University of Aberdeen Summer School
Broaden your experience at a world leading institution in the beautiful North-East of Scotland.
Spend your summer nestled between coastline and mountains at the University of Aberdeen. This Scottish city is ideally located for both the outdoor enthusiast and the history buff.
Archaeology Field Excavation Summer School: Join the University of Aberdeen’s award-winning North Picts team for three weeks of field training and a dedicated programme of guided tours of spectacular Pictish sites and monuments.
Key information
Application information
Useful links
Host university exchange website
Have questions?
For general inquiries: study.abroad@ucalgary.ca
For questions about the courses or program details: goabroad.incoming@abdn.ac.uk
Program details
The information below was last updated in September 2026
Archaeology Field Excavation Summer School
During this program, you'll learn the principles of field survey and excavation and you’ll take part in the excavation of a hugely important site for understanding the formation of the Picts: East Lomond hillfort in Fife.
You’ll be given all the training required, through a mixture of classroom workshops and introductory lectures with practical on-the-job experience. While no prior experience is necessary, the program also welcome those with previous experience who are looking to broaden their skill set.
12 University of Aberdeen credits = 1 UCalgary half course (3 units). Please check with your UCalgary academic advisor to ensure that the program you are interested in taking will transfer back to your degree.
*Other summer programs on offer do not provide enough credits (min 12 Aberdeen credits) to transfer back to UCalgary.
Last year the the program ran July 2 - 22, 2026.
Dates for the 2027 program will be updated on the website.
University of Aberdeen also offers semester programs.
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Costs
This is a Fee-Paying program, which means that you will pay tuition fees to the University of Aberdeen directly as well as any other required program fees.
You will pay a $150 placement fee to UCalgary, but otherwise you will not owe any fees to UCalgary for this program.
A visa is usually not required for students travelling on a Canadian passport.
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Funding
Fee-paying programs might be able to obtain additional funding. Students are responsible for verifying eligibility for any funding you wish to pursue at UCalgary. If you wish to apply for student loans, please confirm eligibility with Alberta Student Aid or your responsible loans provider. If you wish to apply for our office's awards, such as the Global Learning Award, note that your program must receive at least 3 units of academic credit at UCalgary to qualify.
- 9 nights accommodation (uncatered) in University halls of residence.
- 11 nights accommodation (including breakfast and evening meals) near the excavation site.
As the course is open to applicants with no prior experience of archaeological excavation, there are no academic entry requirements for this program.
Applicants will need to demonstrate that they meet the necessary English language requirements.
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Application to UCalgary
Please submit an applicaton in the UCalgary application system, RAISA. Your application must be submitted by the UCalgary deadline, which is advertised in the yellow banner at the top of this page. (This program typically re-opens applications past the priority deadline until mid-March.)
In RAISA, you will be asked some basic questions about your interest in studying abroad, and confirm that you understand this is a Fee-Paying program.
By applying in RAISA, the UCalgary Global Learning office will better be able to support your preparation to travel, including providing resources for your safety abroad and guidance on the academic transfer credit process.
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Application to the University of Aberdeen Summer School
Independent of your UCalgary RAISA application, you must also submit an application to the University of Aberdeen Summer School. Your Global Learning Advisor will send you a reminder to apply, but it is your responsibility to gather the necessary documents and submit them to the University of Aberdeen Summer School following their provided instructions and deadlines. The application for Aberdeen is not yet available for the Summer 2027. But take a peak at the application from the previous year:
Have questions?
The Global Learning Advisor for this program is: Lynn Dittmer
How to Apply
Identify your programs of interest
We recommend applying for your top three programs by the priority deadline. If you are applying to a mixture of fee-paying and exchange or research programs, please consult with a Global Learning Advisor. Fee-paying programs often have different timelines; we can help identify if your desired programs are competitive or any other unique considerations.
Check requirements and deadlines
Please review the "Eligibility and application requirements" section above. Some fee-paying programs require students to apply both to UCalgary and to the host university, while others may have different instructions. If you are uncertain about application procedures, you are welcome to contact a Global Learning Advisor and/or the host university for guidance.
Start your application
Be mindful that if your desired program requires applying both to UCalgary and to the host university, there may be different timelines for each application. Make note of the requirements for each application, prepare in advance when possible, and ensure you don't miss the deadline!
International travel presents challenges that are not found when attending classes on campus. There may be a lack of resources, accessibility issues, or demands on the physical and mental self, which may challenge you when away from your usual support systems and structures. Adequate preparation is essential.
For this reason, it is imperative to evaluate all aspects of your own physical, psychological, emotional, and spiritual condition against the rigours of your desired global program. If you are unsure whether this program is a good fit for you, or if you have any circumstances that could impede your enjoyment and participation, please contact us. Our global experience advisors are happy to assist in finding the best options for you and arranging any supports necessary for your success.
If you have or are seeking a certificate from Student Accessibility Services, you should provide this early to your global experience advisor to ensure that the program you are seeking can support your needs. Additional considerations can be found on our Identities Abroad resources.
Please note: All participants must adhere to COVID-19 and other vaccination-related requirements for the destinations visited on this program. Failure to do so may have consequences such as being denied access to accommodation/housing, program activities, or to the host country itself.