The advantages of participation in the Erasmus exchange scheme are numerous. They include exposure to a different culture and the challenges of living in a new country, the opportunity to learn a new language and experience new teaching practices and approaches to political science/international relations. These challenges and experiences ensure that students emerge from the Erasmus year with increased self-confidence and widened employment opportunities that derive from their improved language competencies. Students also acquire a fresh perspective on their subject matter that significantly improves performance in their final year.

If a student is interested in participating in the Erasmus scheme or taking part in a 'split placement' that combines one semester of professional training with one semester on Erasmus exchange, he/she is encouraged to register his/her interest early on in the Autumn semester of the second year. There are unfortunately only a limited number of places available on each exchange and should any exchange be over-subscribed participation will be determined by students' results for their first year of study.

Our Partner Institutions

The Department of Political Science, University of Copenhagen , Denmark

The Department of Political Science, Aarhus University Denmark

The Department of Social and Political Science, University of Cyprus

Faculty of Politics, University Łódź in Poland

Information for Incoming Erasmus Students

Thank you for considering spending your Erasmus year at The Department of Politics. We are a friendly department, with an international student body and academic staff whose expertise cover a broad range of subjects in the fields of policy studies, political science and international relations.

Applying

You should apply through your home institution that nominates students to The Department of Politics by informing the University of Surrey International Office. Once nominated, you will receive an invitation from the University of Surrey's International Office, inviting you to complete the application forms.

Courses Offered at The Department of Politics

For general information on the courses offered please click here.

The modules offered change year to year, so please contact the Erasmus Exchange Coordinator, Dr Laura Chappell for further information.

Accommodation

The Accommodation Office is unable to guarantee a place in University accommodation, so you should be prepared to look for an apartment independently. However, the accommodation office will be able to assist you in this process. If accepted for study at The Department of Politics you should make contact with the Accommodation Office immediately. For further information on applying for University accommodation please click here.

Arrival

Before you arrive you will be contacted by the University of Surrey International Office, who will send you an information pack and inform you of the induction events taking place before the beginning of the semester. Upon your arrival you should make contact with the Erasmus coordinator, Dr. Laura Chappell who will induct you to the Department and act as a point of contact for the duration of your stay. The Student Advisor, Dr. Jack Holland, will also be available to provide advice on studying in the British academic system including guidance on essay writing.