British Studies

(Courses at the Paul Mellon Centre in London)

Director of undergraduate studies: Jemma Field

The Yale in London program offers Yale undergraduates the opportunity to take spring or summer courses in London at the Paul Mellon Centre for Studies in British Art. The program provides students the opportunity to go beyond the traditional classroom into the vibrant London environment, where they view great works of art in museums and galleries; explore historic palaces and houses; and watch new and legendary actors perform in live theatre.

All students who participate in the program are expected to enroll fulltime, which the program defines as four courses in the spring and two courses in the summer. There are no prerequisites and students from any major and from any year of study may apply. All courses carry full Yale College credit. Students may elect to take up to two courses Credit/D/Fail during the spring term, but they must enroll in at least two courses, representing at least two course credits, for a letter grade as indicated in Section B, Grades in the Academic RegulationsCourses are taught seminar-style by Yale faculty and leading academics from the United Kingdom. Courses bring together British art, architecture, history, literature, theatre, and culture to explore Britain’s identity and impact, both local and global, from the Medieval period to today. Classes are held Monday through Thursday so that students can explore London and beyond in the afternoons and on weekends.

Further information on housing, fees, financial aid, and student life is available on the program website. Inquiries about the program, described under "International Experience" in The Undergraduate Curriculum, may be directed to yaleinlondon@yale.edu.

The application deadline for the spring term is in October and the application deadline for the summer program is generally in February. See the Yale in London website for exact deadlines. Students are notified of acceptance within one month of the application deadline. 

The Yale in London program is open to first-year students in their second semester.

The program offers undergraduates the opportunity to take spring or summer courses in London at the Paul Mellon Centre for Studies in British Art. Courses aim to go beyond the traditional classroom into the rich and vibrant environment of London, where students will have the opportunity to look at great works of art in museums and galleries; explore historic palaces and houses, and watch new and legendary actors treading the boards in London.

The spring program consists of four courses, while the summer program has two courses. There are no prerequisites and students from any major, and from any year of study may apply. All courses carry full academic credit and must be taken for a letter grade. Courses are taught seminar-style by Yale faculty and leading academics from the United Kingdom.

First-year students should note that they may be asked to provide additional documents, such as pre-Yale transcripts or a letter of recommendation from a teacher or counsellor, to support their application.

Further information on housing, fees, financial aid, and student life is available on the program's website. Inquiries may also be directed to yaleinlondon@yale.edu.