IES Abroad London Academic Program in Multidisciplinary Studies

Academic
Globally Recognized
Delivery Method:
In-Person
Duration:
Single Term

If you go to college/university in the United States and are interested in this program, check it out on the IES Abroad website—designed for students like you looking to study or intern abroad outside of the United States.

About the Program

Build the perfect program with a semester in London! Choose from dozens of IES Abroad courses taught by expert local faculty at our Center. You can also focus your creative energy into the production of an original work in one of our unique creative arts workshops, or expand your study abroad experience with a course at a prestigious local university, a part-time internship, or a community-based learning placement.   

Take Classes Like a Local

Our partner universities offer you hundreds of course options.

Gain Hands-on Experience

Gain firsthand experience of British culture and society.

Attend Cultural Activities

Visit local markets and watch world-class performances.

Enroll in an Intensive Arts Workshop

Channel your creativity through writing, film, or fine art!

Program Advisor

Saffyが挨拶をしているイラスト
Student Counselor SAFFY

Your Student Counselor is your study abroad ambassador and supporter. They join your application journey when you’ve confirmed you’re interested in studying abroad. At this point, they guide you through each stage of the application, notify you of the documents you need, let you know when your admission results are in, and walk you through the next steps, including class enrollment and organizing pre-arrival tests. 

Schedule a Consultation

At a Glance

Language of Instruction:
English
Language Prerequisite Level:
None
GPA Requirements:
2.75
Academic Level:
Undergraduate
Academic Strengths:
Literature & Writing
Housing:
Residence Hall
Part-Time Internship (Optional):
Included in program fee
Visa Required:
Maybe
Credits:
15 to 16 per Semester

Stay Healthy & Safe While You Study Abroad

About IES Abroad London Center

London’s IES Abroad Center is in Bloomsbury, a bohemian neighborhood famous since the early 20th century for its artists, writers, and intellectuals. Study in a grand 18th-century Georgian building with classrooms overlooking tree-lined squares, and share lunch with new friends on the patio. You’re just a two-minute walk from the British Museum—the oldest national public museum in the world—where inspiration lives in the incredible collection of antiquities reflecting human history and culture.

Program Academics

Our mission is simple: to provide you with the best study abroad program possible—which includes the highest quality academic and cultural experiences. 

We offer unique courses that explore arts, literature, business, politics, and science, as well as other topics, through an in-depth and hands-on approach. Our world-class professors and course options at prestigious local universities enhance your academic experience and provide you with new perspectives each day in class. 

Get To Know Our Application Process

From academics to visa requirements, our structured process helps you choose the right program and university for your goals. Complete a strong application, and prepare for success abroad.

Personalize Your Study Abroad Plan With Your SAF Counselor

Each student has unique academic goals for a study abroad experience. As you think about studying abroad, your SAF Counselor will help you plan for success and support you every step of the way.

Partner Institutions

Students walk outside the University of London, a brick building with a round spire.
  • City
  • QMUL
  • LCDS

City, University of London

City, University of London received its charter in 1966, having evolved from the century-old Northampton Institute. City has a strong international community—30 percent of its students now come from outside of the UK, which means that American students at City get the chance to study not only within the British system but also within a strong international academic community. In August 2016, the college was admitted to the University of London, a federation of 27 independent schools and institutes.

The university is located in Islington, a vibrant and diverse North London borough with a wide range of shops, restaurants, cafes, and bars. Just north of the more tourist-heavy parts of Central London, the trendy Islington neighborhood is home to a young and laid-back crowd.

Part of City, University of London's mission is to continuously contribute to London’s academic, cultural, and business life.

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Courses

Create your own academic experience by selecting from the following program components. You enroll in 15–19 credits per semester. Academic programming is scheduled four days a week. 

  • IES Abroad area studies courses (required, 3 credits each) 
  • IES Abroad Workshops in the Creative Arts (optional, 3 credits each) 
  • Partner university course at either City, University of London or Queen Mary, University of London* (optional, 4 credits each) 
  • Internship placement and seminar (optional, 3 credits) 
  • Community-Based Learning placement and seminar (optional, 3 credits) 

IES Abroad strongly discourages students from doing both an internship or community-based learning placement and an outside course, as these both require a time commitment that is very difficult to schedule. If you wish to do both, please understand that, if you are able to work both into your schedule, you will be occupied Monday through Friday with no day off.  

*Program cost includes one supplementary course at a local university per term. 

NOTE: This is a list of planned course offerings. After you are accepted, you will see a list of final course offerings in your  account. Additionally, SAF and IES Abroad reserve the right to cancel a course due to insufficient enrollment or circumstances beyond our control.

IES Abroad Courses

Disciplines (23)

Art History (2)

Course name Term Language Credits
AH 341 - The Architecture of London: 1600-Present Day Fall, Spring, Summer English 3
AH/FA 390 - Western Art and the Convergence of Technique and Philosophy Fall, Spring English 3

Partner Institution Courses

City, University of London

Typically, you will need 2-3 classes in a specific subject area in order to enroll in a 2000-level class, and 4-5 in order to enroll in a 3000-level class. Courses in the following disciplines are particularly strong: 

  • Actuarial Science 
  • Business 
  • Computer Science* 
  • Criminology 
  • Economics 
  • Finance  
  • Foreign Language  
  • Journalism** (majors only)  
  • Management 
  • Media & Communications 
  • Political Science  
  • Psychology*** 
  • Sociology 
  • Statistics 

*Available only to Spring semester and Academic Year students. Students enrolled in these courses must stay to take finals in May/June, if applicable. 

**Students who wish to take Journalism courses must have already taken a least 1-2 journalism-related course(s). Please also note that course selections in the Fall semester are more limited than those in the Spring. 

***Courses are only available at upper levels that are more suitable for students majoring or minoring in Psychology. 

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NOTE: 2-credit courses are not available to SAF / IES Abroad students. 


Queen Mary, University of London

Courses in the following disciplines are particularly strong: 

  • Business 
  • Economics 
  • English 
  • Film 
  • History 
  • Literature
  • Natural Science 
  • Political Science 

You are welcome to enroll in classes in any academic department, although certain classes may have prerequisites. Please note that enrollment in Queen Mary courses is limited in the spring term due to a conflicting final exams schedule. 

Current course listings are available on the University's Directory of Modules.  

When you filter the course selections in the Directory of Modules, please refer to the following guidelines. More information can be found under the “guidance notes” link on the main page, as well. 

  • Step 1 - I'm interested in... - select  Associate student modules 
  • Step 2 - Filter by: 
    • School - select the appropriate school for your course(s) of interest 
    • Semester - select Semester 1 for Fall or Semester 2 for Spring 
    • Level - select 4, 5 or 6 
      • 4 corresponds to US 100-level courses, 5 to 200-level courses and 6 to 300-level courses 
      • For major credit, it is recommended that students enroll in level 6 courses 

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Application Requirements

When applying to study abroad, you must meet the entry requirements of the program—and SAF is here to set you up for success.

The requirements outlined in this section include the language proficiency scores you may need to demonstrate your language skills, a guide to the GPA range and other academic prerequisites required by the program, and a list of documentation and other application materials you will need to finalize your application. You will need to supply additional information throughout the process, and our helpful team will alert you via email or your MyIESAbroad Student Portal whenever this is necessary.
  • Language Proficiency
  • Academics & GPA
  • Application Documents & Materials

Language Test Score Requirements

To prove your language proficiency, you can use any of the following:

  • IELTS: 6.5 
  • TOEFL iBT: 79
  • TOEFL pBT: 548
  • Duolingo (DET): 105
  • iTEP: 4.0

Learn More About Language Requirements

Program Dates

When studying abroad, you will want to consider the time of year and how long you are away. Most programs follow the host university's academic calendar.

The dates shown below are general estimates, and as you get closer to the start of the term, you will get more detailed information from SAF. If you have any questions, your Student Counsellor and Program Specialist are always here to support you and point you to the correct information.

Fall 2024 Academic

Program dates:
September 03 - December 14
Application Deadline:
Fees Starting From:
$
18,390

Spring 2025 Academic

Program dates:
January 07 - April 19
Application Deadline:
Fees Starting From:
$
19,040

Housing

A clean double bunk bed sitting in the hallway between living spaces.

Residence Hall

Apartment Style Residence Hall – You will share a flat with five other IES Abroad students in a residence hall. Your room is single occupancy with a bed, desk, storage, and bathroom. There is a shared kitchen available to you and your flat mates. Washing machines and dryers are available. No meals are provided for this housing option.

Residence Hall – You and another IES Abroad student will share a room with a private bathroom and kitchen. You will share bunk beds and wardrobes for clothes storage. Washing machines and dryers are available. No meals are provided for this housing option.

About London

View of London from above

With Bloomsbury’s leafy Georgian squares and an abundance of museums on your doorstep, the IES Abroad Center in London places you in one of the capital’s most elegant West End neighborhoods. Stroll down streets filled with bustling cafés and enchanting bookshops. London’s famous theaters, Soho’s bright lights, and Covent Garden are all nearby.

Learn more about London

The Student Experience

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Field Trips

Even though your adventure starts in London, our field trips take you beyond the city to discover the culture and traditions of your host country. All trips are included in the program fee unless otherwise noted with ($).

NOTE: IES Abroad field trip destinations, activities, and lengths of stay may vary according to term and availability. 

group of students standing in front of the famous stonehenge, stacked rocks

Bath & Stonehenge

2 Days ($) Fall, Spring & Summer

Visit mysterious Stonehenge and the ancient Roman baths in Bath. Marvel at the collection of world-class couture at the Fashion Museum and explore the Jane Austen Centre.

Students explore the rocky inclines off the coast of Dover on a sunny day.

Canterbury & Dover

1 Day ($) Fall, Spring & Summer

Visit the Canterbury Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the beautiful Dover Castle. After the visit, go for a short hike along the White Cliff of Dover National Trust.

people punting on the Cam River in Cambridge

Cambridge

1 Day ($) Fall, Spring & Summer

Visit this historic university town, with its picturesque colleges and punt in a gondola on the river.

A student poses with a cow in the scottish highlands

Edinburgh

3 Days ($) Fall & Spring

Take a trip to Scotland’s capital where you’ll learn about the city’s history on a guided walking tour. Visit Edinburgh Castle that overlooks the city from its hilltop location and take a day trip to a wildlife reserve in the Highlands.

Canary Wharf

Greenwich

1 Day ($) Fall & Spring

Right on the river, with a lovely park with some of the best views in London, Greenwich's got a whole lot of history and is as alive as ever. Join our day trip to get a taste of why it has always been special.

A student poses in the doorway of Stratford castle

Stratford-Upon-Avon

1 Day ($) Fall & Spring

Visit Shakespeare’s house, which was the place of his birth, and Holy Trinity Church, where he is buried.

Part Time Internships

Did you know that, while in London, you can intern as part of your study abroad experience? With a part-time internship, you’ll gain global work experience that will increase your job readiness and give you an advantage after graduation. With an internship, you will: 

  • Take an important step in your career development by navigating the professional world with our support. 
  • Learn more about yourself both personally and professionally and build confidence in the process. 
  • Experience what working in London is really like and gain an authentic understanding of the workplace culture while developing real, applicable job skills that will bolster your career readiness. 
  • Begin building an international network by making connections with coworkers and peers. 

All of our internships are supervised and earn IES Abroad credit. You participate in a 3-credit seminar to complement the practical experience you gain during the internship for a greater understanding of work life in your host country. 

NOTE: If you’re interested in participating in an internship for the semester, be aware that some internship options have earlier application deadlines. You must complete your program application first, and then you can apply for the internship.

Placement Examples

tourists visiting an art museum in Rome
Arts & Museums
a business student walking in Milan
Business
student teaching on a summer internship program
Education
a studio audience behind a camera in Milan
Media & Communication
students checking their phone in front of the European Council
Politics
Theater

Experiential Learning

Community-Based Learning

Participating in a community-based learning experience in London is one of the best ways to gain a deeper understanding of the city’s culture and society. Working alongside local people toward a common goal, you experience firsthand some of the social issues that affect London, while contributing your skills toward a community driven solution. 

A community-based learning experience consists of time spent with a local organization, accompanied by a 3-credit community-based learning seminar. Through the seminar, you have structured time for reflection, discussion, and even research on the issues of your host community. 

All IES Abroad community-based learning placements are supervised. Placement examples include tutoring children, volunteering at mental health organizations and in NGO and public health administration, and social outreach.

Orientation

Orientation

Your study abroad experience starts well before you travel. We talk through your program choices, guide you through application, and support your preparations for leaving

On Arrival

We’re by your side from the moment you arrive, for campus orientation, getting you to your accommodation, and helping settle

Home Sweet Home

We transfer you from the airport to your university campus or nearby accommodation and help you settle in

Settling In

Talk to SAF Staff on the ground whenever you need support. Living in another country can be disorientating – we have the answers you need

Find Your Way Around

Where to shop, what to eat, how to see a doctor or a dentist, which bus or train to catch – ask us. We’re your friendly locals

Keeping You Safe

We enroll you in the SAF emergency alert system, so you hear safety concerns relevant to you

In the Classroom

The IES Abroad Center has classroom, computer labs, and academic facilities to support your coursework and academic development

Get Social

We arrange social and cultural events, so you meet other international SAF Scholars and local students

Advising and Support

The process of studying abroad could quickly feel overwhelming, but we have been doing this for decades and do everything we can to support you through it. 

Many SAF staff are alumni and have walked this path. They have real-life experience to draw on as they advise and support you through every step of our comprehensive services. They’re in your corner, taking care of all the details and explaining what you need to do next.

Take the first step in your study abroad journey by scheduling a consultation with your closest Student Counselor. You can discuss your for-credit academic courses and language programs and explore internships, research programs, and study tours. When you know what you want to do, we guide you through the pre-program steps, help you arrange your visa and transport, and finalize your accommodation or digital experience.

Get To Know Our Application Process

From academics to visa requirements, our structured process helps you choose the right program and university for your goals. Complete a strong application, and prepare for success abroad.

Personalize Your Study Abroad Plan With Your SAF Counselor

Each student has unique academic goals for a study abroad experience. As you think about studying abroad, your SAF Counselor will help you plan for success and support you every step of the way.

Commonly Asked Questions about IES Abroad Programs

Commonly Asked Questions About Academic & Concurrent Programs

Student Blogs

Fit

Staying Fit at DCU

Tips for staying all-around well while studying abroad at DCU.

Informational

Why Travel With SAF?

Studying abroad is an unforgettable experience, one that stays with you in your career, your contacts, your future. It can define you. At any of our prestigious university partners, you can build personalized for-credit programs that can last up to a whole year.

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