Leicester Discovery International Summer Programme

The Leicester Discovery International Summer Programme is aimed at students of all disciplines who wish to experience a taste of studying at a British university whilst learning about life in the UK and improving their English and academic skills.

Aims

The main aims of the course are to introduce participants to study in a British university context while giving a chance to discover aspects of British life through a programme of activities. English classes aim to develop all four language skills – speaking, listening, reading and writing but the main emphasis will be on improving spoken English.

Why join the Leicester Discovery International Summer Programme?

• Find out what it is like to live and study at a renowned British university
• Improve your English ability in an academic and friendly environment
• Up to 15 hours of face-to-face taught classes per week on the University of Leicester campus. Classes generally take place between 9.30am-11.00am, 11.30am-1.00pm. Afternoon activities take place between 2.00pm-4.00pm
• Have fun on trips and social activities discovering more about life in Britain, including history, film, sports and food
• Maximum group size of 16, allowing you to learn through interaction with the tutor and students
• Develop academic skills in preparation for future study abroad
• Experience living in a vibrant and student friendly city situated in the heart of England
• Make friends with other students from around the world

Course contents

• A course welcome and induction programme
• Daily English classes, focusing on both general and academic English, with particular emphasis on speaking and listening skills
• A varied activity programme giving an introduction to different aspects of British life, such as history, cuisine, sport, film, museums and shopping
• A basic research project leading to a poster presentation
• Day trips to places of interest such as London and Oxford
• Evening social activities with students from other international summer programmes including a welcome meal and farewell party
• A statement of completion and written feedback
• A closing ceremony with prize giving

What is the difference between Leicester Discovery International Summer Programme and English for Humanities International Summer Programme?

The English for Humanities International Summer Programme requires a higher English level (IELTS 5.0 and above) and contains more academic content. It is most suitable for those who wish to develop an established interest in the humanities, in areas such as British literature and history.

The Leicester Discovery International Summer Programme aims to offer a general introduction to British life and culture. Although there are clear academic themes within the course, there is more of focus on activities outside the classroom than with the English for Humanities International Summer Programme. It requires a lower IELTS level of 3.5 - 5.0.

Key facts

Dates for summer 2025

• Course dates: Monday 4 August to Friday 22 August 2025 (accommodation available from Saturday 2 August to Saturday 23 August 2025). Accommodation for additional nights may be booked at a cost of £30 per night.
• Application deadline: Sunday 22 June 2025
• Acceptance and payment deadline: Sunday 29 June 2025
• Registration deadline: Sunday 6 July 2025
• Please note: to ensure courses are allocated in a timely and fair fashion, once an offer letter has been issued, we require you to accept or decline within 21 calendar days.

Entry requirements

• Participants are expected to have a minimum English level of IELTS 3.5 or equivalent. The highest English level for this programme is IELTS 5.0 or equivalent. If you have IELTS 5.0 or above you may also like to look at English for Humanities.
• We will accept a range of test results, including:
  • CASEC
  • CET4/CET6
  • EIKEN
  • GTEC
  • TOEFL
  • TOEIC
• Please upload evidence of your English test on your online application
• We may be able to test your English
• Participants must be aged 18 or over

Please email us at summer@le.ac.uk if you have any questions.

Expectations on the course

• Show willingness to engage with tutors and students during class
• Attend all sessions on the timetable
• Be open and kind to students from other backgrounds

Accommodation

• Accommodation will be in self-catered accommodation within walking distance of the campus and the city centre
• Participants will be housed in a single study bedroom with ensuite bathroom and will share kitchen facilities. All bills and Wi-Fi access are included. Bedding and kitchen equipment are provided

Cost

• £2,300
• £2,200 for students from a University of Leicester partner

Payment is required in full to accept a place on the course.

For 2025, there is one scholarship available for a student from a University of Leicester partner institution. Learn more about the International Summer Programme scholarship 2025.

What's included

• Tuition fees for all classes
• Self-catered ensuite accommodation
• All excursions and social events
• All study materials
• A statement of completion and written feedback
• International Summer Programme T-shirt
• Closing ceremony with prize giving
• Access to University of Leicester facilities including the award-winning David Wilson Library
• Applicants should be aware that trips and socials will include unsupervised time not accompanied by members of staff

What's not included

• Airport transfers
• Meals and beverages, unless specified in the timetable
• Towel and toiletries
• Visa costs
• Medical and travel insurance
• Access to the university gyms. Short term membership can be purchased at a cost of £10 a week

Apply

Applications will open soon. Please contact the summer programme office for any enquiries at summer@leicester.ac.uk.

Refund/cancellation policy 

• Up to 6 July 2025 - Full refund 
• 7 July to 20 July 2025 - Half refund 
• 21 July 2025 or after - No refund