International Summer Postgraduate Institute (ISPI)

Durham University School of Education is pleased to offer you the opportunity to distance study for a Masters or Doctorate in Education through our International Summer Postgraduate Institute (ISPI

Why Durham University?

Durham University is the 3rd oldest university in England, after Oxford and Cambridge and has been a leading European centre of learning for 1,000 years.

Durham University is highly ranked not only in the UK, (3rd in the league tables according to the Sunday Times University Guide 2012, but also in the World (83rd in the Times Higher Education World Rankings 2012), so you can be confident of a first class learning experience.

Located in the North East of England, Durham University's School of Education is not only the ideal place to study for a Graduate qualifcation, but also a wonderful location for exploring everything that England has to offer. For more information on the City and the surrounding areas please visit This is Durham.

Durham has fantastic transport links. Newcastle International Airport is just 20 minutes to the north, and the main London to Edinburgh railway line passes through Durham making it a great location for exploring the rest of the UK.

How ISPI works

The ISPI runs from the first week of July for four weeks. Students are required to attend classes during these four weeks. The rest of the programme is delivered via distance learning.The programme starts at 9am on Monday 1st July and finishes on Friday 26th July 2013. The dates for teaching in 2013 can be seen in the document below.

You are expected to attend a second mandatory summer school the following year.

• ISPI Timetable 2013 (last modified: 25 April 2013)

What's on offer

In addition to the teaching, we aim to provide international students studying with us through July with a cultural experience as well as high quality study, Included during ISPI are trips to sites of local cultural and tourist significance, college events, and a supplementary schedule of academic-led seminars and training from university organisations such as the International Office and The English Language Centre. You will be also be encouraged to attend lunch time talks and presentations from staff and students. Previous years topics included:

• Introduction to Researcher Training
• Time Management
• Literature review
• Literature searching online
• From Creative Thinking to Productive Thought

How much does the programme cost?

Please click on the fees and costs pages for current charges.

If you need more information please do not hesitate to contact our Admissions Office.

Accommodation

Whilst studying with us you have several choices of accommodation, including living in one of our residential Colleges, ensuring that our students have the opportunity to experience Collegiate life which creates the Durham difference. We have negotiated a special residential rate for St Hild and St Bede College, which is only 2 minutes walk from the School of Education.

Subsistance Costs per Day: Approximately £30 to cover the costs of lunch and your evening meal.

Accommodation Costs:

• Package A - 4 weeks Bed Only - £480
• Package B - 4 weeks B&B - £588
• Package C - 3 weeks Bed Only - £360
• Package D - 3 weeks B&B - £441
• Package E - 2 weeks Bed Only - £240
• Package F - 2 weeks B&B - £294
• Package G - 1 week Bed Only - £120
• Package H - 1 week B&B - £147

Dates

• Week 1 - Arrive Sunday 30th June, Depart Sat 6th July
• Week 2 -Arrive Sunday 7th July, Depart Sat 13th July
• Week 3 - Arrive Sunday 14th July, Depart Sat 20th July
• Week 4 - Arrive Sunday 21st July, Depart Sat 27th July

If you book over two consecutive weeks you will be given complimentary accommodation (bed only) on the Saturday evening between weeks.

e.g. if you book a Package F and weeks 1 & 2, you will get accommodation on the night of Sat 6th July, but there will be no breakfast provided on the morning of Sunday 7th July.

All rooms are single standard bedrooms with shared bathrooms (between 4 and 6 bedrooms). There are kitchens within the blocks that you may use. Prices are for a single-room.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q How do I address Academic Staff?

A We are very informal and we always use first names.

Q What is the dress code?

A There is no specific code, wear what you are most comfortable in. Please remember that the weather in England can be variable, so be prepared for rain and colder temperatures as well. You may want a light coat and a comfortable pair of shoes. Any events that you attend will normally be smart casual dress.

Q What times am I expected to be around for?

A You are expected to attend all your classes but we hope you will also take the opportunity to come to the lunctime events provided for you

Q When can I access the programme material on line?

A Details will be available on Durham University Online (DUO) by Monday May 13th 2013

Q Can you help with my application for Student Visitor Visa?

A Yes, we are happy to supply you with a letter to assist you with your application. Please contact the Admissions Office

I have been motivated to reach my full potential thanks to my supervisors.

Dr. Hsu Tsu Chia, Ed.D. IPP Graduate

Further information

Interested in what life is like for our international students? Visit our International Office pages to find out more.

You may also need information on important requirements such as visas, entry clearance, as well as our english language standard requirements and pre sessional english courses.