The interview will be made up of two parts: a 15-minute panel interview with representatives from the Diputación Foral de Bizkaia and the London School of Economics and Political Science, followed by a 15-minute English language assessment. The interview will be held in English.

Once I have submitted my application what is the next step?

The Diputación Foral de Bizkaia will contact you regarding your application and if you are selected will invite you for an interview. Within three weeks of your initial interview the Diputación will contact you with the outcome.

What happens when I have been selected?

A member of the LSE team will contact you with further information about the programme within two weeks. Once all of the participants have been selected you will be invited to informally meet the rest of the group in Bilbao. You will also be put into contact with previous participants who will be available to assist you.

My finances

What does the scholarship cover?

The scholarship will cover the full tuition cost and accommodation in London. Flights to and from London and living expenses are not included in the scholarship.

How much does living in London cost?

London is suitable for all budgets. One of the most expensive components of your stay is accommodation and transport. You may find the guides given on the following websites useful. (LSE is not responsible for the information given at these links.)

http://www.workgateways.com/working-cost-of-living.html
http://www.uk-working-holiday.co.uk/uk-cost-living.htm

What is included in the accommodation?

Accommodation will be organised for the group and will include broadband internet. Your bills (gas, electricity, water and council tax) will also be covered except for telephone calls. Your accommodation will be fully furnished, including bed linen and kitchen equipment.

When I arrive

When should I arrive in London?

You can arrive in London on the Sunday before the first day of class, which will be Monday 26 September. Your accommodation will be organised until Saturday 10 December. Check in is open from 3pm and check out is before 10.30am. When you arrive at Northumberland House you will be given keys and shown the facilities by the reception staff.

What information will I receive before my arrival?

You will receive a welcome pack two weeks before your arrival which will include directions from the airport, a programme schedule and outline, contact details and logistical information.

How do I need to prepare for the course?

You will be advised to familiarise yourself with current EU debates. In addition, a selection of prereadings will be available for participants.

What is the schedule for the first day?

You will go to LSE for an induction to the programme and school.

This will include:

Programme induction
Library induction and tour
Campus tour
Library and IT induction
Academic orientation
Study skills session
Welcome reception

You will also receive an induction pack and course materials.

About the programme

How many hours do I have to study?

In addition to your lessons we would recommend five or six hours a day of private study. Pre-reading is required for all seminars and lectures. In addition you may be required to prepare topics or presentations related to the seminar themes.

What is the format of the programme?

You will attend several LSE masters-level lectures on European Political Economy. You will need to read for each course. In addition, you will have a minimum of two seminars with the course teacher, requiring in-depth preparation for the discussion.

You will also have a weekly seminar with the Academic Coordinator, who will set readings and topics. This will also provide a forum to discuss your individual objectives and required assessments.

You will attend a series of guest lectures and public lectures.

How will the course be assessed?

The course will be assessed via one written essay of 2,000 words, a book review of 800 words and two ten-minute oral presentations. All documents need to be submitted via Moodle before 5pm on the agreed deadline.

All successful participants will receive an LSE Custom Programmes Certificate at the end of the course.

What if I have a problem?

The Academic Coordinator will act as your teaching mentor and is your first port of call if you have any difficulty with a topic or a class. He will help you overcome the issues and may refer you to extra lessons or readings.

What LSE facilities can I use?

What facilities will I be able to access?

All participants will have access to the library and LSE intranet which includes access to the LSE online learning environment, Moodle. In addition you will receive a LSE Student card which will allow you to access the campus and provide you with a discount at some retailers.

The LSE library will be your first port of call to access materials. In addition, you will be able to access a large library of journals electronically from both campus and home.

If you do not have a laptop, the LSE has several computer rooms which you can access around campus. In addition, LSE has laptop areas and study rooms which you are welcome to use.

Previous participants' thoughts