London

INSTEP-WFU coursework in London centers around small, discussion-based classes conducted by carefully selected British faculty, many of whom have teaching positions at one of the University of London campuses. The courses are structured to allow students to research contemporary issues while critically analyzing their implications through essays, discussions and class presentations.

Courses are taught in one of two different formats in London, either as a seminar or a supervision. Seminars are small discussion classes generally taught with no more than 15 students. Seminars will typically meet at least twice per week and will include dedicated time for both lecture and discussion.

Supervisions are more intimate and usually contain no more than four students. Supervisions tend to meet only once per week, but it is expected that students will spend more time outside of class doing research preparing for each supervision. During the supervision, more time will be dedicated to discussion, so students need to be prepared to debate their research, as the faculty member's expectation will be for students to share their insights and findings on the topics.

It’s also important to note that the British academic system tends to allow students more flexibility with respect to research sources and which key points of the class they can choose to concentrate on. British faculty tend not to use one textbook for the class; instead, they will provide a list of sources that are pertinent to the topic. Students can often choose topics in the course to concentrate on, thus allowing them to pick and choose which readings they find more beneficial.

There can be exceptions to this academic approach when Wake Forest School of Business core requirement courses are taught in London. These courses will more closely mirror the structure and approach of courses taught at Wake Forest to be sure that they prepare students for further coursework in the discipline and remain on track for graduation.

Courses and supervisions are conducted in Central London at the INSTEP-WFU academic center. As is the case with most, if not all students in London, INSTEP-WFU students should expect a commute on public transportation from their accommodation to the academic center.