St Andrews-W&L Partnership

Since 2001, Washington and Lee University and the University of St Andrews have partnered to provide a study abroad experience in two tracks.  St Andrews, Scotland's first University offers historical surroundings in which to study across a broad range of St Andrews courses in the faculties of arts, sciences, or divinity.  

Course of Study

All students on the program must complete at least 60 credit hours in the St Andrews system to be considered full-time. Students normally are not allowed to register for more than 70 credit hours. Students should enroll in 2000, 3000 or 4000 level classes in the humanities, although it is possible to enroll in a new subject at a lower level.

Enroll in any course offerings at St Andrews described in the course catalog. Credit will be awarded for courses taken, but grades will not be part of the W&L transcript, as per W&L study abroad policy.

Sciences courses currently pre-approved for W&L transfer credit include:

Fall or Martinmas Term (subject to change)

  • BIOL 212 Molecular Biology 
  • BIOL 211 Cell Biology 
  • BIOL 244 Invertebrate zoology 
  • BIOL 340 Evolutionary Biology 

Winter or Candlemas Term (subject to change)

  • BIOL 215 Biochemistry 
  • BIOL 245 Ecology 
  • BIOL 24x Vertebrate Zoology 
  • BIOL 261 Comparative Physiology 

Students planning to take Biology courses must have approval of the W&L Biology department. Dr. Helen I'Anson serves as the Program Coordinator for the Biology department at W&L.

Students are free to choose other courses from the St Andrews curriculum in so far as prerequisites and departmental policies there allow (there may be courses for which you are not eligible). In the past, some pre-med students have elected to take such classes as The Geography of Health. There may be other courses of particular interest to students planning a health professions career as well.

Students should look through the St Andrews course catalogue to find suitable course offerings; single semester courses are offered in increments of 10, 15, 20 and 30 credits. These credits generally correspond to 2, 3, 5, and 7 W&L credits.

Students at St Andrews for the Martinmas or fall semester there are scheduled to complete final assessments (exams or other assessment instruments) by the last day of classes before the Christmas holiday.

Program Schedule Fall 2024

  • Sunday, September 1: Depart from your home. Arrive for check-in approximately 3 hours before flight time, and be sure to check the most up-to-date luggage restrictions
  • Monday, September 2: Arrive at Edinburgh airport by 12:00 pm. Arrangements will be made to transport you into town and check-in to the hotel.
  • Monday, September 2 - Saturday, September 7: Orientation in Edinburgh with day trips to historic sites and two nights in the Scottish Highlands
  • Saturday, September 7: Transfer to St Andrews, check into University Housing and group dinner
  • Sunday, September 8: Walking tour of St Andrews, group lunch
  • Monday, September 9: Matriculation and class registration
  • Monday, September 16: Classes begin
  • Monday, December 7 : Examinations begin, students must be present at St Andrews through the last day of exams
  • Monday, December 23: Semester exams finish date

Program Schedule Winter-Spring 2024

  • Thursday, January 4: Depart from your home. Arrive for check-in approximately 3 hours before flight time, and be sure to check the most up-to-date luggage restrictions
  • Friday, January 5: Arrive at Edinburgh airport by 12:00 pm. Arrangements will be made to transport you into town and check-in to the hotel.
  • Friday, January 5 - Wednesday, January 10: Orientation in Edinburgh with day trips to historic sites, two days in the Scottish Highlands.
  • Wednesday, January 10: Transfer to St Andrews, check into University Housing and group dinner
  • Monday, January 15: Classes begin
  • Monday, April 22 : Examinations begin, students must be present at St Andrews through the last day of exams
  • Tuesday, May 7: Semester exams finish date

Housing

Students on the program are guaranteed St Andrew's housing. The cost of the program includes standard catered housing in a shared room.  A surcharge may be added if a higher cost option is selected.

There is a range of accommodation for undergraduates. More information can be found on the accommodation page.  We cannot guarantee your first choice of Residence.  Please inform the program director of any special housing requests.

What Will It Cost?

Fall 2024 Program Fee is $23,820

Winter-Spring 2024 Program Fee $21,775

Included in the program fee are: all normal tuition costs, double room in a standard catered residence (most accommodations include 19 meals per week) at St Andrews, accommodation and activities during the orientation in Edinburgh the beginning of the program (students are responsible for some meal costs during this orientation period), and travel from Edinburgh to St Andrews. Students must make and pay for their own flight arrangements and provide money for their books, academic supplies, and personal needs including linens throughout the program period. Please note: this cost is subject to change in case of significant currency variations or increases in the cost of services from the University of St Andrews or the orientation program providers. We will make every effort to inform you of any changes in a timely manner.  

Who is Eligible?

The program is open to any W&L student, generally a sophomore or junior, with the prerequisite background and with a cumulative GPA of 3.200 or better. For the science track, a grade of B (3.0) in relevant introductory science courses is required. Students with a lesser cumulative GPA may be accepted on a case-by-case basis. The program is also open to select qualified students from other U.S. institutions.

Students are not eligible to study abroad if on academic or social probation during their semester abroad. Students accepted into study abroad programs who are then placed on academic or conduct probation will be liable for the full costs of the program even if they withdraw from the program.

How Do I Apply?

Applications should be submitted through the offcampus.wlu.edu site along with all supporting documentation. 

For additional information, contact

Cindy Irby
Study Abroad Advisor
W&L Center for International Education
Lexington, VA 24450
Tel. 540-458-8193
fax. 540-458-8179
cirby@wlu.edu

(Pictures of St Andrews provided courtesy of the University of St Andrews. All rights reserved.)