Study Abroad Exchange with The University of Leeds
Professor Moses Ling -
(814) 863-3416
University Office of International
Programs
What is the Study Abroad Program in Leeds about?
- Introduction & Objectives
- The town of Leeds & The University of Leeds
- Program Description
- Courses & Grading
- Living Arrangements
- Eligibility & Prerequisites
- Orientation
- Costs & Financial Assistance
- Health Insurance
- Planning Ahead
- Open House London (September 16-17, 2006)
Want to go to Leeds?
Check out the Current Information page.
Going to Leeds?
Check out the Travel Advice page for more information.
INTRODUCTION & OBJECTIVES
The Leeds Program began in 1977 and is one of a number of and Education Abroad Programs conducted by Penn Sate in Europe, the Middle East, Australia, New Zealand, Africa, South and Central America, and East Asia. More than 600 students from a wide variety of majors participate annually in these programs.
Penn State's Program in architectural engineering at The University of Leeds functions within the context of the objectives characterizing all of Penn State's study abroad opportunities, especially to:
- enable students to receive instruction in various disciplines within the context of another culture and to enrich their general academic studies;
- enable students to expand their knowledge of the people and culture of a country or region of the world by living and studying there, as well as gain an internationally informed perspective of the values and way of life in their own country;
- provide a professional experience that will enhance the intellectual and professional development of students in specialized fields of study;
- promote the educational goals of the University by providing overseas programs designed to increase the international understanding of students.
- allow Penn State students to receive, at a foreign university, instruction that relates directly to their academic program but is taught in an entirely different manner and context within a different culture;
- expose students to their architectural and building heritage by both directed study and field trips so they can have a greater understanding of how typical American buildings and cities developed.
LEEDS &THE UNIVERSITY OF LEEDS
The Metropolitan District of Leeds, with a population of about 3/4 million, lies between one of England's' foremost manufacturing regions on the west and south and an agricultural region on the north and west. Leeds is a center of communications and regional government as well as an important junction of transportation routes. It has been a leader in the manufacture of woolen goods since the 14th century; it is known for its production of metal goods, leather, chemicals and glass. The city is now an important financial, commercial and cultural center.
It has a classical town hall that was constructed in 1858 that has become the site for a well known triennial music festival and regular orchestral concerts. Other points of interest in the city include St. Peter's Church, the Cathedral of St. Anne, St. John's Church, and the City Art Gallery, Kirkstall Abbey, founded in the 12th century, is also near the city. Since 1974, Leeds has been part of the new Metropolitan county of West Yorkshire.
One of the first great city universities established in England, the University of Leeds is today one of the largest universities in the United Kingdom. It has become a renowned center of learning and research with an enrollment of around 11,000 students. The University Library is one of the major academic libraries in the country with over two million volumes. The University of Leeds has its own modern theater, television studios, art gallery, museum, and computer center as well as extensive sports facilities.
Architectural Engineering at The University of Leeds is centered in the Department of Civil Engineering, which has existed as a separate academic department since 1946 and is today housed in a modern six-story building amply equipped with laboratories, computing facilities, lecture theaters, and teaching and seminar rooms. There are approximately 500 undergraduate and 100 postgraduate students in the Department of Civil Engineering; about half the post graduate students are enrolled in full-time research leading to the degrees of M. Phil. or Ph.D.
The research work of the Department of Civil Engineering at The University of Leeds is well-known. Topics currently being studied (in addition to research in material science, structural engineering, soil mechanics, fluid mechanics, hydrology and transportation engineering) include aspects of sound insulation, the use of aerial photography in urban and regional planning, factors affecting housing density, the Garden City movement, planning for public transport, the design of multistory offices, industrialized construction, and the use of plastics in building. The scheme of study leading to the master's degree in architectural engineering at The University of Leeds is the first and only of its kind in England.
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
COURSES & GRADING
Course work completed in the Penn State/Leeds Architectural Engineering
program is accredited under AE 402, AE 430, AE 497, ARCH 211, and ARCH
441, all of which are listed in the Penn State Baccalaureate Degree Programs
Bulletin. No transfer of credit is necessary since the student remains
registered at Penn State while enrolled in the Leeds program.
As with any course at The Pennsylvania State University, responsibility
for assessing the student's academic achievement rests with the course
instructors.
LIVING ARRANGEMENTS
ELIGIBILITY & PREREQUISITES
The exchange program at Leeds is open to all regularly enrolled students at Penn State students majoring in architectural engineering, specifically those who are in the fourth year of their five-year program. Applicants must have a cumulative grade-point average of at least 2.50, be in good academic standing and show evidence of maturity, stability, adaptability, self-discipline, and strong academic motivation.
Students must have completed, prior to departure, the basic departmental requirements for students entering the fourth year of their Architectural Engineering major.
ORIENTATION
COSTS & FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
Tuition for the Leeds Exchange Program is the same as the University Park Campus and is payable at the Bursar's office in accordance with the standard procedures and deadlines for regular semester charges at University Park Campus.
- Room and board costs are those of the University of Leeds and will be set by that institution.
- Accommodations will be in self catering flats so that all meals are the responsibility of the individual student.
- In addition, a non-refundable program fee of $200 is required from each participant at the time of accepting an enrollment offer.
- Round-trip air transportation is an additional cost to the student. Students are responsible for making their own flight arrangements.
- Textbooks and personal expenses are extra.
International Education Programs and Studies has a cost sheet of the overall semester expenses and students who participated in the previous year will be available to provide their insight.
The standard forms of financial assistance are available through the Office of Student Aid. Since students remain registered at Penn State, financial aid packages continue during the period of time students are enrolled in this program. International Education Programs and Studies coordinates closely with the Office of Student Aid to help financially needy students obtain funds to cover the additional cost incurred by study abroad. International Education Programs and Studies also has a modest grant-in-aid fund that can be drawn upon for exceptionally needy and qualified students.