Psychology: The Mind & Body (online)

Undergraduate Summer School modules are intellectually stimulating, dynamic and highly participative. They are taught by leading King’s academics who are experts in their field. Classes are highly international with students from all over the world.

Each module comprises 150 study hours, including teaching, independent study and group work. Our undergraduate modules are examined to university standards and can be taken for credit towards degrees at other institutions.

This module is based on a 15-credit King’s undergraduate module and therefore typically awarded 3-4 US credits or 7.5 ECTS. To receive credit for King's summer modules, contact your home institution to ask them to award external credit.

This module will provide you with a deep understanding of the complex bi-directional relationship between the mind and the body. You 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. You will learn how to design research projects to study the brain-body connection and come into contact with cutting-edge discoveries 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 other organs, including the gut, microbiome and placenta.
• 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.

This module is ideal for students interested in deepening their understanding of psychology and the inner workings of the human brain.

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.

You should ensure that you are eligible to apply before you submit your application by checking our academic and English language entry criteria.

Assessment for the module will consist of:

• One essay 1,500 words (50%)
• Multiple choice questions (10%)
• Group presentation (40%)

Undergraduate Online Summer School modules comprise 150 study hours over three weeks, which includes 45 hours of online learning activities and live classes, as well as independent study, team project work and assessment preparation.

Live classes will begin at 9am each weekday (British Summer Time). Teaching is through a variety of formats adapted for effective online learning by our digital education team, such as lectures, seminars and e-learning resources. In addition, some of the course material can be studied flexibly and at your own pace.