Admission Criteria

The LSE-PKU Summer School in Beijing is a university-level programme which accepts applications from university students and professionals from all over the world.

There is no minimum grade requirement for applications to the programme, but applicants should be prepared to actively participate in a rigorous, intensive academic programme run by two leading research and teaching universities. It is expected that participants will engage with the extensive reading list as required by their course and contribute fully to class discussions.

Generally speaking, a 100 level course is equivalent to the first (freshman/sophomore) year of a UK undergraduate degree, a 200 level course is equivalent to the second (junior) year, and a 300 level course is equivalent to the final (senior) year; however, we also welcome students and professionals on all levels of courses. High school students who complete their high school studies already and hold a confirmed offer to begin university in 2020 (or in 2021 after a gap year) may also apply.

Proficiency in English

As the LSE-PKU Summer School is delivered in English, it is essential that all participants have a good standard of English language to enable them to fully participate in the programme and interact with their classmates.

We appreciate that applicants may show their English ability in a range of ways, such as:

• Being of a nationality where English is the first language.

• Having studied at university level in English (not learning English language), as shown on a transcript.

• Having studied English at school (eg, GCSE, iGCSE, O-Level, A-Level, International Baccalaureate) and received a good passing grade.

• Having taken an approved English Language test and met the standard below:

• IELTS – 7.0 or above (including 7 in all components)

• TOEFL (Internet based) – 107 or above (including 25 in each component)

• Cambridge Advanced English (CAE) – with grade B or better or 185 points overall and a minumum of 185 points in each individual component

• Cambridge Proficiency in English (CPE) - with grade C or better or 185 points overall and a minimum of 185 points in each individual component

• Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTEA) - academic test with a score of 65 in all four components

• CET 6 - 620 or above

• CET 4 - 660 or above

If you have any queries about whether your proof of English Language is suitable, please contact the LSE-PKU Summer School office.

Prerequisites

Some LSE-PKU Summer School courses at 200- or 300- level have specific prerequisites listed in the course descriptions, whilst others suggest (but do not require) particular academic backgrounds. Applicants for a course where prerequisites are in place should ensure that the documentation they provide with their application clearly indicates how their previous study meets this requirement.

When to apply

Applications for the 2020 LSE-PKU Summer School will be accepted from early 2020.

How to apply

All applications should be submitted through the online application form on the LSE-PKU Summer School website. Applicants must select one course to apply for. Due to the intensive nature of the programme, it is not possible to take more than one course on the 2019 programme.

An application fee is payable with each application, and is paid by credit/ debit card through the secure online PKU online application system.

The application form requires personal details, information on current or previous university study and current employment information. Details of an academic referee must be provided but a written reference is not required with the application.

A university transcript and, if relevant, proof of meeting the English language requirements must be uploaded as part of the application. A passport-style photograph (480*640) will also be requested.

If you have any difficulty submitting your application through the online system, please contact the LSE-PKU Summer School office.

Receipt of your application will be acknowledged within five working days. A decision will normally be made on fully completed applications within ten working days, but at particularly busy times this timescale may be extended. Further information may be requested from the applicant and/ or academic referee as required.