Subject pathways

About our Summer School

The Sheffield International Summer School is for designed for inbound students not currently registered on full degree programmes at the University of Sheffield. Whether you want to try out the University of Sheffield for future study or you simply want to have an amazing summer in the heart of the UK, the Sheffield International Summer School is for you. We've been voted University of the Year, Best Students' Union and Best for Student Life at the Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2024.

There are two subject pathways in the Sheffield International Summer School - one in the School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture and one in the Management School. Each course has been designed to explore key global issues and to develop the tools to tackle them, giving you the opportunity to develop a range of skills that you can use for your future studies and career.

You’ll be taught by experts in their fields and have the chance to explore one of the greenest and friendliest cities in the UK. There will be the chance to visit local points of interest and natural beauty including the Peak District and Chatsworth country house, as well as experiencing student life in Sheffield.

At the end of the Summer School you will be provided with a transcript confirming the module studied and grade awarded. Students who successfully complete the course receive 10 University of Sheffield credits (5 ECTS). Your home institution will be able to tell you if you are able to transfer the credit back.

Course dates: 21 July to 1 August 2025

Accommodation check in/check out dates: 19 July (check in) and 3 August (check out)

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Subject options

School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture: Designing towards sustainable regeneration

This course introduces a diverse range of research-based design and design-oriented research approaches to sustainable regeneration, with a particular focus on the regenerative design and ecological regeneration of the British historic environment. 

It will explore practical and philosophical debates within architectural, landscape and urban studies, addressing contemporary issues and employing complementary approaches that have recently been innovated by the core teaching team. 

The tutors and lecturers are leading landscape architects, historians at the forefront of their field. 

The aims of this module are:

• To develop knowledge of social, cultural, economic, political and ethical issues relating to sustainable regeneration design.
• To develop an understanding of the range of conceptual design and research methods in architecture and landscape.
• To develop the ability to interpret and evaluate design within the British historic environment.
• To develop the visual and verbal skills to debate design approaches.

Suitability: This course is suitable for students studying in the fields of Architecture and Landscape Architecture as well as areas such as Urban Studies and Planning.

Teaching: Combination of lectures, tutorials, seminars and fieldwork. 

Additional activity: Field trip to the York to explore the historic architecture and infrastructure of the city.

Assessment: Micro-studio design project

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Management School: Reflective leadership for successful teams 

This course aims to develop students into effective and valuable team players and leaders through practical exercises and self-reflection. It provides a strong foundation in leadership and teamwork theories, an understanding of factors that contribute to effective leadership and teamwork. Students strengthen their self-awareness for their behaviour as leaders and team members, ultimately leading to an improvement of skills in both areas.

The aims of this module are:

• To critical evaluate leadership and teamwork theories, and apply them to cases while considering influencing factors
• To critically discuss the principles of leader development and their implications for practice
• To draw on theories of leadership and teamwork to evaluate their own practice and team working skills
• To use increased self-awareness of own leadership behaviours to develop own leadership and team working skills.

Suitability: Open to students from all academic backgrounds 

Teaching: Lectures, tutorials and group work

Assessment: Combination of reflective written coursework and group presentations

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School of History, Philosophy and Digital Humanities: Protest and liberation in twentieth-century Britain

In this module you will develop an understanding of Britain’s social, political and cultural history in the twentieth century. You will learn about the various groups that sought to challenge the status quo and how this changed the lives of British people. You will discover how women campaigned for the vote before the First World War, and how they sought economic, social and sexual liberation in the second half of the twentieth century. You will learn about how workers fought against social inequalities, and how the state evolved to provide a minimum standard of living. You will also look at youth movements and cultural awakenings and about the experience of migrant groups through a period distinguished by decolonisation and racial divisions.

The aims of this module are:

• Develop knowledge and understanding of British social, political and cultural history in the twentieth century
• Develop skills in interpreting primary source material within historical context
• Develop skills in presenting material visually and orally
• Develop skills in reflecting on your own academic development and on cultural difference

Suitability: Open to students from all academic backgrounds

Teaching: Lectures and seminars

Assessment: Reflective presentation and written coursework