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    Britain: Institutions, Power & People
    In-person Program

    Britain: Institutions, Power & People

    by King's College London

    An academic summer course exploring British politics, institutions and society through critical inquiry, discussion, case studies and off-campus visits.

    Last verified: 9 Oct 2026Reviewed by:BSBen Stacy

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    Britain Institutions Power and People at a glance: cost, dates and eligibility

    Current status

    Upcoming

    Eligibility

    Undergraduates, graduates; experienced professionals

    Age range / Year group

    Ages 18+

    Location / Region

    London, United Kingdom

    Cost

    £2,550; £3,525

    Duration

    2 weeks

    Format

    In-person

    Next deadline

    Not announced · Next cycle not announced

    Get next-cycle reminder
    HistoryPoliticsSocial SciencesLaw & justice
    Accommodation: Single en-suite university residence
    Study commitment: 45 contact hours; 105 independent hours
    Teaching cadence: Monday–Thursday, between 09:00 and 18:00
    Assessment: 40% oral examination; 60% essay
    Tutor: Saskia Zielińska
    Credit equivalence: 15 King's credits; 7.5 ECTS; 4 US
    Academic record: Completion certificate; final-mark transcript

    Britain Institutions Power and People summary

    King's College London's course examines contemporary Britain through its institutions, inequalities, identities and global influence.

    Interactive teaching, original sources, case studies and off-campus visits connect academic theory with the society being studied.

    The strongest fit is someone who enjoys questioning familiar accounts of British politics and culture and expressing an argument in writing and discussion.

    What is Britain: Institutions, Power & People?

    Britain: Institutions, Power & People is an interdisciplinary summer course at King's College London examining the contemporary British Isles. It connects politics, political economy, sociology, history and culture to questions about Britain's institutions and position in the world.

    Students investigate government, the legal system, monarchy, media, migration and inequality through interactive lectures, seminars and tutorials. Case studies, workshops, group presentations and off-campus visits encourage students to test theories against specific examples.

    Why Succeed highlights Britain Institutions Power and People

    • The interdisciplinary approach connects institutions with everyday experiences of migration, class, race and identity.

    • The syllabus treats Britain's colonial past as part of understanding contemporary debates.

    • Case studies, original sources and off-campus visits give students several ways to examine an argument.

    • Oral and written assessment require students to explain their understanding rather than simply attend.

    Who is Britain Institutions Power and People for?

    Best for

    Students interested in British politics, history and culture who want to examine competing interpretations and discuss difficult social questions.

    Not ideal if

    You want a mainly recreational summer experience or prefer a course without substantial independent study and assessed writing.

    Is Britain Institutions Power and People worth it?

    The course has a clear academic purpose: understanding contemporary Britain by connecting institutions, historical roots and social experience. Its mix of source analysis, discussion and assessment should appeal to students seeking depth across several related disciplines.

    The main limitation is the demanding independent-study commitment alongside teaching. Potential degree credit adds value only when your home institution agrees to recognize it, so the academic content should still justify the choice on its own.

    A practical overview of cost, accommodation, meals, dates and provider details to review before deciding.

    Cost and what is included

    £2,550; £3,525; includes Academic tuition and course materials., On-campus Wi-Fi and campus facilities., Completion certificate., Extracurricular activities, excluding travel., Accommodation with the residential package..

    Accommodation

    Single en-suite university residence

    Provider details

    Review the King's College London provider page and official sources before making a final decision.

    Dates and logistics

    2 weeks; London, United Kingdom.

    What to check before committing

    Confirm current dates, payment terms, travel arrangements, cancellation rules and what is included with the provider.

    Compare this program with similar options before deciding on dates, cost, format and fit.

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    How much preparation does Britain Institutions Power and People need?

    Effort level

    High.

    Best started

    Begin several weeks before a confirmed session, allowing longer for immigration arrangements.

    Main challenge

    Developing a defensible argument across several disciplines.

    Typical preparation

    • Read selected texts from the syllabus and identify competing accounts of British institutions.

    • Practice explaining one argument aloud and supporting it with specific examples.

    • Ask your home institution about credit recognition before committing.

    • Gather academic and English-language documents and plan your study time.

    Useful if

    You want practice in critical reading, analytical writing and academic discussion.

    What do students do on Britain Institutions Power and People?

    You investigate Britain through interactive teaching, source analysis and collaborative activities. Independent study supports the development of arguments for discussion, presentation and formal assessment.

    Step-by-step process

    1. 1

      Explore institutions and contemporary debates through lectures, seminars and tutorials.

    2. 2

      Analyze academic and original sources using critical theories and case studies.

    3. 3

      Participate in workshops, group presentations and off-campus visits.

    4. 4

      Complete independent reading and preparation.

    5. 5

      Demonstrate your understanding through an oral examination and essay.

    Britain Institutions Power and People dates and deadlines

    Next cycle not announced yet. These dates are from the latest verified cycle and should be used as a reference only.

    Succeed does not have a separately listed public date for this cycle yet.

    Eligibility and requirements

    • Be at least 18 when the course starts.

    • Be currently or previously enrolled in an undergraduate degree.

    • Professionals with substantial relevant experience may also apply.

    • Meet the minimum 2:1-equivalent academic requirement.

    • Have English proficiency of at least CEFR C1.

    How much does Britain Institutions Power and People cost?

    Tuition-only fee

    £2,550 — One two-week session.

    Funding or discounts

    • Residential package: £3,525 — Tuition plus accommodation for one two-week session.
    • Application fee: £65 — Non-refundable; partner-institution applicants may be exempt.

    What's included

    Academic tuition and course materials., On-campus Wi-Fi and campus facilities., Completion certificate., Extracurricular activities, excluding travel., Accommodation with the residential package.

    How to apply to Britain Institutions Power and People

    1. 1

      Express interest in this course by emailing summer@kcl.ac.uk.

    2. 2

      Review the academic, age and English-language requirements.

    3. 3

      For an undergraduate application, provide personal details and select the course and accommodation option.

    4. 4

      Provide a personal statement and evidence of academic and English-language eligibility.

    5. 5

      Pay the application fee unless exempt and include the payment reference.

    6. 6

      Review and submit the application, then pay tuition after a successful decision to confirm your place.

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    What does Britain Institutions Power and People cover?

    The program covers the following focus areas.

    Institutions and power

    Examine government, devolved powers, the legal system and monarchy.

    Migration and identity

    Explore migration, multiculturalism and competing understandings of British identity.

    Class and inequality

    Analyze how class, race and ethnicity shape contemporary social experience.

    Empire and global influence

    Connect colonial history with Britain's contemporary position in the world.

    Culture, media and protest

    Investigate media, religion, culture and resistance through critical inquiry.

    Curriculum may be adjusted based on participant interests and current developments.

    What is a typical day on Britain Institutions Power and People?

    A typical day during the program.

    Academic teaching

    The course permits teaching between 09:00 and 18:00; the example uses 09:00–13:00 or 14:00–18:00.

    Independent study

    Reading and preparation supplement 45 contact teaching hours.

    Example social activities

    Monday reception; Tuesday Westminster tour or bowling; Wednesday outdoor cinema or Globe trip; Thursday comedy or Oxford Street dinner.

    Who teaches on Britain Institutions Power and People?

    The course names Saskia Zielińska, Lecturer in Gender and Social Development. Teaching combines interactive lectures, seminars, tutorials and collaborative activities.

    King's terms allow changes to individual teaching staff.

    Where do students stay on Britain Institutions Power and People?

    Residential plan

    • University residence: Great Dover Street Apartments provides single en-suite rooms with showers.
    • Room essentials: Linen and towels are provided in the room.
    • Residence security: King's residences have security cover 24 hours a day.
    • Social activities: The residential package includes social activities, excluding travel.

    Non-residential plan

    • Tuition-only option: A tuition-only booking is priced separately from the residential package.
    • Campus facilities: Tuition includes campus Wi-Fi and use of libraries, classrooms and catering facilities.
    • Campus food options: Campus outlets offer refreshments and lunch options.

    The undergraduate residential package describes Great Dover Street Apartments; meals and local travel require separate budgeting.

    What happens after Britain Institutions Power and People?

    After completing this program, participants often pursue:

    Develop an interdisciplinary foundation for further study of Britain.

    Practice critical source analysis and analytical writing.

    Build collaborative presentation skills.

    Receive a final-mark transcript under summer-school arrangements.

    Seek degree-credit recognition from your home institution.

    Credit recognition is discretionary; passing also requires attendance and assessment requirements.

    Where does Britain Institutions Power and People take place?

    The course is taught on campus at King's College London in central London. Most summer courses use Strand and Guy's campuses, which have public-transport connections and nearby cultural attractions.

    Britain Institutions Power and People FAQs

    The course connects British politics, history and culture with political economy and sociology. Topics include government, law, monarchy, migration, inequality, media, colonialism and Britain's global influence.

    The syllabus specifies 105 independent-study hours alongside 45 contact teaching hours. That makes 150 study hours in total.

    An oral examination is worth 40% of the final mark and an essay is worth 60%. Assessment follows university standards.

    The syllabus identifies equivalence to 15 King's credits, 7.5 ECTS or 4 US credits. Your home institution decides whether to recognize that credit.

    The course names Saskia Zielińska, Lecturer in Gender and Social Development. Individual teaching assignments can change under King's terms.

    The undergraduate package describes accommodation at Great Dover Street Apartments in a single en-suite room. Linen and towels are provided, and the package includes tuition, materials, facilities and social activities excluding travel.

    Attendance is compulsory. To pass, students must attend at least 80% of classes and meet assessment requirements; students who meet attendance requirements but audit assessments may receive an attendance certificate.

    Alternatives to Britain Institutions Power and People

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    Ben Stacy

    Content reviewed by

    Ben Stacy

    Co-founder, Succeed | Former secondary teacher and educational leader

    Ben works at the intersection of education, technology and school adoption, with expertise in how secondary schools evaluate data-driven tools and how education technology is used in practice.

    View author page

    Sources and verification

    Source types reviewed

    • Student Experience | Summer Programmes | King’s College London
    • Information for applicants | Summer Programmes | King’s College London
    • Summer at King's | Summer Programmes | King’s College London
    • Undergraduate Summer School | Summer Programmes | King’s College London
    • Britain: Institutions, Power & People
    • Summer School, Winter School and Bespoke Programmes — Terms and Conditions 2027
    • Britain: Institutions, Power & People — Module Information
    • Britain: Institutions, Power & People

    Succeed uses official provider information where available, but keeps this public page focused on comparison and planning inside Succeed.

    What we verified (on 9 Oct 2026)

    • Course identity checked

    • Academic requirements reviewed

    • Workload and assessment checked

    • Course-specific fees distinguished

    • Accommodation arrangements reviewed

    • Example timetable identified

    How Succeed uses this information

    We use source material to verify core facts, then show older cycle dates as reference when a current cycle is not available. Always check current application instructions before applying.