Explore University

• S3 programme

  Teacher-nominated pupils undertake a year-long academic project.

  What's involved

  • Three visits to the St Andrews campus, including a one-night residential
  • Three school visits from student mentors and the programme coordinator
  • A university-style academic project with full support

  Pupils build skills in research, presentation, and essay writing. They also get a feel for what university study involves.

  Academic project

  Pupils choose a subject after attending short academic taster sessions. Subject may include:

  • Medicine
  • Sustainable development
  • Chemistry
  • Computer science
  • Modern languages
  • Geography

  The project includes:

  • A PowerPoint presentation
  • A short essay
  • A written reflection

  Mentors support pupils during the process.

  Student mentoring

  Current university students act as mentors. They visit schools and support pupils during campus visits. Mentors help pupils stay on track and build confidence.

  S3 Summer Celebration

  The programme ends with a celebration day in St Andrews. Families and teachers are invited to watch pupils receive their certificate of achievement.

• S4 programme

  Pupils discover what studying at university is really like.

   

   

  Explore Life at St Andrews Day

  Discover what university is really like. Explore the campus, meet current students, learn about options for after school, and experience life at St Andrews.

  Explore Academics at St Andrews Day

  Try out a range of subjects and experience university-style learning. Discover new interests and explore where your strengths could take you.

  Online Taster Lectures

  Join live lectures from St Andrews academics. Explore new topics, build curiosity, and gain confidence with university learning.

  Online Skills Workshops

  Strengthen the skills that support success at school and beyond, including critical thinking, communication, study skills, and digital learning.

  Explore Reach Subjects Day

  Think like a psychologist, economist, and manager. Take part in practical challenges, solve real-world problems, and discover where these subjects could lead.

  S4 Summer School

  Experience university life over four days at St Andrews. Work on an academic project, develop new skills, make friends, and discover what studying at university could be like.

• Sign up for our S4 Programme

  The S4 Explore University Programme is open to all state schools in Fife. 

  Applications for the S4 programme are now open. Once you sign up, a member of the First Chances Fife team will check your eligibility and get in touch with next steps. 

  Eligibility for the programme can be found on our First Chances Fife eligibility page.