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Pomona College Program at University of Edinburgh (Outgoing Program) Featured

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Fact Sheet:
Fact Sheet:
Language of instruction: English Housing options: Residence Hall
Areas of study: African Studies, Africana Studies, American Studies, Anthropology, Arabic, Archaeology, Architecture, Art History, Asian Studies, Astronomy, Biochemistry, Biology, Biomedical Sciences, Celtic/Irish Studies, Chemistry, Child Development, Chinese, Classics, Computer Science, Culture, Development Studies, Earth Science, Ecology, Economics, Education, Engineering, English, Environmental Studies, European Studies, Film, French, Gender and Women's Studies, Geography, Geology, German, Greek, History, Humanities, International Relations, Italian, Japanese, Jewish Studies, Latin, Latin American Studies, Linguistics, Literature, Math/Statistics, Media Studies, Middle Eastern Studies, Molecular Biology, Music, Peace & Conflict Studies, Philosophy, Physics, Politics, Pre-Health, Pre-Law, Psychology, Public Health, Religious Studies, Social Sciences, Sociology, Spanish, Theatre, Urban Studies, Zoology Class standing: 2 - Junior, 3 - First Semester Senior
Program type: Direct enrollment, Hybrid GPA: 3.0
Program Description:
EdinburghEdinburgh, the capital of Scotland since the 11th-century and home to the recently-formed Scottish parliament, is a compact city with a medieval core. The city has a population of roughly 440,000, and the university rests largely within the city centre. Often described as one of Europe's most beautiful cities, Edinburgh offers rich and distinctive cultural opportunities.

The University of Edinburgh, over 400 years old, is divided into three self-administered colleges. Pomona students have access to the College of Humanities and Social Science and the College of Science and Engineering. Efforts are made by each College's visiting student advisor to match students to the best available courses in Edinburgh. Normally students take two to three courses in one College, and none or one in the other College, for a total of three Edinburgh courses.

Academic Program
The Pomona College Edinburgh Program consists of the following academic components:
  • The Pomona Core Course – 0.5 Pomona credit
    • The Pomona Core course focuses on the history and culture of Scotland. This course is organized for Pomona College students and is taught outside of the regular University of Edinburgh course offerings.
    • The core course starts in mid-August, prior to the regular fall term and runs for three weeks.
    • The course includes required summer reading assignments, and Pomona will provide you with those readings by mid-May.
  • University of Edinburgh Courses
    • Students enroll in three University of Edinburgh courses at 20 credits each (1.25 Pomona credits each). In order to make your course selections, you should consult the course finder on the University’s website. Fall course offerings are labeled as "Semester 1".
    • A list of subject areas that are in high demand or have limited space can be found on the University of Edinburgh site. As spaces are limited on these courses,
      students will often be limited to pre-enroll for one or two courses only (depending on the subject) and invited to fill any remaining spaces on a first-come, first-served basis on arrival in Edinburgh.
    • Architecture/Landscape Architecture and Art and Design studio-based courses are not available.
    • Study Abroad students are restricted to enrolling in a maximum of 20 credits worth of Computer Science courses, if eligible.
Students earn a total of 4.25 Pomona credits in this program.

 Level of Instruction
  • Please note that first and second year courses generally have no specific prerequisites. Pomona requires students to select at least one third- or fourth-year level course (called “honors” at the University of Edinburgh). This course usually will be in your major, as upper-level courses have specific prerequisites.
Program Dates
  • The Pomona College Edinburgh Program begins in mid-August and ends in mid- to late December.
Credits
  • To carry a full course load, students normally take three courses at the University of Edinburgh. Most courses carry 20 Edinburgh credits, although a few carry 10 credits. In any case, your total credits should be 60 Edinburgh credits.

Living Arrangements
The University of Edinburgh places Pomona students in Pollock Halls of Residence for the pre-session period. Students have a choice between remaining in Pollock Halls, a fully catered housing option, for the university semester period, or they may choose self-catered accommodations.

Co-Curricular Opportunities
There are numerous opportunities through the program and the university for formal and informal contact with Scottish students. Students also may participate in the University of Edinburgh’s student activities. The University of Edinburgh semester starts with Induction Week, which is commonly referred to as “Freshers’ Week.” This is a week of University orientation events designed to help new students navigate the many offerings at the institution, including registering for clubs, societies, and athletic teams

Number of Students
Up to 15 for the fall program. Total university enrollment: 20,000.

Host Institution
University of Edinburgh

Faculty Liaison
Richard Mawhorter

Eligibility
  • Junior standing required.
Preference will be given to candidates who have completed college coursework with British content.

Internet Links 
www.ed.ac.uk
Course finder: www.ed.ac.uk/studying/visiting-exchange/course-finder
Live Chat, Visiting Student Office at the College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences: https://www.ed.ac.uk/arts-humanities-soc-sci/international-and-study-abroad/visiting-student-office/support-visiting-students/chat-with-the-vso 

Student Experiences
Click here to read Danielle Schickele's (PO'16) reflections on her semester in Edinburgh.
Click here to listen to Camille Molas' (PO'21) reflections on her semester in Edinburgh.
Click here to watch a video about a spring 2024 student's experience.
 

Dates / Deadlines:
Dates / Deadlines:
Term Year App Deadline (Pacific Time) Decision Date Start Date End Date
Fall 2025 02/09/2025 03/14/2025 TBA TBA