English for Humanities International Summer Programme

Discover British literature and history and develop your English skills at the University of Leicester. 

Aims

The main aims of this three-week course are to help participants improve their ability in both general and academic English, while also learning more about humanities subjects offered by the University of Leicester in enjoyable surroundings. It also aims to give participants an insight into life in the UK and its higher education system.

Why join the English for Humanities International Summer Programme?

• Improve your English skills in an academic and friendly environment
• Discover more about British culture, featuring films, literature, history and museums
• Develop general English language skills for everyday communication
• Find out what it's like to live and study at a renowned British university
• Make friends with other students from around the world
• Up to 17 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 and 2.00pm-4.00pm
• Maximum group size of 16, allowing you to learn through interaction with the tutor and other students
• Enhance your CV with an international study experience
• Experience living in a vibrant and student friendly city situated in the heart of England
• Full access to the online resources of the award-winning David Wilson library

Course contents

• Daily English classes, focusing on both general and academic English, with particular emphasis on speaking and listening skills
• A mixture of seminars and lectures on British culture, focusing on film studies, museum studies and English literature, with particular emphasis on Shakespeare and the discovery of the remains of King Richard III
• An individual research project and poster presentation
• Three day trips to places of interest such as London, Oxford and Stratford-upon-Avon
• Three evening social activities with students from other international summer programmes: a welcome meal, cultural or social event, and a farewell party
• Some free time, making it possible to visit other cities or places of interest independently
• An end-of-course presentation ceremony and tutor feedback

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 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 5.0 or equivalent. 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 university 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 per student
• £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
• Access to University of Leicester facilities including the award-winning David Wilson library
• A statement of completion and written feedback
• International Summer Programme T-shirt
• Closing ceremony with prize giving
• 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 per 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