University of St. Andrews

About the University of St. Andrews

St Andrews is a unique and captivating place, and the University is a key part of its charm. Seven centuries of history link the students with the town, leading to the ancient and yet modern institution apparent today. For those interested in visiting or moving to St Andrews we recommend taking a look at the town information, which describes the facilities and opportunities open to the local community. 

Over the last 600 years, the University of St Andrews has established a reputation as one of the world’s leading research and teaching centres. Today, we offer a flexible degree structure based on your choice of subject specialism or research, creating an environment which nurtures inquisitive minds and a culture of shared learning.

The University of St Andrews embraces sustainable development across all of its operations, fully integrating it into all that we do. We have a mission to be recognised locally and internationally as a world-class institution that leads by example, actively implementing imaginative solutions and initiatives that achieve the aims of a more sustainable society.

• Faculty of Arts

  The Faculty of Arts is comprised of ten Schools and is led by the Dean of Arts. Teaching, learning and assessment in the Faculty of Arts is progressive and dynamic, and both the content and delivery of the programmes are adapt and change each year.

  Schools within the Faculty of Arts include:

• Faculty of Divinity

  The Faculty of Divinity is led by the Dean of Arts and Divinity. The Faculty is also supported by the Principal of St Mary's college, currently the Very Rev Dr Ian C Bradley. The Faculty houses the University's School of Divinity.

  The University of St Andrews is Scotland's oldest university, founded in 1410, and throughout its history has enjoyed a reputation as one of the finest universities in Britain. 

  St Mary's College, the home of the teaching of Divinity in the University, was founded in 1539 and is still housed in its fine sixteenth-century buildings. These buildings have provided a focus for the College and have encouraged close social contact between staff and students in theology. Adjoining the College is the King James Library and Reading Room, which houses the books used for teaching purposes in Divinity.

• Faculty of Medicine

  The School of Medicine at St Andrews provides the unique opportunity for students to graduate after three years at St Andrews with a BSc Honours in Medicine. Before moving on to one of our Partner Medical Schools to complete a further three years of medical training and graduate with a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MB ChB/MBBS).

• Faculty of Science

  The Faculty of Science is comprised of seven Schools and is led by the Dean of Science. The Faculty offers modular programmes, each of which leads to an Honours degree in Pure Science. If you are a suitably well-qualified candidate, you may be offered entry into the second year, depending on the programme you are applying for.

  Schools within the Faculty of Science include:

History of the University of St. Andrews

Founded in the fifteenth century, St Andrews is Scotland's first university and the third oldest in the English speaking world. Teaching began in the community of St Andrews in 1410 and the University was formally constituted by the issue of a papal bull in 1413.

The early years of the young university were not without turbulence. In 1426, King James tried to move the university to Perth. In 1470, several masters and students were expelled for attacking the Dean with bows and arrows. In 1544 the University banned beards, the carrying of weapons, gambling and football.

By the middle of the 16th century, St Andrews had grown to encompass three colleges — St  Salvator’s (1450), St Leonard’s (1511) and St Mary’s (1538). The buildings of St Mary’s College and St Salvator’s Chapel date from this period.

From the 1500s to the 1700s the University enjoyed a period of mixed fortunes. During this time St Salvator’s and St Leonard’s Colleges joined to form the United College which still survives today in a greatly enlarged form.

In the 19th century the University made considerable progress in developing teaching and research in the arts, divinity and the biological and physical sciences. In 1897 the University was joined by a new academic centre in nearby Dundee and with it gained notable achievements in medical and applied science. This association ended in 1967 with the foundation of a separate University of Dundee.

In the 1980s, St Andrews embarked on a broad programme of investment to boost its research capabilities, a strategy which has helped establish its reputation today as an international centre of research excellence.

In 2009, St Andrews became the first Scottish ancient to appoint a woman as Principal, recruiting Professor Louise Richardson from the Radcliffe Institute, Harvard, to lead it into its seventh century.

St Andrews recently celebrated 600 years of continuous existence during which time it has made an enduring contribution to the intellectual and cultural life of both Scotland and the wider world.

Ranking of the University of St. Andrews

As a 600-year-old institution, it's no surprise that the University of St Andrews is known across the globe as a world leader in education. Our consistently high rankings in both national and global league tables place us within the top 1% of world universities.

The University was the highest ranking Scottish University in The Times and Sunday Times University Guide 2016. We came top in Scotland and fourth in the UK in Sunday Times University Guide 2016, and were also top in Scotland and fifth in the UK in the 2017 Complete University Guide. The 2017 Guardian University Guide ranked the University of St Andrews as the third best university in the UK. We also climbed 20 places in the QS University World Rankings 2015/16 and came 68th – our highest place ever in a global ranking and the ninth year in succession that St Andrews has made the world’s top 100 universities.

The 2015 CWTS Leiden Ranking set us as the 45th top university in the world, and the 2014-2015 Times Higher Education World University Rankings recently ranked the University of St Andrews as the 33rd best university in the world for Arts and Humanities.

We also rank highly for our research, with a particularly high percentage of our research in Psychology and English Literature being rated at 4* by the REF 2014, which means it is world-leading in terms of originality, significance, or rigour.

Location

The town of St Andrews sits on a rocky headland overlooking the dramatic waters of the North Sea; a breathtaking position. 20,000 people, including students, live in this quaint town with its long, fascinating history. Many beautiful buildings still stand as monuments to the thousands of years it has been a focal point for bishops and kings, saints and martyrs. Wherever you walk you are reminded of a colourful and rich history. The University does not have a campus as you might first expect. Instead the wide streets contain buildings both ancient and modern separated by narrow ‘wynds’; academic buildings exist next to residential houses and students live in the heart of the town in halls of residence or flats. This all provides a unique location for a special university.

Accommodation

With nearly 4,000 study bed spaces and a fantastic variety of accommodation to match all tastes and budgets we are sure that we have something to suit everyone. We recommend that you visit Student Accommodation Services’ web pages for up-to-date fee information, and please take a few moments to familiarise yourself with the full range of facilities on offer in each residence, prior to making your online application.

Our residences range from beautiful stone-built listed buildings full of original period features, to stylish new apartments, built to high environmental and sustainability standards. Importantly, all of our accommodation adheres to government licencing requirements so you can be certain that we always meet a rigorous standard of accommodation maintenance and health and safety criteria.

A range of catered and self-catered accommodation is available, with a choice of standard rooms with shared bathroom facilities or ensuite.  Ensuite rooms include a toilet, sink and shower attached to the room for the sole use of the occupant/s.

Once you receive an offer of a place to study at the University it is time to apply for accommodation. Please do not wait for your offer status to change, regardless of whether your offer is conditional or unconditional you need to apply by 30th June in your year of entry.

Clubs and societies

The University is home to over 140 student societies. They range from artistic and musical through to religious and cultural, meaning our societies cater for a huge array of interests. Not only that - if you are unable to find one that suits you, then you can start your own!

Sport

Sport is a valued aspect of student life in St Andrews. With over 50 sports clubs and 100 sports teams to choose from, as well as a varied and dynamic programme of fitness classes, it is easy to fit sport and exercise into your life at University.

Estimated Monthly Living Expenses

Facilities

As you might expect, the University has superb facilities, housed in a variety of buildings ranging from the ultra-modern new Medical laboratories on our North Haugh site, to the mediaeval grandeur of St Salvator’s Quadrangle where many lectures are held daily. Our town centre library has just been refurbished at a cost of £14 million and there are also plans for multi-million pound upgrades to be made to the Students’ Union, and to the University Sports Centre.

English language courses

For September entrants, the English Language Teaching (ELT) Centre offers a highly recommended and enjoyable four-week pre-sessional English Language Course. The course includes study skills and introduces you to the University and life in the UK. ELT's In-sessional English Language Service (IELS) offers free language support for matriculated students who are users of English as a second or additional language. There are a selection of modules available at sub-honours level, which we strongly recommend to Exchange and Study Abroad students who are users of English as a second or additional language.  

Help and advice

As a registered Exchange or Study Abroad student, you will have access to the same facilities and services that are available to other registered students of St Andrews. In addition, the CSA team run daily Student Consultation Sessions during term time (2-4pm, Monday to Friday), which are designed to provide an extra resource for Exchange and Study Abroad students while in St Andrews. Whether you have a form that needs a signature, would like advice about your programme, or just want to have a chat about your Study Abroad experience, the CSA team will be happy to see you! We are located in St Katharine's West on The Scores, just next to the Arts Building.

Centre for Academic, Professional and Organisational Development (CAPOD)

CAPOD offers a range of academic and development services to undergraduate and postgraduate students. We recommend that Exchange and Study Abroad students familiarise themselves with the CAPOD service and utilise the academic skills' support available. Adjusting to a new academic culture can be challenging, and CAPOD services will be useful in helping you to familiarise yourself with academic expectations at St Andrews, essay writing, assessment, as well as academic rules and regulations.

St Andrews is a unique place to study and live. Nestled on the east coast of Scotland, students may find themselves crossing golf-courses on their way to class, or jogging along the beach after dinner. Not only does the University have a world-class reputation, it also offers a diverse range of social activities - including over 140 student societies and 50 sports clubs. The historic buildings are juxtaposed against the modern facilities, and the many student traditions truly make studying at St Andrews an unforgettable experience.