St Andrews sustainability internships

There are two schemes this year offering internships with a clear sustainability focus:

  • Biodiversity internships. Supported by the University of St Andrews Biodiversity Working Group and supporting on going work on the Universities Environmental Sustainability Strategy.
  • Biodiversity Interdisciplinary Research Community Hub (BIRCH). These internships provide the opportunity to participate in a new interdisciplinary project in biodiversity.  Projects are located within several schools, including Computer Science and Music.

These opportunities provide students with a unique opportunity to experience and make a real contribution to university projects linked to the environmental sustainability strategy, committing the University to reach net-zero by 2035. 

Each internship offers the opportunity to make strong contributions to university projects and initiatives.  The skills and knowledge you acquire will provide you with unique, stand out experiences to draw upon when applying to future sustainability related career opportunities.

This scheme is most suited to those in the Develop and Make it Happen stages of the Career Journey. 

Eligibility  

These internships are open to registered undergraduates and postgraduates at the University of St Andrews. 

Applications from those who do not meet these criteria will not be considered.   

Each eligible applicant may apply for up to three internships within the programme but may accept only one.  

Purpose and benefits 

  • paid work experience which provides you with a valuable insights into an organisational working environment within the field of sustainable development
  • application and interview practice to help you prepare for the future
  • gain many key transferable skills and experiences to increase your future employability
  • gain first-hand experience of conducting research and working in a University environment
  • provide insight into graduate level work   
  • personal development  through work on a real-life project and receiving feedback on performance 
  • encourage personal reflection on your management of and contribution to the project. 
  • opportunity to meet and work with trailblazers making a real difference in sustainable development.

What to expect

  • you will be given an induction at the beginning of your internship. This will include an introduction to the overall function of the team in which you will be working 
  • you will then be assigned a research project to work on. In some internships these tasks are defined in advance and in others you will have some opportunity to shape the direction of the research project
  • the experience replicates the challenges of working in a graduate-level job and will help you gain insight into the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in your preferred area of work
  • this is a learning and development opportunity. Throughout the internship you will be asked to reflect on your achievements to date, how you are progressing with your overall goals, and any other areas you wish to experience further.  You will also be provided with comprehensive feedback on your performance throughout. 

Internships

  • Carbon and diversity? Biodiversity impacts of peat restoration on Bankhead Moss
  • The effects of proximity and engagement with biodiversity on wider attitudes to conservation and sustainability
  • Understanding how citizen scientists see the world
  • Surveying the trees of St Andrews
  • Listening for Biodiversity at Bankhead Moss: using sound to encourage affective interest in peatland restoration
  • Small Scale Fisheries (SSF) Data Collection app for fishers in developing countries with limited or no literacy skills
  • Development and evaluation of a biodiversity engagement programme for visitors and residents of St Andrews
  • Interactive Experiences with Biodiversity
  • Herbarium Hotobiont
  • Engaging Schools with Biodiversity Monitoring.

Pay

  • Biodiversity internships - you will be paid a stipend of £364 per week or equivalent. 
  • BIRCH internships - you will be paid a stipend of £400.40 per week.

Hours of work

Each role is different - please read the job description for specific hours of work.

There will be flexibility to set a schedule that works for you and your host, and any key dates or times for attendance will be clearly noted.   

It is the applicant's responsibility to ensure they can accommodate the hours of the internship with the demands of their academic course, as well as any applicable visa constraints. 

A standard week will be 35 hours to 36 hours and 15 minutes.   

Application process

You will be asked to submit your CV and covering letter stating how you meet the requirements of the internship and what you'd like to gain from the experience.    

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to attend an interview with the host.