Tufts in London

London is one of the best cities in the world to be a university student, repeatedly ranked the No. 1 student city in various world rankings. This is because of the number of world-class universities in the city and its openness to international students, attracting more than 400,000 students from 200 countries.

Nearly two thousand years old, London is known for its rich history, diverse culture, and global influence. More than 300 languages are spoken in London, more than any other city in the world. Studying abroad in London offers a unique opportunity for students to immerse themselves in this dynamic environment, while also earning academic credit towards their degree. The academic culture in London is rigorous and challenging, with a strong emphasis on independent learning and research. Depending on which institution they apply to students can study a single subject in depth for a semester or take a wider range of courses. Both approaches allow students to take advantage of the city’s 120 libraries, 1,000 museums and galleries, and a huge range of cultural institutions.

Tufts in London partners with six highly regarded institutions, giving students from almost every academic discipline the opportunity to tailor their experience to their academic interests and goals. Learn more about each of our partner institutions below:

1. London School of Economics (LSE) 
2. Queen Mary University of London (QMUL) 
3. Royal Holloway University of London (RHUL)
4. School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) 
5. University of the Arts, London (UAL) 
6. University College London (UCL)

The following chart offers a snapshot of our partner institutions to get you started, but it is not a comprehensive guide, nor does it capture the nuances of each institution. For example, we list the minimum GPA requirements under Eligibility although certain departments have higher GPA requirements and there may be additional eligibility criteria. Review the Academics section below for more details.

Each university has its own academic strengths, formats, and cultures. If you’re not sure which partner institution is the best fit for you, reach out to our staff for guidance. We can help you navigate your options and make an informed decision. Students may only apply to one Tufts-in-London partner institution. If a student’s application is rejected, we will work with them to explore other options. 

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*Urban campus: University buildings, accommodations, and facilities are spread throughout the city. Self-contained campus: All university buildings, accommodation, and facilities are located on one site.

In England, undergraduate degrees typically last three years, and students focus on a single subject for the entire duration of their studies (e.g., English), as opposed to combining different subjects, majors, and minors. The emphasis is on independent work, and students are expected to dedicate eight to ten hours of self-study for every hour spent in class. Assessment usually takes place at the end of each term or year and may consist of a single assignment or exam, rather than a system of cumulative or continuous grading. Academic success in this system depends on the ability to be self-motivated, independent, and skilled in time management.

Courses typically include a series of lectures, seminars, and tutorials, which together account for approximately eight hours per week. Science and engineering students may have much more extensive lab requirements than at Tufts, which may require up to twenty hours per week. Class sizes vary, and students are expected to prepare work in advance for seminars and tutorials. Students take four classes, and all courses count for Tufts credit.  Note: UAL students take a single program, rather than individual courses, which transfers as 16 SHUs in Studio Art.

Be sure to review our academic policies for education abroad and plan accordingly with your academic advisor(s). This is particularly important for students planning to study at UCL, taking the majority if not all their courses in a single subject.

Review TGE Academic Policies   

Prerequisites

Applicants must have completed two years of study at Tufts University or another approved university prior to their entry and should meet the general eligibility requirements. All applicants must show college-level coursework in the area in which they wish to study. Additionally, each institution and some departments have additional admission requirements and stipulations, as outlined below. In addition, Tufts will be examining enrollment capacity and may be unable to nominate all candidates to their partner of choice. 

London School of Economics (LSE)

Established in 1895, London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) is a globally recognized social science institution. The General Course is an immersive year-long program intended for ambitious students who seek in-depth academic inquiry in international relations, economics, management, history, and related fields. General course students are fully integrated with degree students, experiencing the same level of academic rigor and resources as their LSE counterparts.

Courses

Study abroad students at LSE enroll in the year-long General Course and are referred to as “GC students.” There are more than 300 courses available, with a primary focus on the social sciences, which form the core of an LSE education. A selection of available subjects is listed below, but more detailed information about GC courses is available on the LSE website. Prerequisites may apply; refer to their entry requirements for GPA requirements by subject area.

Queen Mary University, London (QMUL)

Queen Mary University, London (QMUL) is situated on a self-contained residential campus in east London (at Mile End), providing a unique blend of city and university living. It is one of the UK’s leading institutions in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), also offering a broad range of subjects in humanities, social sciences, and other fields. QMUL also offers courses with a focus on study abroad, such as “London: Walking the City” and “London Performance Now”.

Courses

Associate students at QMUL can take courses (modules) in a wide range of disciplines, much like they would at a U.S. institution, and are taught alongside degree (matriculated) students. Additionally, students have the option to exclusively participate in one of QMUL's 'Thematic Programmes' of study in English and Drama. For more information about available modules, visit the QMUL website.  Please note that the Internship option is not available to Tufts students.

Royal Holloway University, London (RHUL)

Royal Holloway University, London (RHUL), a member college of the University of London, is located outside of London in the beautiful English countryside near the historic city of Windsor. It offers a campus environment similar in size and feel to Tufts, with a mix of academic subjects to choose from. In addition to its academic excellence, RHUL is known for being the University of London’s top sporting college. With a journey time of less than an hour to London’s theatre district, students can easily access the city’s cultural and social offerings while living on an English campus with British students.

Courses

At RHUL, students choose from a wide range of subjects and may enroll in courses from up to three different departments. For more information about course offerings and levels, visit the RHUL website.

The School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS)

SOAS, the School of Oriental and African Studies, is a unique institution located in the heart of London that focuses on the languages, cultures, and societies of Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. Founded in 1916, SOAS has a rich history and a global reputation for academic excellence in its specialized fields. With a student population of around 5,000, including roughly 50% international students from over 130 countries, SOAS has a diverse and dynamic student body with a global vision unlike any other. Students select courses from a wide range of disciplines, from politics and economics to development and civic studies, and gain a deep of understanding of the cultures and histories of the regions they study. Students can study languages including Chinese, Arabic, Bengali, Sanskrit, Urdu, Turkish, and Amharic.

Courses

Students can choose courses from a wide range of departments. SOAS also specializes in language instruction for a variety of non-European languages; however, beginner-level instruction may not be available to spring-only students. For more information on available courses, visit the SOAS website.

University of the Arts, London (UAL)

University of the Arts, London (UAL) is a leading institution for art and design and an ideal choice for SMFA students seeking to study abroad (but is open to all Tufts undergraduates). It is comprised of six renowned constituent colleges, including Central Saint Martins, London College of Communication, Camberwell and Chelsea College of Arts, each enjoying a world-class reputation of its own. With a focus on creative exploration and experimentation, UAL encourages students to challenge traditional ways of thinking and develop their artistic skills and vision. Students take a single course of study, such as graphic design or illustration, rather than different classes, allowing them to dive deeper into their chosen subject area.

Courses

At UAL, students follow their chosen program of study (e.g., Graphic Design) rather than selecting individual courses. For more information, visit the UAL study abroad website.

The 'Integrated Study Abroad' program offers a more independent and focused experience in a specific area/medium, alongside matriculated UAL students.

University College London (UCL)

University College London (UCL) is a world-renowned institution founded in 1826 and recognized as the first university in England to welcome students regardless of their race, gender, religion, or social class. With a student population of approximately 36,000, nearly 40% of whom are international students representing 150 nationalities, UCL offers a diverse and dynamic environment for learning and research. Known for its academic excellence and innovation, UCL offers a wide range of courses in the arts and humanities, sciences, social sciences, and engineering. Students apply to and study in a single subject area, similar to Oxford.

Courses

At UCL, study abroad students are known as affiliate students. When applying, they must choose one admitting department (subject) for the majority, if not all, of their coursework. For details on available subjects and courses, visit the UCL website. Pay close attention to any subject-specific restrictions, such as availability in specific terms, higher GPA requirements, and limited course availability. Note that students studying at UCL for only one semester may have more limited course options. 

Orientation  

Both Tufts in London and the UK universities hold orientation programs prior to the start of term, including various information sessions and subject-specific inductions.  There are also social activities and sessions on topics such as the British language, how to get around London, positive mental health, budgeting, getting involved in city life, and planning out their time abroad.

Housing and Meals  

Tufts students are housed in standard single rooms within residence halls at the selected institution and all halls are coeducational. Some halls are located on-campus (i.e., QMUL and RHUL), while others require a commute either on foot or by public transport (i.e., LSE, SOAS, UAL and UCL). Students whose halls are more than a thirty-minute walk away from the institution are given an additional transport stipend. The halls are self-catering with shared kitchens, and students are given a stipend for purchasing their own food and preparing their own meals.  

Living in the UK university’s accommodation is a condition of participation in the program.

Student Perspectives

The Tufts-in-London team provides comprehensive support for students throughout their study abroad experience in London. They serve as a point of contact between students and the host institutions and provide a full range of academic counseling. The team also arranges extracurricular activities and events to help students explore the city and its cultural offerings. Students can drop in for weekly office hours at the Program Office in Faraday House, and schedule one-on-one meetings with staff to address specific questions or concerns.