Study social sciences and sustainability in London and delve into pressing global issues and innovative solutions. Through our Designing the Sustainable City course, you will conduct meaningful research aimed at fostering positive social and environmental change. Visit famous landmarks on one of our field trips like Stonehenge and Cambridge.
London, England
Social Sciences & Sustainability
At a Glance
Program Dates:
- Academic Year 2025: September 02 - April 18
- Spring 2026: January 06 - April 18
- Fall 2026: September 01 - December 12
Credits:
15 to 19 per Semester
Estimated Cost:
$23,300
Visa Required:
Maybe
Housing:
Apartment,
Residence Hall
Language of Instruction:
English
Language Prerequisites:
None
Part-Time Internship (Optional):
Included in program fee
About the Program
Fall 2026
Spring 2027
Program Dates:
September 01 - December 12
Application Deadline:
Estimated Cost:
$
23,300
Program Dates:
Early January - Mid April
Application Deadline:
Program Advisor
Macey Schondel
Once you’ve applied for a program, I’ll be your direct point of contact. From housing to course registration and everything in between, I’m here to help you prepare to study abroad. Once you’re accepted to your program, you’ll find even more detailed information about what you need to know before you depart in your Predeparture Guide. Let’s get started!
About the Destination
Why London?
London is the capital of the United Kingdom both geographically and socio-politically. This major European city is the economic and financial heart of the country, and a crossroads for people across the nation and the world. People of different convictions and cultures intertwine to create a city at the center of media, culture, arts, and politics.
The Student Experience
Dublin Days
Dublin is one of those cities that somehow feels cozy and chaotic at the same time. However, it was the perfect two day getaway this past weekend. We packed so...
Program Dates
Spring 2026
Program Dates:
January 06 - April 18
Application Deadline:
Fall 2026
Program Dates:
September 01 - December 12
Application Deadline:
Academic Year 2026-2027
Program Dates:
September 01 - Mid April
Application Deadline:
Spring 2027
Program Dates:
Early January - Mid April
Application Deadline:
Academics
IES Abroad London
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.
Partner Institutions
City St. George's, University of London
City St. George's, 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 St. George's, University of London's mission is to continuously contribute to London’s academic, cultural, and business life.
Courses
Create your own academic experience by selecting from the following program components. You enroll in 15–16 credits per semester. Academic programming is scheduled four days a week.
- IES Abroad area studies courses (required, 3 credits each)
- Partner university course at either City St. George's, University of London or Queen Mary, University of London* (optional, 4 credits each, 2 courses max)
- 1-2 courses at London Contemporary Dance School** (optional, 4 credits each)
- Internship placement and seminar (optional, 3 credits)
- Community-Based Learning placement and seminar (optional, 3 credits)
As an IES Abroad London student, you may combine IES Abroad courses with only one of the following: an internship, a community-based learning placement, or a maximum of two outside courses at City St George’s, University of London, Queen Mary, University of London, or London Contemporary Dance School. You are not allowed to enroll in more than one of these listed options. If you choose to take two outside courses, they must both be at the same outside institution.
- Program cost includes one supplementary course at a local university per term.
- Must be a Dance major or minor.
NOTE: This is a list of planned course offerings. After you are accepted, you will see a list of final course offerings in your MyIESabroad account. Additionally, IES Abroad reserves the right to cancel a course due to insufficient enrollment or circumstances beyond our control.
IES Abroad Courses
Art History (3)
| Course name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| AH 275 - London Museums | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| 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 St. George's, 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 at 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.
NOTE: 2-credit courses are not available to 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
London Contemporary Dance School
LCDS is based in London, approximately 15-20 minutes away from the IES Abroad Center in Gray’s Inn. It is close to Senate House as well as University College London and Royal Academy of Dramatic Art.
Students on the Social Sciences & Sustainability program at IES Abroad London are being given the opportunity to take 1 – 2 courses at LCDS, as part of the semester abroad, alongside their IES Abroad courses. Students will be taught by experienced and internationally celebrated teachers specializing in all forms of dance, such as ballet and contemporary dance.
Students who are considering taking 1 or 2 courses at LCDS must have a major or minor in Dance. As part of their application, students will be required to submit the following:
- Transcript
- Cover letter explaining why you wish to study at LCDS
- Video audition demonstrating the following: 5 mins to introduction of yourself, 15 mins of a contemporary class with the focus on moving through space (i.e., the end part) and 5 min of improvisation or a solo that you have choreographed (this video should be submitted to IES via a URL link e.g., YouTube link)
If successful, students are able to select 1 -2 courses from the following course offerings:
- Contemporary (meets 3 times a week for 90 minutes)
- Capoeira (meets once a week for 90 minutes)
- Locking & Popping (meets once a week for 90 minutes)
- Ballet (meets twice a week for 90 minutes)
Requirements
- 18 years of age
- In good standing at your home school
- 2.75 GPA or better on a 4.0 scale (GPAs under 2.75 will be considered on a case-by-case basis)
- Sophomore, junior, or senior standing when program begins
About the IES Abroad Center
IES Abroad London
The Center is where our highly trained local staff provide on-the-ground support throughout your time abroad.
The IES Abroad London Center is in a centrally-located Georgian building with green space called the Honourable Society of Gray’s Inn. Whether you’re grabbing lunch at the Leather Lane food market, or visiting the Rosetta Stone at the British Museum, the Center is your study abroad hub.
IES Abroad London Staff
Chloe-Kate Abel
Internships Coordinator
Emma Blundell
Head of Student Affairs
Jake Davis
Student Affairs and Customized Programs Coordinator
Keith Dipple
Interim Associate Director & Dean of Faculty
Rhys Dunlop
Accounts & Budgets Manager
Miranda Hale
Direct Enroll & Academic Programming Manager
Ahmed Hamdan
Facilities Manager
Adam Harrison
Customized Programs Manager
Jacci Lawson
Internship Manager
Beth Lehlbach
Head of Internships
Lewis Liming
Customized Programs and Projects Manager
Kayla Martin
Academic Manager
Nicky Pang
Student Affairs & Customized Programs Coordinator (Events & Communication)
Zosia Rutkowska
Assistant Director and Head of Customized Programs
Atlanta Tsiaoukkas
Academic Administrator
Nicola Yates
Student Success Manager
Housing
IES Abroad London
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.
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 ($).
NOTE: IES Abroad field trip destinations, activities, and lengths of stay may vary according to term and availability.
Bath & Stonehenge
2 Days ($)
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.
Canterbury & Dover
1 Day ($)
Fall, Spring & Summer
Visit the Canterbury Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the beautiful Dover Castle. After the visit, go for a short hike along the White Cliff of Dover National Trust.
Cambridge
1 Day ($)
Fall, Spring & Summer
Visit this historic university town, with its picturesque colleges and punt in a gondola on the river.
Edinburgh
3 Days ($)
Fall & Spring
Take a trip to Scotland’s capital where you’ll learn about the city’s history on a guided walking tour. Visit Edinburgh Castle that overlooks the city from its hilltop location and take a day trip to a wildlife reserve in the Highlands.
Greenwich
1 Day ($)
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.
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
Jane S. • University of St. Thomas
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:
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
Arts & Museums
Business
Education
Media & Communication
Politics
Theater
Experiential Learning
Alivia C. • Wheaton College
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.
Program Cost
Consider these prices as a starting point. We encourage you to contact your current college or university to determine the actual cost to you when factoring in financial aid, scholarships, your school's policies, and other factors.
Spring 2026
Fall 2026
Academic Year 2026-2027
Spring 2027
APPLY FOR SCHOLARSHIPS
$7.9 Million in Scholarships & Aid
We firmly believe that financial limitations should not prevent a qualified student from studying abroad. This is why we commit millions of dollars to our study abroad scholarships and aid.
Orientation
Health & Safety
With 75 years of experience, we are proud to set the standard for health and safety in study abroad. Our Chicago-based and on-site staff are all highly trained and experienced in the matters of health, safety, and crisis management. We are here for you from predeparture to your return, and are ready to support you—no matter which time zone you’re in. We plan for "what ifs" so that you don’t have to. From international health insurance included in your program cost to highly trained local staff who can connect you with English-speaking healthcare providers, we work around the clock to ensure your health and safety while abroad.
PRO-TIP
Apply for your passport today!
Getting your passport is a crucial step for studying abroad. With processing times taking longer than usual, consider this a gentle reminder to not procrastinate on getting or renewing your passport.
Frequently Asked Questions
Identity Resources
Contact a Previous Student
Student Ambassadors
No one knows the IES Abroad experience better than a student who has lived it! From budget tips to housing experiences, our volunteer Ambassadors are here to share it all.
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