Self-defined projects

There are two options available for students wishing to undertake a self-defined project:

• Option 1: Based in St Andrews and supervised by an academic from the University of St Andrews.
• Option 2: Overseas and part of the Laidlaw International Partnership. Based and supervised at one of our international Laidlaw partner institutions.

Option 1: Based in St Andrews

If you wish to apply for a self-defined project, you will devise the project parameters, based on your research interests, and gain the support of an academic member of staff from the University of St Andrews who is willing to supervise you.

Your supervisor must complete the Laidlaw Supervisor reference form - laidlaw-supervisor-reference-form (Word).

These projects are usually supervised by someone from the University of St Andrews, but there is the possibility of being a visiting scholar at another institution as part of the summer research project. This is arranged on a case-by-case basis during your scholarship. For example, if your supervisor knows a colleague at another institution who works in your area of research, and who is willing to accept you as a visiting scholar during the summer research project, then this can be arranged. The university that you would be visiting must be a part of the Laidlaw Programme as well.

Option 2: Overseas

If you have been unable to find a suitable supervisor at St Andrews and are considering supervision at another Laidlaw University, please reach out to laidlaw@st-andrews.ac.uk to discuss your situation further before reaching out to any other University.