St Andrews Summer Study 2026: Learning Beyond the Classroom
This summer, we were delighted to welcome students representing 17 nationalities to the University of St Andrews for St Andrews Summer Study 2026. Bringing together students from around the world, the programme combined rigorous undergraduate-level teaching with immersive fieldwork and opportunities to experience Scottish culture, creating an unforgettable summer of discovery and international community.
Students took part in interdisciplinary courses spanning history, archaeology, and environmental science. Our Blue Carbon Science & Policy course explored the role of coastal ecosystems in tackling climate change, while Scotland’s History: Kingdom, Nation, People brought Scotland’s past to life through visits to some of the country’s most significant historic sites. Students on Monastic Scotland: History & Archaeology gained first-hand archaeological experience through excavations at Lindores Abbey, a twelfth-century monastery with a rich history that also includes Scotland’s earliest recorded tradition of whisky distilling.
A defining feature of the programme is immersive learning opportunities beyond the classroom. Throughout the summer, students travelled across Scotland with academic staff, visiting sites including Dunnottar Castle, Arbroath Abbey, The Black Watch Museum, and the spectacular landscapes of the West Highlands. These field experiences enabled students to engage directly with the people, places, and environments that shaped their studies.
One of this year’s highlights was a two-day expedition to the West Highlands for students studying Blue Carbon Science & Policy. Based in Oban, the group explored Scotland’s coastal habitats through fieldwork while experiencing the unique landscapes that make the region internationally important for blue carbon research. For the more adventurous members of the group, the expedition even included the opportunity to snorkel among seagrass meadows in the chilly Highland waters, providing a memorable first-hand insight into these important coastal ecosystems.
The academic programme was complemented by a vibrant social calendar designed to help students make the most of their time in Scotland. The summer began with campus tours and our ever-popular welcome pub quiz, giving students the opportunity to get to know one another before classes began. Throughout the programme, students also explored Edinburgh and Glasgow, attended the St Andrews Highland Games, and enjoyed a guided visit to Lindores Abbey Distillery. Plenty of free time allowed students to discover St Andrews and travel independently, creating lasting memories beyond the classroom.
As another successful Summer Study programme comes to a close, we hope our students leave with new perspectives, lifelong friendships, and experiences that will stay with them long after returning home.
“I leave St Andrews with a full heart—full of experiences, knowledge, and, above all, friendships from every corner of the world. I hope one day to return to the city that, even for a short while, felt like home.”
Applications for St Andrews Summer Study 2027 will open later this year. Keep an eye on our webpages and social media channels for further updates. To find out more about the programme, please contact the team at [email protected].