Undergraduate Psychology: The Mind & Body

Summer School modules are designed to be intensive, intellectually stimulating short courses. They are taught by King’s academics in academic disciplines where King's has expertise. Classes are highly international, giving students an opportunity to collaborate with peers from all around the globe.

Each module consists of 150 study hours, comprising 45 hours of intensive synchronous and asynchronous teaching, independent study and group work and is examined to university standards. Comparable to an in-semester 15-credit King’s undergraduate module and therefore typically awarded 3-4 US credits or 7.5 ECTS, many summer students ask their home institution to award them external credit for their King's summer module to use towards their degree programme when they return home.

This module will give you a deeper understanding of the complex bi-directional relationship between the mind and the body. We will explore how different parts of the body, such as the gut, influence the development and function of the brain, and in turn, how the brain exerts influence over the body. We will focus on a range of psychological and medical conditions, including autism, Parkinson's, chronic pain, depression, and more. We also explore broader themes such as sex and gender, therapeutic approaches and health psychology.

You will learn how to design research projects to study the brain-body connection and what novel discoveries have recently been uncovered in this fascinating and fast paced field of study.

By the end of the module, you should have:

• Broadened your understanding of the dynamic between the brain and the rest of the body

• Gained knowledge of how brain-body interactions may play a role in a variety of psychological and medical conditions

• Gained knowledge of research and clinical methods used in exploring brain-body connections in preclinical models and humans.

The King's College London Undergraduate Summer School is open to students who are currently, or have been, enrolled in an undergraduate degree programme. We also welcome applications from professionals who have substantial relevant experience in their chosen subject area.

Entry requirements

• Open to students who are currently, or have been, enrolled in an undergraduate degree. We also welcome applications from professionals who have substantial relevant experience in their chosen subject area.
• Minimum grade requirement of 2:1 degree equivalent. See International grade equivalents on our Undergraduate Summer School homepage, under Entry requirements.
• English language requirement of at least level C1 in the Common European Framework of Reference for languages (CEFR). See full English Language requirements on our Undergraduate Summer School homepage, under Entry requirements.
• Minimum age at the start of the course is 18 years old.

1,500 word essay (50%), Group presentation (40%), End of module quiz (10%) - to be confirmed by the academic

Taught on-campus any time between the hours of 9am and 6pm from Monday to Friday. 

*Early application discount: prices apply for applications received by 23:59 GMT on 14 February 2025. Subject to availability at the time of application. From 15 February 2025, the standard 2025 tuition fees apply.

As per the fees listed above, booking two sessions receives a discount. This discount cannot be used in conjunction with other discounts of promotions. Subject to availability at the time of application.

Suggested course combinations:

• Developmental Psychology (information coming soon)

More information on our fees, entry requirements and residential package can be found on the Undergraduate Summer School homepage.

Read our Terms and Conditions