IFSA Health Sciences Career Accelerator

IFSA’s Health Sciences Career Accelerator provides a compelling curriculum focused on leadership in the health sciences sector and classes selected for U.S. degree requirements. You will develop a deep understanding of health sciences concepts, theories, and practices, while building critical thinking and problem-solving skills in public health and healthcare policy through cocurricular activities, experiential learning, guest speakers, and workshops.

Build your own curriculum with a combination of IFSA classes. All students take Leadership for the Health Sciences Sector. Select IFSA elective classes for a total of 12–17 U.S. semester credit hours. Or, combine IFSA elective classes with one or two direct-enroll class at Queen Mary.

Not all classes may be offered in a given semester. Click on each link below for a detailed class syllabus.

CORE CLASS

Leadership Development for the Health Sciences Sector (required)
Health Sciences is a sector that manifests in often unique, variable, and context dependent circumstances that directly contribute to our longevity and quality of life. As the demand for health sciences and health care professionals increases around the world with higher life expectancy rates, increasing health care tourism, and complex financing, legislation, and litigation parameters in different countries and regions, students pursuing careers in the health sciences will require critically comparative knowledge, the capacity and creativity to solve problems and innovate, and the professional competencies to be essential and compassionate contributors and leaders in a rapidly evolving field.

This class is designed for students pursuing a career in the health services or health care fields, as patient facing practitioners, health system administrators, and policy makers, and are interested in enhancing their academic and professional opportunities beyond traditional classroom boundaries through a curriculum combining integrated professional competencies and skills development, concurrent with an in-depth examination of the health sciences and services through curated opportunities for active, applied, and authentic learning assessment.

From challenge-based group projects to company and health care provider visits, panel discussions, expert talks, and networking events, the robust dual socialized and corporate health care sector in the greater London area will serve as an extension of the classroom and provide access to the leaders and companies that are driving change in health sciences.  (3 U.S. semester credit hours)

IFSA HEALTH SCIENCES ELECTIVE CLASSES
IFSA has carefully tailored a suite of health science classes to fit U.S. degree requirements. All classes are open to all students. Prerequisites for some classes may be required. Please note, not all classes may be offered in a given semester depending on enrollment. Click on each link below for a detailed class syllabus.

Biostatistics for Public Health
This class provides a comprehensive introduction to the fundamental principles and applications of biostatistics in public health research and practice. Through a combination of theoretical instruction and hands-on practical exercises, students learn to analyze and interpret data relevant to public health issues. Topics include probability theory, sampling techniques, hypothesis testing, regression analysis, and the use of statistical software for data analysis. Emphasis is placed on the critical assessment of research findings, the design of epidemiological studies, and the application of biostatistical methods to address public health challenges. By the end of the class, students develop proficiency in using biostatistics to inform evidence-based decision-making and contribute to advancements in public health knowledge and practice. (3 U.S. semester credit hours)

Comparative Health Systems
This class explores the diverse landscape of existing healthcare systems in different countries and critically evaluates their structures, policies, and outcomes. Through comparative analysis, students will examine the strengths and weaknesses of healthcare models and systems, including single-payer systems, socialized medicine, and market-based approaches. This class will encompass issues of access, quality, cost containment, and equity in healthcare delivery, providing valuable insights into global health policy and practice. (3 U.S. semester credit hours)

Economics of Healthcare
This class offers a comprehensive examination of the economic principles that underpin various healthcare systems, including socialized healthcare, private insurance markets, and hybrid models. Through theoretical analysis, case studies, and comparative evaluations, students explore the financing, delivery, and regulation of healthcare services in different contexts. Topics include the role of government intervention, mechanisms for healthcare financing and reimbursement, cost-effectiveness analysis, and the impact of economic factors on healthcare access, quality, and equity. Special attention is given to understanding the strengths and weaknesses of different healthcare systems, including social health care models, and their implications for healthcare outcomes, patient satisfaction, and overall societal wellbeing. By critically analyzing real-world examples and policy debates, students develop a nuanced understanding of the complex interplay between economics, politics, and healthcare delivery systems. (3 U.S. semester credit hours)

Families and Global Health 
This class explores the intersection of family dynamics and global health issues, with a focus on reproductive health, maternal and child health, and infectious disease prevention. This class examines the roles of families as agents of health promotion and disease prevention within their communities and explores cultural variations in family health beliefs and practices. Through case studies and guest lectures, students gain insights into the complex interplay between family dynamics, social determinants of health, and global health outcomes. (3 U.S. semester credit hours)

Finance of Health Practices and Healthcare
This class provides a comprehensive exploration of financial management principles as they relate to healthcare organizations, health practices, and the broader healthcare systems. Through a blend of theoretical frameworks, case studies, and practical applications, students delve into the intricate financial landscape of healthcare practice and delivery. Topics covered include budgeting, revenue cycle management, financial analysis, strategic planning, and reimbursement methodologies. Students learn to navigate the complexities of healthcare finance, including the impact of regulatory policies, third-party payers, and value-based reimbursement models. Emphasis is placed on developing proficiency in financial decision-making, risk management, and resource allocation to optimize the delivery of high-quality, cost-effective healthcare services. Through hands-on projects and simulations, students gain practical experience in financial planning, budget development, and performance evaluation within healthcare organizations. By the end of the class, students emerge equipped with the skills and knowledge to address the financial challenges facing healthcare practitioners, administrators, and policymakers in today’s dynamic healthcare environment. (3 U.S. semester credit hours)

Foundations of Public Health 
This foundational class provides an overview of the core principles, functions, and competencies of public health practice. Topics include epidemiology, biostatistics, environmental health, health policy, and health promotion. Through case studies, simulations, and field experiences, students develop a holistic understanding of the public health system and its role in preventing disease, promoting health equity, and improving population health outcomes. (3 U.S. semester credit hours)

Introduction to Health Behavior
In this class students examine the psychological, social, and cultural factors influencing health behaviors and decision-making. This class examines theories of health behavior change, such as the Health Belief Model and Social Cognitive Theory, and explores their application in promoting healthier lifestyles and preventing chronic diseases. Through case studies and interactive activities, students develop skills in health behavior assessment, intervention planning, and evaluation in diverse populations and settings. (3 U.S. semester credit hours)

Introduction to Personal and Community Health
This introductory class provides a comprehensive exploration of key concepts, theories, and practices in personal and community health. Through an interdisciplinary lens, students examine the multifaceted determinants of health, including biological, psychological, social, environmental, and cultural factors. Topics covered include health promotion, disease prevention, lifestyle behaviors, healthcare access, and the social determinants of health disparities. Students will understand the impact of individual choices, community resources, and public policies on population health outcomes. Through interactive lectures, group discussions, and experiential learning activities, students explore strategies for promoting health and wellness at the individual, interpersonal, and community levels. Special emphasis is placed on addressing health inequities and advocating for health justice within diverse communities. By the end of the class, students develop critical thinking skills and practical tools to assess health risks, make informed decisions, and actively engage in efforts to improve personal and community wellbeing. (3 U.S. semester credit hours)

Introduction to Research in Community Health
This class examines the essential components of research in community health. Through theoretical and practical exploration, students delve into research design, methodologies, data collection, and analysis techniques relevant to community health studies. Emphasis is placed on ethical considerations, cultural sensitivity, and community engagement in the research process. Through hands-on projects and fieldwork, students develop the skills and knowledge necessary to conduct rigorous research that addresses pressing public health issues and informs evidence-based interventions. (3 U.S. semester credit hours)

Medical Anthropology
This class examines how cultural beliefs, practices, and social and cultural structures shape health-related behaviors, beliefs, and disparities. Topics include medical pluralism, cultural constructions of health and illness, healing rituals, and the impact of globalization on health systems and practices. Through ethnographic case studies and critical analysis, students gain a deeper understanding of the cultural contexts of health and illness and their implications for healthcare delivery and public health interventions. (3 U.S. semester credit hours)

Medical Vocabulary
This class covers the roots, prefixes, and suffixes used in medical terminology, as well as common medical abbreviations and symbols. Through interactive exercises and medical case studies, students practice analyzing and interpreting medical terms in context and develop proficiency in communicating with healthcare professionals and patients. (3 U.S. semester credit hours)

Mental Health Psychology
This class explores the psychological dimensions of mental health and illness from a biopsychosocial lens. Class topics will include the classification of mental disorders, evidence-based treatments, and stigma reduction efforts. Through lectures, discussions, and experiential activities, students gain insight into the complexities of mental health issues and develop strategies for promoting psychological wellbeing in individuals and communities. (3 U.S. semester credit hours)

Public Speaking 
This class covers the fundamentals of effective communication, including speech preparation, audience analysis, delivery techniques, and persuasive strategies. Students receive constructive feedback on their speaking skills and have opportunities to practice public speaking in various contexts relevant to health communication, such as presentations, debates, and advocacy campaigns. Upon completion of class, students will develop confidence and proficiency in public speaking through theory-based instruction and exercises. (3 U.S. semester credit hours)

IFSA ELECTIVE CLASSES
All classes are open to all students. Prerequisites for some classes may be required. Please note, not all classes may be offered in a given semester depending on enrollment. Click on each link below for a detailed class syllabus.

Arts and Humanities

Directed Research
This class offers a unique opportunity for students to delve deeply into host context research projects. Students will be guided through projects that are both feasible in the study abroad context and relevant to their broader intellectual interests. The class is structured through regular individual meetings with a faculty mentor to discuss the formation and execution of a research plan and, depending on the specific project, the possibility to conduct field- or internet-based research. At the end of the semester, students present a formal research paper. (3 U.S. semester credit hours)

Fantasy in the Real World: Literature through the Sociological Lens
Fantasy literature has great power – but does it also have great responsibility? This course looks at mainstream and fringe fantasy literature from the past century and the power that it has in modern society at large. We will examine its creation, consumption, and its ability to impact the real world. Using works such as Harry Potter, His Dark Materials, The Lord of the Rings, and The Game of Thrones, as well as lesser-known writings, we will embrace the fantasy genre as a safe space to explore sociological topics that are difficult to clarify in the real world, such as race, gender, class, and political processes. (3 U.S. semester credit hours)

Intercultural Communications for the Global Workplace 
Designed to help students communicate effectively with people from diverse cultural backgrounds, this course utilizes intercultural theory to explore the complexity of culture through paradox, stereotypes, verbal and non-verbal communication, personal beliefs and values, and strategies for building cultural intelligence and adaptability. Examination of U.K. work environments, professional practices, and business etiquette is an important and underpinning feature of the class. (3 U.S. semester credit hours)

Sustainability and the Global City
This class introduces urban sustainability from multiple disciplinary perspectives. It aims to provide students with the theoretical and methodological tools with which to evaluate potential for sustainable urbanism. Focusing on London alongside comparative global case studies, students will be exposed to urban planning and both natural and build environments in order to evaluate the common challenges and successes related to sustainability efforts. Through experiential learning opportunities, students will develop first-hand context as they examine various facets of sustainable urbanization in London. (3 U.S. semester credit hours)

Trends Start Here: New Media and Behavior
As individuals increasingly consume news from sources of personal choice and become producers of news through social media engagement, this class investigates communication patterns and human action. The relationship between media reporting and its impact on the psyche and decision-making provides a basis for course discussions. How does social networking affect our views of ourselves and others? How does our personal selectivity in news media consumption impact our choices and communications behavior? (3 U.S. semester credit hours)

Urban Identities: Gender, Race, and Class in London
Drawing from anthropology and sociology, this course utilizes intercultural learning theories to foster awareness of one’s own perspectives as well as those of the myriad communities that comprise London. Multiple approaches to framing the multicultural city and appreciating common and contested spaces as inherent to urban diversity are included. This course will examine the role, function, and effects of identity as it relates to the lived experiences of Londoners. While case studies examine gender, race, and class specifically, the course will approach identity from the perspective of intersectionality, in which the dimensions of diversity are understood as the simultaneous interplay of multiple factors. (3 U.S. semester credit hours)

Bioscience Classes

Biochemistry
This class focuses on studying chemical reactions at a molecular level to gain a deep understanding of living matter. Metabolic homeostasis, protein structure, and nutrient intakes impact on molecules will be covered. (3 U.S. semester credit hours)

Cognitive Neuroscience Foundations
This class will introduce the cognitive systems in neuroscience that include attention, pattern recognition, knowledge representation, language, reasoning, and human intelligence.  (3 U.S. semester credit hours) 

Ecology
This class will provide an overview of population biology, evolutionary ecology, community structure, with emphasis on species interactions, including competition, predation, and symbiosis.  (3 U.S. semester credit hours)

Introduction to Statistics for Biosciences
This class will introduce the statistical methods used in the analysis of biological experiments. Topics covered in this class will include descriptive statistics, analysis of variance, regression, correlation, contingency analysis, and the testing of methods for sampling natural populations. (3 U.S. semester credit hours)

Microbiology
This class focuses on the different types of microorganisms, how they function, and research methods that can be applied to understand and manipulate them further.  (3 U.S. semester credit hours)

Microbiome and the Brain
This class focuses on the microorganisms living within our body and how this plays a role in our health. This will include an overview of bacterial diversity and taxonomy, types and mechanisms of plant-bacteria interactions, bacterial pathogenesis, and methods for study. (3 U.S. semester credit hours)

Scientific Communication
In this class, students will develop skills in written and oral scientific communication. The class provides background on the different segments of scientific writing, including the peer review process and research communication. It requires students to write papers, abstracts, and grant proposals. Additionally, the class will provide context for copy editing, peer review and critique, and preparing presentations and proposals. (3 U.S. semester credit hours)

Business Classes

Business Ethics
This class delves into the core principles of ethics as they relate to the corporate landscape. Through a blend of theoretical exploration and practical case studies, students will examine the intricate ethical dilemmas faced by businesses and organizations. Emphasis will be placed on understanding the role of ethical leadership in fostering an environment conducive to ethical decision-making within the business realm. (3 U.S. semester credit hours)

Entrepreneurship: Creating a Plan of Action
Entrepreneurship is widely understood as engaging in a process to seek out or create opportunities for the purpose of starting a business; yet there is a gap between what entrepreneurs actually do to start a business and what some investors want prior to investing their money in entrepreneurs and their businesses. Therefore, the purpose of this class is to teach students how to do both: 1) think through and engage in the creation of a start-up and 2) develop and communicate a business plan to potential investors. In order to do the first, students will learn about and follow the “lean start-up” methodology, and to do the second, students will learn how to prepare a traditional business plan. (3 U.S. semester credit hours)

International Business
This class provides a comprehensive overview of international business strategies in the context of today’s globalized economy. Students will explore fundamental concepts and practical applications essential for success in the international marketplace. Topics include the analysis of globalization’s impact, the alignment and divergence of political and economic systems, international trade dynamics, foreign direct investment strategies, global finance and accounting principles, market entry strategies, global production processes, and challenges in international human resource management. Through case studies, discussions, and interactive exercises, students will develop a deeper understanding of the complexities of international business and gain practical skills for navigating the global business environment. (3 U.S. semester credit hours)

International Finance
This class delves into advanced concepts and strategies in international finance, offering students a deeper understanding of global financial markets and transactions. Topics include the analysis of exchange rate mechanisms, currency risk management strategies, international investment evaluation, multinational capital budgeting, and the complexities of international financial institutions. Through case studies, simulations, and hands-on projects, students will develop practical skills in navigating the intricacies of international finance and gain insights into the strategic decision-making processes of multinational corporations operating in the global marketplace. (3 U.S. semester credit hours)

International Marketing
This class explores the intricacies of international marketing, examining how businesses navigate diverse global markets and cultural landscapes. Students delve into market entry strategies, global branding, and cross-cultural consumer behavior, gaining insights into effective marketing campaigns tailored to international audiences. Through case studies and collaborative projects, students develop strategic marketing skills essential for success in the global marketplace. (3 U.S. semester credit hours)

Operations and Supply Chain Management
This class introduces business operation and supply chain management. Both operations and supply chain management are the primary functions of every company and organization. In this age of rapid globalization and fast-moving information, operations and supply chain management are the keys to improving company profitability and sustainability. It is crucial for the success of a company and its customers; therefore no one should underestimate its importance. Through lectures, case studies, and group discussion students explore the major topics in business operation as well as supply chain management. Students will not only learn the important subjects of operation and supply chain management, but also review actual case studies of leading global companies. The class is structured to cover the total value chain of operations and supply chain in this dynamic economic environment. (3 U.S. semester credit hours)

Principles of Negotiation
This class focuses on the skills and techniques of negotiation relevant to a wide range of contexts: from commercial communication to political debate, from public relations to social and public campaigns. Through class lectures and practical simulations, students will explore and compare theories of negotiation grounded in research from the fields of linguistics, psychology, and rhetoric. They will learn to apply a range of written and oral persuasive skills and devices effectively, and to manage a successful negotiation process in a multicultural environment. (3 U.S. semester credit hours)

Computer Science Classes

Algorithms
This class provides an introduction to the modern study of computer algorithms. It presents many algorithms and covers them in considerable depth through mathematical rigor and engineering issues. Through a presentation of algorithms in English and pseudocode, design techniques, and application areas this class will emphasize efficiency as a design criterion, we include careful analyses of the running times of all our algorithms. (3 U.S. semester credit hours)

Data Analysis
This class equips students with the essential skills and tools for extracting actionable insights from complex datasets. Through a combination of statistical analysis, data manipulation, and visualization techniques, students learn to uncover patterns, trends, and correlations within data. From exploratory data analysis to hypothesis testing and regression modeling, students gain proficiency in using data analysis to support evidence-based decision-making across various domains. (3 U.S. semester credit hours)

Introduction to Artificial Intelligence
The class will introduce the basics concepts which have developed in the area of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Since the 1960’s, AI has been applied to complex programs which could achieve tasks considered very complicated even for humans (such as optimization problems or face recognition). Today, AI has developed into a fully-fledged field which is connected with big data, data analytics, and machine learning.  The class will introduce the key concepts of intelligent agents, their behavior and environment, and their role in problem solving, and knowledge and reasoning representation. Modeling intelligent behavior of the agents designed to solve problems is a challenging task, and several models have been developed (logical, probabilistic, and/or based on neural networks). The class will survey basic methods, looking for common points and differences.  In particular, the modeling of learning (a characteristic trait of humans) will be discussed with examples from natural language processing, and will be put in the context of machine learning (ML).  (4 U.S. semester credit hours)

Introduction to Machine Learning
The class provides an introduction to machine learning (ML), focusing on both solid and reliable theoretical foundations and ability to use its methods in practice. In the theoretical part, the focus is on understanding the variety of state-of-the-art ML models and algorithms. The models for ML range from geometrical, to probabilistic and logical. Students will learn how to distinguish these models and how to use them effectively. Several specific models and algorithms will be discussed, including regression, clustering, decision trees and neural networks, and deep learning. The applications of ML in data analytics will also be analyzed. Concurrently, students develop a solution for a test problem using tools discussed in the class, such as git, python, etc. The practical experience with ML algorithms is helpful in assessing the effectiveness of ML algorithms and provides an understanding of the key role of data selection and the evaluation of results. (3 U.S. semester credit hours)

Principles of Operating Systems
This class unveils the core principles that govern modern computing systems. Through engaging lectures and hands-on assignments, students will delve into system calls, memory management, process scheduling, concurrency, and more. The class culminates in a team-based operating system project, applying knowledge to real-world scenarios. By the end, students will understand operating systems’ functions, challenges, and their seamless interaction with hardware and software. (3 U.S. semester credit hours)

Programming Languages
This class unveils the core principles that govern modern computing systems. Through engaging lectures and hands-on assignments, students will delve into system calls, memory management, process scheduling, concurrency, and more. The class culminates in a team-based operating system project, applying knowledge to real-world scenarios. By the end, students will understand operating systems’ functions, challenges, and their seamless interaction with hardware and software. (3 U.S. semester credit hours)

Software Engineering
The class provides an introductory class in software engineering. The class surveys both the theoretical knowledge and practical skills needed to successfully execute a project in which a software solution is being developed. The focus will be on two dimensions essential for successful development: software engineering proper, which includes software architecture selection and other technical details, and project management, including its planning stage. The emphasis will be on modern methods for project planning and execution, with a focus on agile and scrum methodologies which have been increasingly used in the industry.  Students will learn how to model software processes and analyze a client’s needs to design a suitable solution. Several methods will be discussed, and representations via UML (Unified Modeling Language) developed. The requirements for system architecture will be surveyed and suitability of different solutions analyzed. In the design stage, attention to object-oriented approach will be emphasized. Methods for testing and evaluation will be analyzed in the concluding stage of the project. The theoretical information will be accompanied with practical experience—students will develop a small-scale project which will allow them to track the specific stages of software engineering processes and appreciate their relative importance. (3 U.S. semester credit hours)

Statistics and Data Mining
This class examines the principles and methodologies of statistics and data mining, providing students with the tools to extract valuable insights from large and complex datasets. From descriptive statistics and inferential techniques to machine learning algorithms and clustering methods, students learn to analyze and interpret data to support decision-making and drive business outcomes. Through hands-on projects and case studies, students gain practical experience in applying statistical and data mining techniques to real-world datasets. (3 U.S. semester credit hours)

Tech, Ethics, and Public Policy: Innovation and Disruption
The class will explore the ethical and social impacts of technological innovation, integrating perspectives from a range of academic disciplines to examine the impact of technology on humans and societies. Students will be encouraged to consider their responsibilities as consumers and potential creators of new technologies and to think about their broader ethical and societal implications. This, in turn, will help students to explore and discuss the benefits and drawbacks of current and possible future policy interventions. (3 U.S. semester credit hours)

Psychology Classes

The Psychology of Crime and Justice in the UK
This class will follow the historical evolution of forensic psychology from Jack the Ripper to Julian Assange. Is a criminal mind born as such, or is the criminal a product of their environment? What role do governments and societies play in facing crime? Students will gain a foundation in relevant areas of psychology and psychoanalysis and then examine how that science interacts with real-world judicial systems. Additional topics will include punishment, treatment, and rehabilitation; assessment and intervention; and how dimensions of privilege can impact perceptions of crime and justice in both conscious and subconscious ways. (3 U.S. semester credit hours)

Social Psychology
A comparison of familiar social settings with unfamiliar social norms and behaviors abroad, this class explores the basic theory and research of social psychology – studying the interaction between individuals and social groups and how the behavior of groups and individuals within them is mutually affected. Students will demonstrate and discuss the pillar concepts of social psychology, including conformity, conflict, persuasion, helping, perceptions, and social identity. Students will expand on the roots of feelings, beliefs, attitudes, and behavior locally and globally and explore your own attitudes and identity. (3 U.S. semester credit hours)

QUEEN MARY, UNIVERSITY OF LONDON DIRECT-ENROLL CLASSES 

Elective classes, including lab classes, are available at Queen Mary, University of London for a supplemental fee. You may take one or two classes. Queen Mary requires a 3.0 GPA minimum for enrollment in its classes.

CHART Your Course
Find the classes you need fast with CHART. Our easy-to-use tool shows you classes recently taken by IFSA students.

Credit Conversion
15 Queen Mary credits = 4 U.S. semester credit hours
20 Queen Mary credits = 5 U.S. semester credit hours
30 Queen Mary credits = 8 U.S. semester credit hours

Fall Classes
Some popular options are listed below, but you have access to any class available to visiting students. To view available classes at Queen Mary, visit the university’s class catalog.

• Be sure to filter by Associate student modules, as these are available to visiting students.
• Study abroad students may reroll in level 4, 5, and 6 classes. Levels often correspond with academic years.
  • Level 4 is an introductory university-level module.
  • Level 5 is an intermediate university-level module
  • Level 6 is an advanced university-level module.

Arts and Social Sciences

• British Horror: Film, Television, and Literature
• Shakespeare: The Play, the Word and the Book

Biology

• Behavioural Ecology
• Cancer Biology
• Cells
• Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience
• Classical Physics
• Evolution
• Experimental Neuropathology
• Infectious Disease Biology
• Introduction to Biopsychology
• Laboratory Methods
• The Microbial World and Humans
• Practical Molecular and Cellular Biology
• Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine

Business and Economics

• Financial Accounting
• Health Economics
• Operations Management

Computer Science

• Algorithms and Data Structures
• Computer Graphics
• Database Systems
• Logic and Discrete Structures

Neuroscience

• Biomedical Neuroscience
• Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience
• Exploring Neuroscience
• Translational Pharmacology and Innovative Therapeutics

Psychology

• Cognitive Psychology
• Health Psychology

Students who enroll in fall term modules within the School of Economics and Finance or the School of Biological and Behavioral Sciences will complete final assessments online in January. Queen Mary does not allow alternate arrangements to be made for either full degree or study abroad students, including IFSA students.

Spring Classes
Students enrolled in the spring term will complete on-site class instruction in late April. Final assessment, papers, and/or projects will be completed upon returning home and by the end of the regular Queen Mary spring term. Available classes may change from spring term to spring term. Reach out to your IFSA Enrollment Counselor for more information and assistance in locating classes.

Lab & Field Trip Fees
Please review syllabi and course materials when registering for direct-enroll classes. Certain classes may have a one-off lab or field trip fee disclosed in the syllabus or during the first meeting of the class. These fees are not included in your IFSA program fee. You will be responsible for these fees, whether they are billed and paid by IFSA or billed to you.

Queen Mary Prerequisites (Coming Spring 2025)

• Queen Mary requires a 3.0 GPA minimum for enrollment in its classes.
• Class prerequisites as stated in syllabi.
• Students enrolling in classes at Queen Mary must ensure the selected classes allows them to complete on-site class instruction by late April and that any assessments are completed by late April or can be completed remotely.

Queen Mary Restrictions (Coming Spring 2025)

Level 6 Advanced/honors classes will be equivalent to senior-level U.S. classes. These are often not available to study abroad students.

School of Drama
Associate students selecting DRA modules at levels 5 and 6 must have experience of related subjects in the arts and humanities at university level. Classes have limited availability. If you are planning to take classes in this school, please return your class preference form as soon as possible.

School of Economics and Finance
School of Economics and Finance restrict all level 5 and 6 modules to students with Economics and Finance majors only. A mathematics prerequisite (equivalent of A-level maths, including calculus) is required for level 4 ECN modules.

School of Electronic Engineering and Computer Science
Students choose from a limited set of computer sciences classes. Limited spots are available for study abroad students, and priority will be given to students majoring in these disciplines. For fall semester classes that are assessed via a final exam, please note that exams will take place online in January of the following year.

School of English
School of English welcomes all students to Level 4 modules, but restrict all level 5 and 6 modules to students with English or Arts/Humanities majors only. Classes have limited availability. If you are planning to take classes in this school, please return your class preference form as soon as possible.

Department of Psychology
Students may choose from a limited set of psychology classes offered specifically to study abroad students (Fall term: Cognitive Psychology and Health Psychology; Spring term: Psychology of Emotion and Psychology of Individual Differences). The Department of Psychology does not allow study abroad students to enroll directly in psychology classes alongside degree-seeking students.

The class catalog will indicate any other classes not open to study abroad students with “not open to associate students” in the class description.

DIRECTED RESEARCH
Engage in individualized field research with faculty experts on a contemporary issue of interest. Regular meetings with faculty will assist in the formation and execution of research plans, and they will guide you on how to thoughtfully and critically integrate academic research with experiential learning. You will sharpen your written and oral communication skills through the development of articulate and comprehensive research that is respectful to the sensitivities of the local culture.

If you chose to research live human subjects, live animals or another topic that is deemed by IFSA to be required to be reviewed by the Institutional Research Board (IRB) at your home institution, then you will have to file your project with your home institution’s IRB board and submit your result to IFSA. Your IFSA Enrollment Counselor will review your application materials to help determine if you must file with IRB.

For more detailed information and examples of previous student placements, contact your IFSA Enrollment Counselor.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

Eligibility

• You must be at least 18 years of age. Students under 18 may be accepted on a case-by-case basis.
• You must be currently attending or recently graduated from a U.S. or Canadian community college, technical college, two-year college, four-year college, or four-year university.
• You must have completed at least one (1) full-time semester of study at your home institution before the beginning of the term.

GPA
The minimum GPA for this program is 2.0. However, if selecting elective classes at Queen Mary, University of London, a 3.0 GPA is required.

Recommendation Letter

• Not required for the standard program option.
• Your application to this program will require one (1) academic letter of recommendation if selecting elective classes at Queen Mary, University of London.
• A directed research site may request a reference letter before placement is finalized.

TRANSCRIPT
Upon completion of your program, IFSA will send an official Butler University transcript to your home university with your coursework converted to the U.S. semester credit hour system. You will also have access to an unofficial transcript in your IFSA Student Portal. The transcript reflects classes taken, credits attempted, and grades earned during your term abroad. This service is included in your study abroad program at no additional cost. See our Transcripts page for more information.