Our Study Abroad Programme is a great way to get more from your studies and experience life in the UK. You’ll meet new people, expand your horizons and get a valuable extra qualification.

You can study with us for one semester or a full year. Study Abroad is ideal for students from universities that do not have an exchange agreement with Sheffield Hallam.

What are my options?

The programme enables you to study with us on a short-term basis, for either one semester or one year, to gain either an International Certificate or an International Diploma in the subject area of your choice. You may also be able to use the credits you gain towards your degree at home.*

If you plan to study for one semester, you can choose to start in September or January. If you'd like to come to Sheffield for a full year, you'll start in September. 

What are the entry requirements?

To apply for our Study Abroad Programme, you need to have recently completed the equivalent of year one (level 4) of an undergraduate degree at a recognised university. You can join us at the start of, or during, your second year of study. If you’ve completed your first degree but would like to study short term for an additional international qualification, you might also be eligible to apply.

You'll also need to provide evidence of your learning and proficiency in English.

What can I study?

We offer a wide range of subject areas to suit your degree. You can download an example of our Study Abroad Programme catalogue (PDF, 482.2KB), which highlights the variety of modules available. Your first year of study must be relevant to the route you choose.

Our subject areas currently include:

• Animation and games
• Architecture
• Biosciences
• Business
• Creative writing
• Criminology
• English
• Film, screen and stage
• History
• Hospitality, tourism and events
• Media and communications
• Politics
• Psychology
• Sport

Can I take the credits back home?

We offer the following transferable credits for your time in Sheffield and you’ll receive a full transcript upon completion of the programme*:

• 60 CATS credits for one semester (30 ECTS)
• 120 CATS credits for one year (60 ECTS)

If you successfully complete our single semester programme, you’ll also be awarded an International Certificate in your chosen subject area. For our full year programme, you’ll receive an International Diploma. 

As part of the award you'll need to complete a Global Citizenship Portfolio module.

What are the visa requirements?

You will need to check if you require a visa to study in the UK: https://www.gov.uk/check-uk-visa

You must hold a valid UK visa that entitles you to study at Sheffield Hallam University before you can begin your course with us
Visas can take several weeks to come through once you've completed your application, so make sure you leave yourself plenty of time.

If you need support with your visa application, our student experience advisers offer help via Skype and email. For more information visit our pre-arrival and visa support page.

What will it cost?

The following tuition fees are payable for students on the Study Abroad Programme in 2021/22:

• One semester: International £6997
• One year: International £13,995

You'll also need to cover your own accommodation and living costs.

Students who require a visa may be asked to provide evidence that they can afford to pay living costs while in the UK. For more information visit our pre-arrival and visa support page.

Living costs

Sheffield has a low cost of living compared to other major UK cities, meaning your money will go further. You don’t need a car to get around and there are student discounts on travel, retail, food and entertainment across the city.

Where will I stay?

Don't worry about finding somewhere to stay during your time in Sheffield - we've already done it for you! We reserve places for Study Abroad students in one of our popular halls of residence: The Trigon.

The Trigon is less than a 10-minute walk from campus and located right in the city centre, so everything Sheffield has to offer will be on your doorstep and you'll never be short of things to do. With great access to public transport, you'll easily be able to explore Sheffield and the surrounding area such as the Peak District.

Living in halls is safe, secure and affordable – it costs less than half the price of renting a similar place in London. You'll also save on travel costs as the complex is just a short walk from both City and Collegiate Campus.

The accommodation fee for The Trigon is £108 per week. Your place is guaranteed if you apply by 1 August for a September start and by 1 December for a January start.  Contact accommodation@shu.ac.uk to apply.

We offer a range of alternative accommodation if this doesn't suit your needs. For more information visit our accommodation page.

How to apply for the programme

1. Take a look at an example of our Study Abroad Programme catalogue (PDF, 482.2KB) for information on potential modules and routes
2. Check that you meet the entry requirements
3. Speak to your university's exchange coordinator or study abroad advisor if you would like to transfer credit from our programme as part of your degree at home
4. Find out whether you'll need a student visa and if so, apply as early as possible
5. Complete the application form (PDF) (PDF, 229.3KB)
6. Submit your application to specialistroutes@shu.ac.uk in plenty of time
7. Email accommodation@shu.ac.uk to apply for accommodation by 1 August for a September start and 1 December for a January start to be guaranteed a room in one of our halls of residence
8. Download our pre-arrival guide (PDF) (PDF, 6.9MB)

We're on hand to answer questions and support you throughout the application process. You can contact us at specialistroutes@shu.ac.uk.

* Please contact your mobility co-ordinator at your home institution for confirmation of any credit recognition before applying for the programme.

Important dates

Submit your application by

• 31 July for September starts
• 1 December for January starts

Applications accepted after this date will be processed on a case by case basis.

Apply for accommodation by

• 1 August for September starts
• 1 December for January starts

£1,000 Postgraduate Taught Scholarship

You may be eligible for this scholarship if you have studied as a Study Abroad student at Sheffield Hallam for a semester or a year and are enrolling onto a postgraduate taught course. Find out more on our alumni scholarship page.