Scotland

We are pleased to offer students the opportunity to take part in a newly designed summer school, Scotland: History, Heritage and Culture at our partner school, The University of Aberdeen. This course will introduce students to the history and culture of modern Scotland from the seventeenth century to the modern day through a series of twelve classes and extra-curricular activities. Facilitated by staff from across the four disciplines in the School of Divinity, History, Philosophy and Art History at the University of Aberdeen, this course will cover a wide range of subjects including the political unions in the seventeenth century, the Jacobite tradition, the Scottish Enlightenment, Tartan, the nineteenth century clearances, religious revivals, the monarchy, sport and culture and Scottish contemporary women artists, to name but a few. The course will also include a selection of curated extracurricular activities within Aberdeen and the wider Aberdeenshire area, such as walking tours, visits to areas of local significance, or cultural activities like Scottish Country Dancing.

Program Details

Program Itinerary

Sunday, June 15

  • Arrival Day

Monday, June 16

  • Introduction and Welcome Session
  • Enjoy a tour of the University of Aberdeen, your home for the next 2 weeks. The school is located in Old Aberdeen, a beautiful urban area in Scotland, with buildings dating back to the 15th century.

Tuesday, June 17

  • Morning academic class 
  • Join a local guide on a city tour of Aberdeen. This dynamic city is a beautiful blend of old world charm and modern cosmopolitan community. Its known as the cultural center of Scotland, making it a very safe, vibrant and approachable city to get to know. 

Wednesday, June 18

  • Morning academic class
  • Afternoon academic class 

Thursday, June 19

  • Morning academic class
  • Afternoon academic class
  • Bowling/outing to Cadonas Amusement Park, a family owned property that is an institution in the city, loved by all the locals. 

Friday, June 20

  • Morning academic class
  • Tour King's College Chapel, found right on the University grounds and St. Machar Cathedral, two beautiful places of serenity and peace. 

Saturday, June 21

  • Take a trip to Dunnottar Castle, a fortress perched atop a 160 foot rock and surrounded by the three sides of the North Sea, that was once owned by the Marischal family, one of the most powerful families in Scotland. Enjoy a walk along the crags below, explore Stonehaven Harbour, the largest of the recreational harbours in Aberdeen. Enjoy traditional fish and chips while at the Aberdeen beachfront, famous for its golden sand. There is a beautiful grassy area adjacent to the sand where people like to watch the kite-boarders and surfers. 

Sunday, June 22

  • Students will leave early morning and bus to Edinburgh for the day. Enjoy visiting Edinburgh Castle, one of the oldest castles in Scotland. Its history runs deep as it was a royal residence, a prison, fortress and a military garrison. This architectural gem is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, full of military relics, royal family jewels, and iconic exhibits detailing generations of Scotland's history. 

Monday, June 23

  • Morning academic class
  • Visit the Aberdeen Art gallery, home of a stunning art collection that spans over 700 years of art by local and international artists, makers and designers. The building has been redesigned in recent years to make this a must see for locals and visitors to the city of  Aberdeen. 

Tuesday, June 24

  • Todays outing will go to Culloden Battlefield where you will earn the story of the 1745 Jacobite Rising, one of the most harrowing battles in British history. Highlights include seeing the battlefield itself, memorial sites, an interactive museum displaying artifacts and documents related to that fateful day. 

Wednesday, June 25

  • Morning academic class
  • Afternoon academic class
  • Scottish Traditional Dancing at the King's Pavillion

Thursday, June 26

  • Morning academic class
  • Afternoon academic class

Friday, June 27

  • Morning academic class
  • Farewell lunch

Saturday, June 28

  • Departure Day: move out of your dorm, say your goodbyes and then take a shuttle to the airport

 

 

Program Dates

This program will run from June 15 through 28, 2025.

Course Overview

This is a credit bearing class. You will receive 3 credits towards an upper level History class. Over the two weeks, you will take the following 12 classes, all two hours in length. Class descriptions can be found here. 

Political Unions (1603 v 1707)

Scotland and the Jacobite Cause

The Scottish Enlightenment

Radical Scotland

Tartan: From Rebellion to Royal Appointment

Scottish emigration in the 19th century

1859 Religious revival in NE Scotland

Balmorality? 19th-century Scotland and the Monarchy

Highlands to Hellas: Scottish Travellers to Greece

Sport and Scottish Culture and Society

20th Century & Children

Scottish Artist-Women

 

 

Accomodation

All participants will be housed in University residence halls. 

Program Costs

£2,500 euro 

Price Includes:

  • Tuition
  • 13 nights accommodation in University halls of residence.
  • Many fieldtrips and excursions

Not included:

  • International travel to and from the UK.
  • Transport costs to/from the University from within the UK.
  • Travel or health insurance.
  • Visa costs, where applicable.
  • All meals
Application Deadline

Applications are due by January 31, 2025

Views from Abroad

    At A Glance

    (S): SPARK-Eligible

    Semester: Summer A 2025

    Program Level: Undergraduate

    Program Type: Academic

    Major(s): Open to all majors, but may be better suited for the following majors/minors:

    • Anthropology
    • Art History
    • Education
    • History
    • International & Global Studies
    • Museums, Archives, and Public History
    • Political Science
    • Religious Studies
    • Sociology

    Language Requirement: None

    Minimum GPA Requirement: 2.5