When will the final exam take place?
Final exams take place on the last day of each session and participants cannot expect to be finished in time to meet flights on that day. There are no exceptions to taking the exams at the given time and date and this should be taken into account when booking return flights.
Do I have to take the exams? Will I still get a certificate if I don't?
No, exams are not compulsory. Students who attend at least 75% of classes (9 out of 12 classes) and do not sit the final exam will receive an Attendance Certificate. Students must note that an Attendance Certificate is not the same as a Pass/Fail grade and is unlikely to be able to be used for credit.
Am I allowed to sit the mid–session exam and not the final exam?
Yes, students can sit the mid-session exam to gauge how they are doing, and decide whether or not they wish to submit the final exam. Therefore you may sit the mid-session exam and still receive an Attendance Certificate, providing you have attended at least 75% of classes.
What is the difference between the Attendance Certificate and the Graded Certificate?
For students who choose not to be assessed in the final exam there is an option of an Attendance Certificate (providing that you have attended at least 75% of classes). The Attendance Certificate will state your name and your course, but will say ‘Attended’ rather than give a grade.
The Graded Certificate is for all students who submit a final exam and take the other course assessments. The document will state your name, your course and the grade you received (A+ - F scale).
Can I opt for the Attendance Certificate after I have taken the exam?
No. You must decide prior to submitting your final exam whether you want a Graded Certificate or an Attendance Certificate. Students are not able to choose after they have completed their exam.
Am I allowed both the Attendance Certificate and the Graded Certificate?
Students will only be awarded one certificate; either a Graded Certificate if they have submitted the final exam, or the Attendance Certificate if they choose not to sit the final exam.
Will I get a qualification for taking a Summer School course?
Students completing a Summer School course will receive a certificate from LSE. However, there is no externally recognised qualification (e.g. ACCA, CIPFA) for taking a Summer School course. Most students who attend other universities are able to receive credit for taking the course from their own institution.
Can I sit examinations remotely?
It is against University policy to allow Summer School students to sit exams at a location other than the LSE.
What happens if I am unwell or have mitigating circumstances on the day of the exam?
If you are likely to miss an exam for any reason, including illness, you should contact the Summer School Office as soon as possible for advice on +44 (0) 20 7955 7227.
If there are medical or mitigating circumstances, e.g. temporary illness, personal difficulties or bereavement, which you feel may have affected your exam performance and you want to bring to the attention of the examiner, you must submit a statement of mitigating circumstances to the Summer School Office, no later than THREE days after the exam. The late submission of evidence will only be accepted in very exceptional circumstances.
How much credit will I receive for a Summer School course?
Students who wish to receive credit for their course will need to contact either their Study Abroad Office or the office in their university that deals with external credit. It is up to a student's home institution as to how much credit is awarded but the Summer School Office is happy to provide any necessary information to your registry or academic advisor, to help them evaluate the courses. Each Summer School course is equivalent to one course from an undergraduate degree. Generally our courses receive 3 credits in the US system and 7.5 ECTS in the European system.
Do Summer School courses count towards the LSE undergraduate programme?
LSE Summer School courses do not count towards a degree at LSE. Summer School in the UK is not seen as a way of repeating failed courses or a way of graduating quickly. However, LSE Summer School courses are based upon LSE degree programmes and are often used as access courses by graduate admissions at LSE.