St Mary's University Courses

Required course load is 15 semester hours of credit during each semester.

  • Please review your courses with your academic or study abroad advisor to ensure they will transfer back to your home school and that you are following your home school’s policies.
  • Please be flexible – we can’t guarantee specific courses. If your participation in the program depends on a particular course, be sure to make a note on your online course form.

Special Considerations

In the British education system, students attend university for three years and only enroll in courses directly related to their degree. St Mary’s may request that you submit syllabi and course descriptions from your previous work to demonstrate that you have satisfied any prerequisites. 

For students interested in practice-based Theater, there is a dedicated Study Abroad Drama Semester pathway. You'll enroll in two core modules that immerse you in London's theater scene in the first half of the semester, including ten venue site visits. To finish the semester, you'll participate in an intensive Production module, collaborating with St Mary's undergraduate students for a full text-based production performed in the Studio Theater. You can focus on Creative Production/Technical Theater or Acting for the Drama Semester. One year of university-leve Drama experience is required.

Choosing Your Courses

Courses are offered at 20 UK credits equivalent to 5 US credits each. Courses available to study abroad students are described on St Mary’s website and you will enroll in three courses per semester. 

When selecting courses, it is important to pay attention to course levels:

  • Year 4 - Introductory. No background required
  • Year 5 - Sophomore and Junior level. Will need some background plus satisfy prerequisites
  • Year 6 - Senior, advanced level. Will need significant prior knowledge (5-6 prior courses in the subject) plus satisfy relevant prerequisites.

Enrollment Process

  • Make sure to list at least one alternate course for every course you select, totaling at least six courses. List your choices and alternates in order of preference.
  • Students will receive their course enrollment upon arrival.
  • There is an additional fee for theater production tickets for the Study Abroad Drama Semester.

There will likely be a drop/add period upon arrival. If you make any changes it is your responsibility to inform your home institution.


Grade Scale

The following information is vetted and provided by the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (AACRAO) on the Electronic Database for Global Education (EDGE).

Percentage Description U.S. Equivalent
70 - 100% First Class A
60 - 69% Second Class Upper B+
50 - 59% Second Class Lower B
40 - 49% Third Class / Pass C
0 - 39% Fail F
Intellectual property copyright AACRAO EDGE.