Institutions, Trade & Economic Growth Summer School
    In-person Program

    Institutions, Trade & Economic Growth Summer School

    by King's College London

    Study how institutions shape economic growth through King’s College London lectures, country case studies and policy discussions, with assessment to university standards.

    Last verified: 9 Oct 2026Reviewed by:SSSean Stevens

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    Institutions Trade and Economic Growth 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 session

    5-16 July 2027

    Save program
    Business & EconomicsPoliticsSocial Sciences
    Accommodation: Single en-suite; Great Dover Street
    Certificate / Outcome: Completion certificate; transcript
    Sessions / cadence: Monday–Friday; 4–5 campus hours daily
    Workload: 45 contact; 105 independent study hours
    Tutors / faculty: King’s academics
    Credit equivalent: 15 King’s; 7.5 ECTS; 4 US

    Institutions Trade and Economic Growth summary

    This King’s College London module explores why institutions matter for economic development, combining political, economic and social explanations of growth.

    Students work through institutional theory, country case studies and policy debates, then demonstrate their understanding through an examination and seminar problem set.

    It suits students seeking assessed academic depth rather than a broad introduction to business or finance.

    What is Institutions, Trade & Economic Growth Summer School?

    Institutions, Trade & Economic Growth Summer School is a King’s College London academic module examining how political, economic and social institutions influence development. Its focus includes formal laws, informal norms, historical influences and the relationship between institutional quality and economic performance.

    Teaching combines lectures, readings, seminars, tutorials and country case studies with workshops, group presentations and off-campus visits. Students compare theoretical explanations with empirical evidence and discuss reforms that might support sustainable growth. Assessment follows university standards.

    Why Succeed highlights Institutions Trade and Economic Growth

    • The course connects institutional theory to empirical evidence, giving students a way to test explanations of economic growth.

    • Country case studies make the relationship between history, institutions and economic performance concrete.

    • University-standard assessment gives the academic experience more substance than attendance alone.

    • The module has defined credit equivalents, making it a useful option to discuss with a home institution.

    Who is Institutions Trade and Economic Growth for?

    Best for

    Students interested in development economics, political economy and the historical roots of institutions who want to evaluate theories through country evidence.

    Not ideal if

    You want a practical investment course or a light summer experience with little independent study or assessment.

    Is Institutions Trade and Economic Growth worth it?

    The strongest reason to choose this module is its focused treatment of institutions and development, supported by case studies and assessed academic work. It can help students connect economics with historical and political explanations rather than treating growth as a purely technical problem.

    The commitment is substantial: independent study accounts for most of the stated workload, and an examination carries most of the final mark. Its value is strongest when the subject fits your academic goals; students seeking degree credit should agree transfer arrangements with their home institution before committing.

    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 access to campus facilities., Completion certificate., Extracurricular activities, excluding travel., Residential package: accommodation with linen and towels..

    Accommodation

    Single en-suite; Great Dover Street

    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.

    Compare with similar programs

    How much preparation does Institutions Trade and Economic Growth need?

    Effort level

    High.

    Best started

    Begin academic and travel preparation six to eight weeks before the session; allow longer if immigration permission is needed.

    Main challenge

    Keeping up with reading while preparing for the heavily weighted examination.

    Typical preparation

    • Review basic economic growth concepts and identify questions about why countries develop differently.

    • Sample the reading list, including Acemoglu’s Introduction to Modern Economic Growth and Our World in Data’s Economic Growth.

    • Ask your home institution about credit transfer and assemble academic and English-language documents.

    • Plan independent study time alongside travel and housing arrangements.

    Useful if

    You want to compare institutional explanations of development using theory and evidence.

    What do students do on Institutions Trade and Economic Growth?

    You investigate how institutions influence development through lectures, reading, discussion and country comparisons. Workshops, group presentations and off-campus visits complement the academic work.

    Step-by-step process

    1. 1

      Attend the first-day information session, finish enrollment and collect your student ID.

    2. 2

      Study formal laws, informal norms and the historical roots of institutions.

    3. 3

      Compare theoretical frameworks with empirical evidence from different countries.

    4. 4

      Discuss policy implications and possible institutional reforms.

    5. 5

      Complete the in-class seminar problem set and final examination.

    Institutions Trade and Economic Growth dates and deadlines

    Programme dates

    5-16 July 2027

    Upcoming

    Eligibility and requirements

    • Be at least 18 when the course starts.

    • Be currently or previously enrolled in an undergraduate degree.

    • Alternatively, have substantial relevant professional experience.

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

    • Have CEFR C1 English proficiency or equivalent.

    How much does Institutions Trade and Economic Growth cost?

    2026 tuition

    £2,550 — One two-week course.

    Funding or discounts

    • 2026 residential package: £3,525 — Tuition plus accommodation.
    • Application fee: £65 — Non-refundable; partner-institution applicants are exempt under applicant guidance.

    What's included

    Academic tuition and course materials., On-campus Wi-Fi and access to campus facilities., Completion certificate., Extracurricular activities, excluding travel., Residential package: accommodation with linen and towels.

    How to apply to Institutions Trade and Economic Growth

    1. 1

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

    2. 2

      Prepare academic evidence, a personal statement and English-language evidence where required.

    3. 3

      Complete your personal details and select the course and residential or tuition-only option.

    4. 4

      Pay the application fee and add its reference unless you qualify for the partner-institution exemption.

    5. 5

      Review and submit your application.

    6. 6

      After a successful decision, pay the course fee to confirm your place.

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    What does Institutions Trade and Economic Growth cover?

    The program covers the following focus areas.

    Formal and informal institutions

    Examine how laws and social norms shape economic behavior and development.

    Historical and geographical roots

    Explore how historical experiences and geography influence growth-relevant institutions.

    Theories of economic growth

    Compare frameworks associated with Douglass North, Jared Diamond and Daron Acemoglu.

    Country evidence

    Use empirical evidence and country case studies to examine institutional quality and economic performance.

    Policy and reform

    Discuss reforms that could improve institutional quality and support sustainable economic growth.

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

    What is a typical day on Institutions Trade and Economic Growth?

    A typical day during the program.

    Campus teaching

    Monday–Friday, usually 09:00–13:00 or 14:00–18:00, with 4–5 campus hours daily.

    Independent study

    The syllabus allocates 105 independent study hours alongside 45 contact teaching hours.

    Example social activities

    The example timetable shows Monday–Thursday activities at 18:00–20:00, including a reception, walking tour and comedy show.

    Who teaches on Institutions Trade and Economic Growth?

    King’s academics teach the summer modules in disciplines where the university has expertise. This course uses interactive lectures, seminars and tutorials alongside workshops and group presentations.

    Where do students stay on Institutions Trade and Economic Growth?

    Residential plan

    • Great Dover Street rooms: Single en-suite rooms have showers, with linen and towels provided.
    • Cooking and communal spaces: The residence has shared kitchens, study areas, a common room and a gym.
    • Residence security: King’s residences have round-the-clock security, and Great Dover Street has secure access and 24/7 reception.
    • Meals and living expenses: Students should allocate a separate budget for meals, local travel and consumables.

    Non-residential plan

    • Tuition-only option: Students can choose academic study without booking the residential package.
    • Campus and social access: Tuition includes campus facilities and extracurricular activities, with travel excluded from activities.

    Great Dover Street has refurbishment works during 2026/27, with possible noise disruption and room moves.

    What happens after Institutions Trade and Economic Growth?

    After completing this program, participants often pursue:

    Build a stronger understanding of institutions and economic development.

    Practice evaluating theoretical frameworks against country evidence.

    Develop critical thinking about policy implications and reforms.

    Receive a completion certificate and final-mark transcript.

    Discuss external degree credit with your home institution.

    Credit transfer is discretionary and requires home-institution approval.

    Where does Institutions Trade and Economic Growth take place?

    The course takes place on campus at King’s College London; most summer teaching is based at Strand and Guy’s campuses, both connected to London’s public transport network. Residential students stay at Great Dover Street Apartments, about a ten-minute walk from Guy’s Campus and London Bridge station.

    Institutions Trade and Economic Growth FAQs

    It examines how political, economic and social institutions shape economic growth and development. Topics include formal laws, informal norms, historical influences, country comparisons and institutional reform.

    An in-class final examination accounts for 70% of the mark. An in-class seminar problem set accounts for the remaining 30%.

    The syllabus specifies 45 contact teaching hours plus 105 independent study hours. Students should expect 4–5 campus hours per day, usually in a morning or afternoon block, and plan substantial time for reading and assessment preparation.

    The syllabus gives equivalents of 15 King’s credits, 7.5 ECTS and 4 US credits. Your home institution decides whether to award external credit, so discuss the module with your academic adviser before committing.

    Residential students stay at Great Dover Street Apartments in single en-suite rooms with showers. Linen and towels are provided, and the residence has shared kitchens and communal spaces.

    The course requires CEFR C1 English or equivalent. If your university degree is taught in English, a separate proficiency certificate may not be necessary, although King’s may request evidence.

    You must attend at least 80% of classes and meet the assessment requirements to pass. Students who meet the attendance threshold but audit assessments may receive a certificate of attendance.

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    Sean Stevens

    Content reviewed by

    Sean Stevens

    Co-founder, Succeed | Founder, Immerse Education (2012–2026)

    Sean works at the intersection of academic enrichment, program quality and university preparation, with expertise in evaluating pre-university experiences for ambitious secondary school students.

    Sources and verification

    Source types reviewed

    • Pre-course information | Summer Programmes | King’s College London
    • Great Dover Street
    • Student Experience | Summer Programmes | King’s College London
    • Information for applicants | Summer Programmes | King’s College London
    • Undergraduate Summer School | Summer Programmes | King’s College London
    • Summer School, Winter School and Bespoke Programmes Terms and Conditions 2027
    • Institutions, Trade & Economic Growth syllabus
    • Institutions, Trade & Economic Growth

    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

    • Session association reviewed

    • Eligibility requirements checked

    • Assessment weights verified

    • Workload and credit reviewed

    • Fee differences identified

    • Housing arrangements reviewed

    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.