Vertically Integrated Projects (VIPs) at the University of St Andrews are research-based, credit-bearing modules that bring together students from different years of study and academic disciplines to collaborate on long-term research projects. Led by academic staff, the programme enables students to engage in real research while developing leadership, collaboration and project management skills. Students can participate from the second semester of their first year through to postgraduate study.
Context and Rationale
Modern research and innovation increasingly rely on interdisciplinary collaboration, long-term problem solving and the ability to work effectively in teams. The VIP programme was introduced to provide students with opportunities to develop these capabilities through participation in authentic research environments.
Unlike traditional modules that operate within a single semester or discipline, VIPs allow students to contribute to ongoing research projects across multiple semesters. This structure enables deeper engagement with complex challenges and supports the development of transferable skills such as communication, leadership and project management.
By embedding research-led learning within the curriculum, the programme prepares students to work collaboratively on real-world challenges while fostering an entrepreneurial mindset centred on creativity, initiative and value creation.
The Learning Activity
Vertically Integrated Projects are structured around academic research themes led by faculty members. Each project operates as a credit-bearing module in which students work collaboratively on aspects of a broader research initiative.
Students join project teams that include participants from different years of study and academic schools. This vertical structure allows more experienced students to mentor newer participants while continuing to develop their own expertise. Over time, students may take on different roles within the project, including leadership responsibilities for specific tasks or sub-groups.
Projects often bring together students from multiple disciplines, creating opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration. For example, one project examining dolphin acoustics brings together biologists, computer scientists and statisticians to develop analytical tools for understanding marine ecosystems.
Within each VIP, students work in smaller teams or sub-groups to address particular elements of the research problem. Students help shape the direction of their work in collaboration with the academic supervisor, allowing them to explore aspects of the project that align with their interests and skills.
The programme encourages students to remain involved across multiple semesters where possible. This extended engagement supports deeper learning while allowing participants to develop mentoring, leadership and project coordination skills as they progress through their studies.
Skills and Capabilities Developed
Participation in VIPs supports the development of a wide range of entrepreneurial and professional capabilities.
Students strengthen collaboration and communication skills by working in interdisciplinary teams and engaging with peers at different stages of study. The project-based structure also builds project planning and management skills, as students organise tasks, set goals and track progress across longer timeframes.
Leadership and mentoring capabilities emerge as experienced participants guide newer students through the research process. Students also develop creativity and problem-solving skills while addressing complex research questions that often require innovative approaches.
Through reflective engagement with their work and collaboration with researchers and peers, students build confidence in their ability to contribute to ambitious projects and generate new knowledge within their chosen fields.
Impact and Outcomes
The VIP programme at St Andrews has grown rapidly since its introduction in the 2020–21 academic year, expanding from five projects involving 27 students to sixteen projects engaging more than 200 students by 2025–26.
Projects now span the university, including initiatives in artificial intelligence, biodiversity research, digital humanities and environmental science. Many projects involve interdisciplinary collaboration, enabling students to work across traditional academic boundaries.
Participation in VIPs enables students to gain meaningful research experience during their degree while building skills valued by employers and research organisations. The programme also strengthens the university’s research culture by integrating undergraduate and postgraduate learning within active research communities.
St Andrews is also part of the Global VIP Consortium, an international network of universities delivering similar programmes across more than 50 institutions in 14 countries.
Further Information