Identity and Nationhood Summer School

Students chatting on Aberystwyth sea front on a sunny day

Claims about identity and national belonging have become an increasingly important feature of political debate and dynamics around the world in recent years.

This 3 week summer school, 3 - 21 July 2023, brings together experts from a range of disciplines and backgrounds to explore the nature and implications of such claims for contemporary politics. Through a combination of taught sessions and field trips, the programme offers an exciting opportunity to discuss these issues from a Welsh, British and international perspective.

The programme is hosted by our Department of International Politics, the first of its kind anywhere in the world. 

The programme is credit-bearing. Students will receive credit to transfer to their home institution if they successfully complete the course. The academic component will entail the completion of a 10 UK credit module (3 US credits) including a journal, presentation, and a written assignment.  The programme will include trips and excursions as well as time to get to know the seaside town of Aberystwyth, home to the National Library of Wales.

Costs

Including Cost
3 week Programme and full board £2,800
Partner University discount available Please enquire

Full board price includes:

  • Single room accommodation on campus
  • All course materials and tuition
  • All trips and outings
  • Support of Global Opportunities team, academic coordinator and student mentor

What's not included:

  • Travel to Aberystwyth
  • International travel to and from the UK
  • Travel or medical insurance
  • Visa costs if applicable
  • Personal spending money

Please note: if successful you will be required to pay the full programme cost to secure your place.

Eligibility

The programme is broad enough to engage students from a variety of subject backgrounds. It will be of particular interest to students of international relations, politics, social studies, and sociology. The programme has also been greatly enjoyed and appreciated by students majoring in sciences, agriculture and languages. 

Students who do not come from a majority English language country will need to have an IELTS level (or equivalent) of 6.5 overall with 5.5 in each component.

We ask that you are over 18 years of age, already studying at college or university, with a minumum GPA of 3.0, and that you are ready and open for lively debate and discussion.

How to apply

Applications for Summer 2023 are now open! 

Applications and any supporting documentation must be submitted via the online application form by the application deadline.

Application deadline:  1st March 2023

Acceptances will be made on a rolling basis, as there are a limited numbers of places, applications may close early.

Feedback from previous participants

"All of the trips were invaluable and enriched the experience of being in Wales. I felt like I could take what I had learned in the classroom and use that to synthesize understanding of our outings. Being able to talk with people, to see sites important to Wales and being able to take in multiple perspectives of the Welsh identity was integral to my enjoyment."

"Lecture topics were widely and aptly varied, and informed us on Welsh politics, culture, society, and history. The academic work was never stressful to complete or manage, and the reflective logs were a beneficial way to document the trip."

 "Everyone we met was wonderful and went out of their way to make sure we had a good stay. .... All the professors who came in to teach us did a good job. All the service staff were helpful and willing to help us with whatever we needed."