Academic Focus
This program is intended to expose students who are interested in working abroad at the University of Westminster’s semester-long, project-based internship, while continuing to earn academic credit. Past internships have been completed at central London organizations such as legal companies, museums and PR firms. Your internship will be complimented by courses from Westminster’s full course catalog and taken at one or two of Westminster's three West End campuses, or at the Harrow campus. Whatever areas of work and study you choose, this program will better prepare you for the global marketplace.
Prior to your arrival, a suitable internship will be researched for you. Internship placements are not guaranteed and are confirmed upon arrival. Each internship is worth the weight of two modules or 30 Westminster credits equivalent to 8 credits in the US semester system. If your internship is not confirmed, you will enroll in additional courses at the University of Westminster.
Semester students will take a schedule of classes for a total of 60 Westminster credits. Therefore, students participating in this program will take two additional 15 credit courses, chosen from Westminster's extensive course catalog. With a schedule of one internship and two courses students will typically earn 16 credits within the US system per semester session. However, it is at the discretion of your academic advisor exactly how many credits will be awarded.
Schedule Summary
Internships last for 12 weeks, and take place two days per week. The exact time of day and days of the week will be decided upon with your host organization after you arrive. Due to the differences in the British higher education system, there is no set standard for the number of days a week a university course may meet. Class meeting times vary across departments and subject areas. Expect the number of times you meet with your class to be different than what you are used to at your home institution. Although the number of contact hours, in class assessments and homework assignments may be fewer than you are used to, it would be a mistake to think that this means less work is required. In preparation for your classes, you are expected to read extensively, participate fully in discussions and develop your own ideas and arguments.
Registration
Internship applications and supporting materials must be submitted prior to departure for London. However, internships are not finalized until students arrive onsite and complete the interview process. All students must choose and submit their accompanying course selections to the CEA headquarter office prior to departure for England. This will allow you to be pre-approved by the departments and/or lecturers for entry into your chosen courses. When choosing courses, make sure you are looking at the campus designation. Final course registration will take place during Orientation during a meeting with an Academic Advisor. There are no required courses. If you wish to enroll in courses offered through the School of Communication and Creative Industries at the Harrow campus, you are required to submit a portfolio for review with your course selection. This should consist of slides, photographs or digital images of your work, demonstrating your level and suitability for the course. To aid in the registration process, it is in your best interest to have courses, including alternates, approved by your academic advisor prior to departure.
To learn more about course requirements for your particular session as well as information regarding your host institution, you may click on the appropriate links above.
