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Studying Business Management at King’s Pre-University Online Summer School

I studied Business Management during King’s Pre-University Online Summer School in 2021. The Summer School is divided into two major parts: Global challenge and your chosen subject’s program. I chose business management because I am planning to study it at university. After following the detailed steps of applying and writing a personal statement, I was able to attend the Business management program.  

Student engagement

The program is delicately planned to maximise student engagement. Before the start of teaching, there was a welcoming event followed by an introduction process. This quickly helped me to feel involved despite the programme taking place online. The content in my business management program was engrossing and helped me to learn a lot about how to start up a business. During the first week, we focused on creating your business idea, establishing your market, developing your strategy, financial forecasting, start-up capital, marketing plan, growth strategy, supply chain, business culture and HR.  

Intellectually stimulating 

The teaching throughout the course was intellectually stimulating as well as engaging and fun. One example of this was when the tutor told interesting stories related to the subject matter to help the lesson to become livelier and more relatable. After each lesson, we had the chance to apply what we learned in class. During this process, I was able to learn a lot about finance and marketing. For instance, we needed to apply market sizing principles to find suitable funding requests for our business. As a result of all this accumulation of knowledge, our team was slowly building on and refining our final project. The final product is to produce a business presentation in groups that will attract investors. I believe my teammates coped smoothly throughout the whole program. Although we did not know each other before the session, after being dividing into teams, we exchanged our contact details and became friends. This was all inspired by our excitement to share our ideas for starting a business.  

During the global challenge session, we worked as a team to find evidence and resources regarding the cause and impact of food insecurity. I was amazed by the level of teamwork and fascinated by the capacity of human beings to work towards a common goal. Our team decided to complete a presentation on climate change. To produce the final product, we researched and gathered information both during lesson time and outside class hours to find resources such as the stakeholders, the impacts, and the potential solutions.  

Student ambassadors

The programme also includes meeting student ambassadors. This is especially useful for students who want to apply to King’s College London because it provided me with a more complete picture of life at King’s. By the end of the programme, I gained more valuable skills, enriched my academic knowledge, and learned details about the UCAS application.  

Personally, I’m extremely glad that I was able to attend my first university summer school program at King’s College London. This course has helped me develop as a person both inside and outside of the classroom. 

 – Emily Wu, Pre-University Summer School 2021

King’s Pre-University Summer School returns to campus for 2022 find out more online here.

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Four Things That Surprised Me About King’s Undergraduate Summer School

As someone with no background in law, I knew I was wading into the deep end when I registered for a module in international commercial law from King’s College London. I ended up being more than pleased with my experience. Here’s what surprised me:  

My classmates were from everywhere. 

I knew I wouldn’t be the only international student, but I didn’t realize just how global the programme would be. A few of my classmates were in the UK, but my module included students from multiple continents. Since many had studied law in different countries, we got to hear fascinating perspectives about how the law and legal professions differ across borders.

The level of my fellow students was super impressive. 

 The module I took was very challenging, but it was made easier by having committed and smart students to work alongside. Discussions during live teaching were always stimulating and clarifying. Students from many different points in their academic careers were all able to contribute substantively. 

The level of the instructors was amazing. 

My course tutors were eminently qualified in their field, both as practitioners and scholars. Rather than only teaching standard texts, as instructors of introductory courses often do, the tutors shared their expertise in their own specialties. We got to learn about cutting-edge research into emerging problems, such as regulation of blockchain currency in international finance. 

The tutors and summer team were able to use online learning technology very effectively. 

While it would have been amazing to study in person in London, I was surprised by how well the online platform worked. It was easy to navigate and kept all course materials organised. Even if the Undergraduate Summer School returns to in-person learning, I expect that the summer team’s ability to facilitate online learning will continue to benefit students. 

I felt nervous going into this programme, but my experience left me with no regrets. I wholeheartedly encourage prospective students to choose Summer @ King’s. 

– Matthew Waterman, Undergraduate Online Summer School 2021

King’s Summer Programmes will return for Summer 2022, find out more and register your interest on our website.

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Riya’s Summer at King’s

The day before summer school, I wandered the hectic streets of London dreaming about what the next three weeks would be like. I already knew I was in love with the beautiful and vibrant city, but my uncertainty of the new people and schooling left my stomach in butterflies. I was hesitant but excited for this new journey I was about to embark on. As soon as I walked through the school’s doors, all my worries were put to rest. I realised that students from all around the world came to King’s College London for the adventure of a lifetime, just like me. I met people from England, China, Russia, Australia, India, Germany, etc. and little did I know they would be my friends for a lifetime. Learning and experiencing everyone’s cultures had to have been one of the most exciting parts of my journey. Before this, I never had the opportunity of getting close with so many people from so many different countries, but King’s easily let that happen for me.

As I am a pre-medical student studying Microbiology and Immunology in the U.S, I decided to take Anatomy and Physiology to further my studies in the sciences. As expected, most of my classes in the States involved in depth learning about microorganisms, diseases, and the immune system. On the other hand, King’s offered Anatomy and Physiology which allowed me to have a broader perspective of the human body and its functions. Learning from this perspective encouraged me even further into in my career in medicine. Participating in dissections and practicals really allowed me to have a hands-on experience and take my traditional classroom learning a step further.
My experience at King’s College London has truly been unforgettable. The three weeks that I was there truly felt like three days! Living in London and meeting such inspirational friends and professors was incredible and I am forever thankful for this opportunity!

Riya Kumar

 

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Pei’s summer at King’s

Summer at King’s has been a truly remarkable experience for me. I have never studied out of my own country before, hence, this really allowed me to immerse myself into a totally different academic culture. From the start, I had intended to study literature in London as I felt that the city was brimming with literary resources and history. What made me choose King’s College was the variety of unique courses and the availability of information on them. These helped me to decide whether I was truly interested in committing to the course over my summer holiday.

The course I chose was Wonderland: 100 Years of Children’s literature, which caught my eye due to the diverse range of interesting topics covered. I loved how the course did not shy away from discussing controversial topics such as Psychoanalysis of the author and Gender Theory. In class, everyone was supportive and encouraging, despite being from different backgrounds and countries. I felt comfortable enough to speak up in class as I knew that others would not laugh at me but instead build on my answers.

However, Summer School at King’s was not only about studying, I managed to attend lots of events and make a lot of new friends there too! We had lots of fun exploring the city together, everything was only a walk away since King’s was located conveniently in the heart of London! The school even arranged fun social events for us such as the Harry Potter Walking Tour and the trip to Greenwich.

 

I loved the fact that there were so many Galleries and Theatres around. We could literally pop into theatres for matinee performances right after class. It was a bonus being able to use the Student Discount to get tickets for many ticketed activities around London.

 

Truthfully, I had gone over without much expectations on meeting new friends. I was afraid that people would end up being too cliquey. I ended up being proved wrong as everyone that I met there was so warm and welcoming. Even the locals in London were very friendly! Every interaction I had in King’s ended in a new friendship. Words cannot express how happy and thankful I am to have been given such a wonderful opportunity to meet so many different people and expand my view of the world!

 

 

Pei Wen

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Katarina’s summer at King’s

 

I remember walking in on my first day, not knowing anyone and thinking to myself, “This is going to be a long two weeks”. Little did I know that 12 days later, I would be crying with my friends not wanting to say goodbye. All the people that I got to know, and the countless memories built at King’s are truly irreplaceable.
The Pre-University Psychology course at King’s was one of the most inspiring and fun experiences of my life. Not only did I learn an extensive amount about topics that greatly interest me, but I was able to explore what university life is like in one of the liveliest cities in the world. Our campus was located less than 10 minutes from the “must sees” that London has to offer, and a beautiful walk along the Thames. This convenience was best experienced when my friends and I would go get a truffle burger for lunch by the river between our two daily seminars. After a total of up to 6 and a half hours of lectures and educational activities per day, we had around 4 hours (until our curfew!) to explore London and its vibrant and diverse culture. However, soon that free time was shortened by essay writing, testing out how to do laundry, and trying to stay fit from all those burgers. Yet, to me, this was one of the most influential aspects of the summer course: realising what university life might be like, and that, contrary to what mom says, you can wash black and white clothes in the same washing machine.


I think I speak on behalf of all my friends that I met during those two weeks when I say that every moment at King’s was an unforgettable one. From making long-lasting friendships and exploring London to having the opportunity to talk with inspiring professors, this course was one that teaches you to be more independent, confident, and ready to tackle the challenges that life brings. Looking back now, there is nothing  that I would change about the course, except maybe making it double as long.

Katarina Krajnovic – Pre-University Summer School

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Study Women’s and Child Health in London this summer

If you’re an early year medical student thinking of choosing obstetrics, gynaecology or paediatrics as a potential career choice then our 3-week Summer School in Women’s Health and Child Health could be for you!

Students will experience what it’s like to work in the pioneering health and research centres of Evelina Children’s Hospital and Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospitals. You will have the opportunity to interact with consultants, junior doctors, nurses, therapists, specialists, patients, families and students from all over the world.

Our programme is a variety of interactive workshops, lectures, practical simulation classes and clinical attendance. Students are given the opportunity to use simulation facilities to learn important practical skills such as ultrasound, pelvic examination and obstetric palpation, prior to their clinical attachments in medical school.

Each student will be assigned a mentor group led by a final year medical student from King’s College London. Your mentor will give you guidance and support throughout the programme, as well as insight into what it’s like to study in London and work in the NHS.

Here’s a quote from a student who attended in 2018:

‘This summer school really helped me understand I chose the right career path. I used to have many doubts about my choice, but during the clinical attendance, when I met the patients and when I understood that, as a doctor, you can really make a difference in a person’s life, I felt the passion for what I am doing/studying inside of me, and I said to myself: “That’s it, I’m here, and I could never be anywhere else in the world. Medicine is my place’. – Martina Marrad

The Summer School in Women’s Health and Child Health runs between 1-19 July 2019, with the option to do the Summer School in Women’s Health from 1-12 July 2019.

If you would like more information please check our module page or email summer@kcl.ac.uk.

Deadlines for applications is 31st May 2019, applications can be submitted here.

Please note that applicants should be current medical students who have completed at least one year of medical study by the time they attend the Summer School.

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My summer at King’s: Nia Sam

When choosing what to do during my last summer of high school, I knew that I wanted to do something that was meaningful and not just spend it as I had done previously – unwinding on vacation for eight weeks. At first, I wasn’t too sure how I exactly wanted to spend it, but I did know that I wanted to spend my summer doing something that would enhance my abilities academically before entering into my last year of my IB.

I moved from London to Singapore five years ago and I saw the summer programme as an opportunity to revisit my home country alone, and have a chance to experience what it was like to live in London again five years later, but this time as a student.

What made King’s College London’s Summer School different was that it was all about giving students the experience of an undergraduate course of their choice, but also the experience as a university student living in London. I chose the Business Management course as it the subject I want to study in university, so I felt like this was an opportunity for me to ensure that it was everything I had expected.

When I first arrived at my accommodation, I was greeted by so many other eager students that I instantly began to make friends (many of whom I am still close with today) and began to feel a lot more comfortable than I initially expected.

The university offers you two weeks filled with undergraduate-level content, with varying teaching styles. We had lectures in the morning followed by seminar sessions in the afternoon, and within the two weeks, each course had two different course-specific excursions. We had the freedom to hang out at our own leisure, as long as we adhered to the curfew, which was a great aspect of the summer school because it offered students a lot of independence to make their own decisions. The closing event party was held at the Bush House roof terrace, which had a panoramic view of Central London. After singing at the talent show, I had the opportunity to perform again at the closing event party which I really enjoyed, as music is one of my passions.

Attending the programme gave me the chance to experience what studying at university felt like, but more specifically what it is like to study at King’s. I feel a lot more prepared to go to university in 2019 and reassured me that I am choosing the right course. It offered me both an ample amount of academic and social opportunities to participate in.

I would recommend it to anyone, whether you plan to study in the UK or are still unsure as to which courses you wish to study when you eventually go to university. King’s will offer you a fantastic experience both academically and socially.

My summer at King’s College London was by far the best summer experience I have ever had.

Nia Sam

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Every summer has a story

Another Summer Programmes season has come to an end.

From now, those who studied with us are King’s alumni and part of the family so please keep in touch with us. We would love to know how your experience at King’s was.

What impact did it have in your life? Did anything change in your personality? Do you feel inspired to study or work abroad in future? What is your summer story?

Please share with any memories, stories and photos with us via email summer@kcl.ac.uk or tag us on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter. Please don’t forget to complete the surveys that we sent, your opinion is very important to us.

Thank you all for coming and spending the summer with us.

A special thank you to our team and tutors who worked hard over the summer to provide a good experience to everyone.

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From Kenya to London

Everybody knows how challenging combining studying and working is, as much as it is a great opportunity to get work experience and lay practical foundations for your future job. Emmanuel Mamadi’s academic career in Kenya was a successful combination of both.

Having been awarded an African Leadership Summer Scholarship at King’s College London, Emmanuel has just graduated and celebrated his achievement in the best way by travelling abroad for the first time from his hometown in Kenya – proof that hard work can pay off.

The African Leadership Summer Scholarship programme offers students from King’s select African partners the opportunity to study on the King’s Summer School in London on courses on Conflict, Security and Leadership. The scholarship programme supports the work of the African Leadership Centre (ALC) at King’s which aims to inform and influence policy change both in Africa and at a global level. The ALC runs ground-breaking Master’s programmes and a highly competitive Fellowship programme that allows those involved to work and study on several continents. This year saw seven students from Kenya, Ethiopia and South Africa attend the summer scholarship programme.

Emmanuel’s scholarship included, alongside the fully funded attendance of an intensive King’s Undergraduate Summer School module, workshops on leadership, security and peace issues.

We have spoken to him to hear more about his experience.

What was your first experience of the city? London is a beautiful and astonishing city which never gets old. It was so exciting to experience London with all its cultural diversity and different dynamics. The people here are friendly and interacting with many of them is an invigorating experience. I used to just imagine what it would be like here and this being my first time to travel out of my country… it was ecstatic.

Did you face any challenges? Well, I love challenges and with all the excitement of a whole new experience I took everything positively. However, the culture shock stunned me with most people here having more private space than I am used to. It wasn’t really much of a challenge but a learning experience.

What’s been your favourite thing about London so far? The diversity stands out for me. It’s my favourite feature of London.

What did you make of the academic experience? Yes, a conversation with King’s African Leadership Centre director, Professor Funmi Olonisakin; visiting London Bridge, the London Eye, being in Whitehall and Trafalgar Square. I have yet so much more to explore.

The session with Gonzalo Vargas Llosa, the lead of the United Nations Refugee Agency in Britain, was also an eye opener. The course lessons at the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) gave me new thoughts and inspired my sense of analysis and critical thinking. In a nut shell, my experience was fascinating and a learning curve.

Was there anything that amazed you? Professor Jack Spence from the War Studies department at King’s College London would tell you that a picture, i.e. art, simplifies and history complicates. Well, my time at King’s has been a time of memories made of both pictures and history. Having the chance to experience learning in an environment occupied by diversity, knowledge and skill has made me come out feeling exhilarating about studies. The experience of interacting with different professors, tutors, staff and students from the globe has built me holistically; not only in the academic sphere but life skills as well.

Can you describe London in three words? Diverse, euphoric & amazing!

 

 

 

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From London to Hong Kong

We flew from London to Hong Kong to bring a unique teaching experience to students at our hosting school, Singapore International School (Hong Kong). Here are some highlights of an inspiring week.

Students were introduced to the British way of teaching and they explored a range of subject areas, such as Biomedical Sciences, Business Management, Chemistry, Law, Politics and Engineering.

It was a great opportunity for them to have an international experience in their own country, and some of the students got excited with the idea of studying abroad in the future.

 Professors returned fully inspired by the bright and motivated students that they met and came back with good memories.

Students attended special sessions on the British university application process delivered by our deputy director, Ian Fielding.

For more information on our pre-university summer programmes, please check our website.