Experience a transformative summer at the University of St Andrews through our undergraduate-level Summer Study programme. Applications for our 2-week Blue Carbon: Science & Policy course are currently open! Dive into the science and policy of Blue Carbon through hands-on fieldwork, lab analysis, and real-world data to uncover how coastal ecosystems combat climate change. Further course information, along with details of fees, entry requirements, and how to apply on the Blue Carbon Science & Policy webpages. Applications will close 23:59pm (UK time) Tuesday 31 March 2026.
Please note that Blue Carbon applicants should not expect to receive a decision on their course application until at least early/mid-March though review may take longer depending on the volume of applications and any other extenuating circumstances.
Scholarships available
In partnership with the WWF (World Wide Fund for Nature) there are up to SIX fully funded scholarships for 2026 that are open to Blue Carbon applicants only. The Selection Committee seeks applicants who are gifted students with academic excellence. We particularly welcome and encourage applicants from the Global South for these scholarships.
Applicants interested in applying for the scholarship can find more information in the ‘Scholarships’ section of the Blue Carbon Science & Policy webpages. We are fortunate to receive many strong scholarship applications, which makes the selection process highly competitive with a limited number of awards available. The scholarship application deadline is 23:59pm (UK time) on Wednesday 4 March 2026. You can apply for the scholarship after submitting your course application for Blue Carbon Science & Policy.
You do not need to wait until you have received an offer of a place before applying for the scholarship. However, to be eligible for scholarship selection, you will need to ensure that you have provided all the necessary additional documents for your main course application to Blue Carbon by 23:59pm (UK time) on Wednesday 4 March 2026. These include:
1. Official Academic University transcript(s)
2. English Language Certificate (if applicable)
3. Academic reference
More information on additional necessary documents can be found under the 'How to apply' section on the Blue Carbon: Science & Policy webpage.
Blue Carbon: Science & Policy Information Session
Join this free online information session to learn more about what to expect from the course (registration required).
When: Thursday 12 February 2026, 2pm (GMT)
What to expect:
- Overview of the Blue Carbon course with academic course lead Bill Austin
- Hear from alumni students
- Application guidance
- Q&A
Can’t attend live?
Register anyway to receive the session recording afterwards to watch at your convenience.
Any questions regarding the courses, scholarships or wider Summer Study programme can be directed to shortcourses@st-andrews.ac.uk. We look forward to welcoming you to St Andrews next summer!
Lecturer in Physical Geography
School of Geography and Sustainable Development
St Andrews, Fife, KY16 9AL