Byre World

Byre World is a series of events that presents research in modern languages to the community. It is a collaborative venture between the School of Modern Languages and the Byre Theatre in St Andrews. It has been running successfully since 2015 and is coordinated by the Director of Impact in the School of Modern Languages.

Byre World has two principal goals:

  1. To provide academic staff and graduate students within the School of Modern Languages the opportunity to share aspects of their research via public engagement events that, in turn, act as pathways to impact
  2. To offer staff and students from the University - and above all members of the local community - a series of engaging events that draw on all aspects of modern languages research. 

Events range from curated film screenings to poetry readings, and from debates and interviews to interactive arts-based activities.

The Byre Theatre, managed by the University of St Andrews in agreement with Fife Council and Creative Scotland, represents the artistic and cultural hub of North East Fife, and features a fully equipped theatre, a black-box studio and exhibition space as well as a spacious foyer and seating area. 

Four or five Byre World events take place each semester in the Byre’s Lawrence Levy Studio, where the set-up can be adapted to different formats.

Most Byre World events involve collaborations with individuals and groups beyond academia. All events are free to attend and give the audience the opportunity to ask questions and provide valuable feedback.

Byre theatre entrance at night