Political Science & Politics Study Abroad Programs in Scotland

Stirling, a historic fortress city in the heart of Scotland, is an exciting blend of old and new. Lately, it has emerged as one of the UK’s most liveable cities as well as a business and cultural center, what with its ongoing regeneration in industry and the arts. The Stirling program of USAC allows you to experience much of this beautiful city. Study for a semester or full academic year and take courses in a broad range of disciplines: Scottish Studies, English Literature, Political Science, Economics, Film and Media, Criminology, Tourism, and more. The host institution is the University of Stirling, one of Scotland’s top-rated universities. Assessment is continuous throughout the semester, giving you an early indication of academic performance. The campus is set on a wooded, landscaped area with an 18th-century baronial residence and a small lake. As a Stirling student, you have access to some of the country’s finest sports facilities, including a 50-meter swimming pool that is home to the National Swimming Academy.

Dreaming of studying abroad in one of the UK’s most vibrant cities? The University of Strathclyde in Glasgow offers an unbeatable combination of academic excellence, cultural immersion, and exciting adventures. Known for its innovative research and teaching, Strathclyde is perfect for students studying engineering, business, science, or humanities. You’ll gain access to top-tier faculty, cutting-edge facilities, and a campus community that celebrates diversity and collaboration. Located in the heart of Glasgow, the university is surrounded by stunning architecture, buzzing cafes, and world-class museums. As Scotland’s largest city, Glasgow offers endless opportunities to experience local culture, music, and festivals. Plus, its central location makes weekend trips to Edinburgh, the Highlands, or even London totally doable! This program is ideal for globally minded students who crave hands-on learning and meaningful cultural exchange. Along with academic credit, you’ll leave with valuable life skills, expanded perspectives, and memories to last a lifetime. Discover why the University of Strathclyde is the perfect place to make your mark!

Lush and green, Stirling is often called "The Gateway to the Highlands." It is extremely student-oriented, pedestrian-friendly, and offers the amenities of a large cosmopolitan city. The once majestic medieval castle in the heart of the city now serves as a local concert and arts venue. This combination of old and new gives it a sort of magical feel that visitors will always remember. It sits atop rolling hills and is near a beautiful loch inhabited by local wildlife. It is also only about 45 minutes by train from Glasgow or Edinburgh, giving students easy access to both cities for a day of exploration.

Unlike traditional study abroad or tourism experiences, Semester at Sea offers a unique opportunity for deep, authentic engagement with countries and cultures around the globe. It's more than just the adventure of a lifetime. It's a transformative experience that will give you a global perspective to take on the challenges of tomorrow. Fall 2026: European, African, South American, and Asian Adventure Embark: September 9, IJmuiden, The Netherlands Disembark: Dec 22, Bangkok, Thailand Itinerary: Portugal, Morocco, Brazil, St. Helena, South Africa, Mauritius, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Hong Kong Spring 2027: Asia, Africa, and Europe Embark: Jan 5, Bangkok, Thailand Disembark: Apr 20, Bremerhaven, Germany Vietnam, Indonesia, Singapore, India, Kenya, South Africa, Ghana, Morocco, Scotland

CIEE offers the most extensive network of internship programs. Are you a U.S. college student looking to study and intern abroad? We have full-time and part-time placements across 40+ locations worldwide and in diverse fields, from AI and engineering to public policy and business administration. Find the right fit for you! Live, learn, and work abroad on an internship program with CIEE! CIEE Summer Internships CIEE Summer Global Internships are 6-credit, 8-week programs with full-time working hours (approximately 30 hours weekly) and a seminar. CIEE Summer Intern and Study Abroad are 6 to 7-credit, 6-week programs with a part-time internship (approximately 20 hours weekly), a seminar, and a 3-credit academic course. CIEE Semester Internships CIEE Semester Global Internships are 9 to 13-credit, 12-week programs that feature a full-time internship (approximately 30 hours weekly), a seminar, and an optional 3 to 4-credit academic course online. CIEE Semester Intern and Study Abroad Programs are 12 to 14-credit, 12-week programs that feature a part-time internship​ (approximately 20 hours weekly), a seminar, and two academic courses.

Bring your love of sport to one of Scotland's youngest universities! Known for its progressive outlook, Stirling has a wide range of liberal arts offerings, a vibrant arts center, and a recently renovated library. Small class sizes make getting to know peers and professors easy. As a national training center for Scottish swimming, football, and rugby, the university has a strong sports and fitness culture and great facilities. If you work up an appetite, no worries. You’ll eat well on campus, with 10 cafes and coffee shops, offering smoothies, paninis, flatbreads, noodle dishes—and a famous Sunday roast. Stirling’s self-contained, lakeside campus, complete with an 18th-century castle, views of the Highland foothills, and its own golf course reflects Scotland’s natural beauty. Need more of the great outdoors? Stirling is the gateway to the Highlands, putting mountains, white sand beaches, and 30,000 lochs (lakes) in reach. Your program includes insider experiences and an IFSA excursion to the Highlands, all with no extra fee.

CIS Abroad Study and Intern Abroad programs are some of the most affordable, comprehensive program packages available. We also don't cut any corners by offering everything you would expect from an overseas program: tuition, housing, support, insurance, excursions, social and cultural activities, and airport pick-up – all considered the core of our package. Some programs also include all or most meals, extensive off-site orientations/excursions, transportation passes, and more. Whether you want to study for a year, semester, or summer, intern for a month to a year, or take an intensive foreign language course for a couple of weeks, CIS Abroad has the perfect program for you at the best value! "You're Going Places with CIS Abroad!"

Experience beautiful Edinburgh, Scotland, with API abroad. Students will have the opportunity to see all that Edinburgh has to offer, either through a study or intern abroad program. Edinburgh is the capital city of Scotland, the country's seat of government, and the official home of the country's monarchy. The city has long been known for the education it can provide, especially to those who are studying medicine. Students can expect to explore the rich history of Scotland and its natural landscapes through excursions provided by API directors. These include but are not limited to Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park—home to Scotland's second-biggest lake, Loch Ness (home of the Loch Ness Monster), Hadrian's Wall and the Borders, where the Romans fell in their battle against the Scots, Oban and the Isles of Mull and Iona, and even more! During your stay, you can expect to learn from one of the world's top 20 universities. Plus, get the opportunity to explore and love what has been considered one of the world's most desirable cities.

Travel to the country of 30,000 lochs – Scotland! NPSA connects you to non-profit, low-cost, direct study programs. These academic-type programs are available all year round and in a range of terms: weekly, monthly, summer, quarterly, semester, and academic year. Plus, stay in low-cost housing on campus or in nearby areas. Overall, avoid expensive, for-profit programs and register directly with a school in Scotland. After successful completion, you will earn academic credits that are transferable to your home school. These study abroad programs are open to students worldwide. See more details on the NPSA website. Use this website to review and book your study abroad program in Scotland.

Established in 1451, University of Glasgow is the fourth-oldest university in the English-speaking world, and one of Scotland’s four ancient universities. Contemporary University of Glasgow hosts 29,000 undergraduate and graduate students from 140 countries, and is located in a green campus setting in the West End of Glasgow, a trendy and vibrant area of the city. With a strong focus on research, and particular strengths in STEM subjects and humanities, Glasgow is also home to the Hunterian Museum and Art Gallery, one of the world’s leading university museums. The Business School at the University of Glasgow is accredited by AACSB. Special academic opportunities include law courses which are designed specifically for North American students majoring in pre-law; a course entitled “Exploring Scottish Culture,” which contextualizes the study abroad experience in Scotland; the opportunity to take introductory art courses in partnership with Glasgow School of Art; and a comprehensive array of STEM courses for pre-med majors.