, students are encouraged to explore the local area and make their own arrangements from the numerous food options available. Our staff and student ambassadors are on hand to provide recommendations, and the hotel also serves a variety of meal options in the restaurant although dinner costs are not included within the package.
What should I bring to a winter school?
Weather in the UK can be unpredictable with snow and frost during the winter period, and temperatures ranging from 0-10 degrees Celsius. We recommend bringing a warm waterproof coat to ensure you are comfortable during your stay with us. Teaching spaces and your hotel accommodation will be heated so layers are best so you can ensure you feel comfortable both inside and outside. We recommend comfortable, sensible shoes to explore our vast campus and closed toe and heel shoes will also be required for any lab sessions that may be included in your programme. As your winter school will likely include gym access and sports sessions, appropriate footwear and clothing is recommended to partake in these activities, with swimwear also required if you decide to use our on-site pool. Your winter school will conclude with a celebration graduation gala so don’t forget to bring something to wear to the event as there are also professional photography opportunities.
In terms of essential travel documentation and other bits that will make your stay more comfortable we provide a list of things you will need in your online pre-welcome documentation. There are also a range of shops on campus and nearby including a pharmacy should you forget anything you may need whilst here.
Visa, Credits and Certification FAQs
Do I need a visa to attend a summer or winter school?
Our programmes are designed so that the majority of international students can visit us on a standard visitor visa, depending on nationality and programme length. To help make the visa process as smooth as possible, the University of Nottingham provides support in the form of visa invitation letters for all summer and winter schools.
Will I receive academic credits or certification?
Our programmes all include a certificate of attendance from the University of Nottingham, that you will receive during the summer or winter school graduation ceremony and gala dinner. As standard our courses do not offer academic credit as our focus is on primarily experiential learning and introductions to new techniques and technologies rather than passing tests and assessments.
Student experience FAQs
What is student life like during the programme?
Students enjoy a vibrant campus life with access to libraries, sports facilities, cafés, and organised cultural activities. You will receive a student pass allowing you to access facilities across our award-winning UK campuses. Our Robin Hood card travel passes can be included and will allow you to venture further afield across the Nottingham area to explore the city and all it has to offer. Our enhanced sport packages are another popular add on that allow students access to our sports facilities including our 25m pool, indoor and outdoor courts, and state of the art gym equipment. As one of the leading universities in the UK for team sports, we make sure sports sessions are included in your package so you can experience the facilities and being trained by our professional coaching staff.
Find our more about sport at Nottingham.
Are social activities included?
Yes. Summer and winter schools typically include a full programme of social and cultural events, helping you explore Nottingham, experience British culture, and build lifelong friendships.
Will my English skills improve?
Yes. Studying in an English-speaking academic environment helps international students improve their academic English, presentation skills, and confidence. CELE, our Centre of English Learning Excellence, are also available to directly support our summer and winter schools’ programmes. If English language learning is a specific focus this can be embedded into your course content with targeted improvement areas outlined.
Find out more about CELE.
Are there any post graduate benefits to attending a summer or winter school programme at Nottingham?
Whilst attending a summer or winter school will not provide you with any direct advantage in regard to the acceptance criteria at Nottingham, both give you the opportunity to experience life as a student and to “try before you buy”. As all courses are designed to be aligned to your learning pathway, you will have the opportunity to engage with both academics and existing students who can provide insight into the teaching and opportunities at Nottingham. Each of our summer and winter schools feature a session with our International Student Recruitment team who will talk you through the various post graduate courses that are available, as a well as a range of other beneficial information relating to the admission process. As we tailor these sessions, you will get the opportunity to connect with the specific recruitment manager responsible for your country and have the option to follow up with them post programme should you wish. Whilst our programmes are not factored as part of the acceptance criteria, the experience you will gain from attending is invaluable.