Choose St Andrews
International
2016 - 2017
Contents
What will I study?
2 Your degree
3 Responding to your offer of a place
Where will I live?
4 Your accommodation guarantee
How will I socialise?
5 Get involved in student life
8 Immerse yourself in our traditions
How will I be supported?
9 Your graduate prospects
10 Visa information
11 Financial information
12 Student support
13 Pre-sessional academic language &
literacy courses
What further information do I need?
14 Thinking about studying abroad
15 The town
16 Useful information and FAQs
17 Who to contact
17 Visiting us
Congratulations
on your offer!
We understand that choosing the right university for you and your future
is one of the most important decisions you will make. This guide aims to
provide you with the knowledge required to help you make a confident
and informed decision. We hope you will accept our offer and that we can
welcome you as a student to our world-class institution in September.
By choosing St Andrews you will contribute to an exciting time in our
history (at the beginning of our seventh century) and most importantly
enrich the future focus and direction of our institution. In return you will
develop first class skills for success in a competitive employment market
whilst experiencing modern student life.
As the third oldest university in the English-speaking world, St Andrews
offers over 600 years of experience, excellence and culture to provide
inspiration and support, enabling you to fulfil your academic and personal
potential.
Julie Ramsay
Director of Admissions
1
Your degree
Flexible degree structure
The flexibility of study at the University of St Andrews
allows you to change the emphasis or subject of your
degree as you progress through your first two years.
This broad learning experience encourages you to
explore new interests and the flexibility gives you the
potential to change direction as your interests and
ambitions develop.
Sub-honours
The first two years of a degree in the Faculties of Arts,
Divinity and Science are called sub-honours. During
this time you will have the opportunity to combine
modules from different subjects before finalising your
degree intentions. This broadly-based flexible nature
of study at St Andrews allows you to study subjects
around your interests before specialising in years
three and four.
All undergraduate degrees at St Andrews, with the
exception of Medicine, offer a flexible based structure.
In Medicine, all modules are mandatory.
Honours
The opportunity to specialise and gain a deeper
understanding of the context of your own core
discipline takes place during years three and four
(Honours). It is possible to concentrate on a single
subject or study different subject combinations.
Your exam and coursework marks from these
two years (final three for Integrated Masters) will
contribute to your final degree classification i.e. first
class, second class. If you choose to study abroad,
marks awarded for the courses taken in the partner
institution may also be counted.
Useful links
www.st-andrews.ac.uk/students/academic/advising
www.st-andrews.ac.uk/semesterdates
2
Which modules should I choose?
The University operates a modular system by
which degrees are obtained via a process of credit
accumulation. As a full-time student you will take
a series of modules totalling 120 credits per year,
usually 60 credits per semester.
First year modules must be taken in the subject(s)
for which you have been accepted. Additional
modules may then be taken from the wide range
of subjects available.
In the summer prior to arrival you will receive details
about your personal university account. This will
allow you to access iSaint, the student portal, where
you can complete the advising form to choose the
modules you wish to take.
During your first week at St Andrews you will be
emailed a time and location for a meeting with your
Academic Adviser. In the meeting your Adviser will
discuss the module choices you have made and make
any final adjustments, a process that is repeated at
the start of every semester to ensure you are always
on the best pathway to your preferred degree.
The Academic Year
SEP OCT
JAN FEB MAR
NOV DEC
APR MAY
Semester 1
Exams in December
Semester 2
Exams in May
Responding to your
offer of a place
You will have received one of two types of offer from
the University of St Andrews:
Unconditional
If your offer is unconditional, you have already fulfilled
all the academic conditions required for entry.
Conditional
If your offer is conditional, you have not yet fulfilled
the academic conditions required for entry. We will
hold a place for you until we receive evidence that
you have met these conditions. Your conditional offer
will then become unconditional.
How to respond to your offer
UCAS
If you have applied through the Universities &
Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) you should
communicate your decision through UCAS
electronically. You can hold up to two offers at UCAS,
one firm and one insurance choice. Your insurance
choice could be an offer asking for lower grades
in the event you do not fulfil the conditions set by
your firm choice. When accepting an offer you must
indicate whether it is your firm or your insurance
choice through UCAS Track. More information
regarding university offers and how to navigate UCAS
can be found at: www.ucas.com
Direct Application or Common Application
If you have applied using the Common Application
or the Direct Application you will have received a
response to your application by email. This email will
outline your offer and any conditions that apply.
You should respond to your offer by
replying directly to this email, indicating
whether or not you will be
taking up your place.
Email is our main mode of communication to you. We
will communicate to you only using the email address
that you supplied on your application. Please ensure
your email address is current and available to you.
You should indicate acceptance of both unconditional
and conditional offers.
To accept or decline your offer please email
[email protected] with your full
name and applicant ID, and state that you wish to
accept your offer.
To secure your place, a deposit of £1,500 is
required. The deposit is payable by the deadline
stipulated in your offer letter. This deposit will be
deducted from your tuition fees at registration.
Once you have accepted your place at St Andrews,
your offer will become a binding agreement with the
University of St Andrews. The terms and conditions of
this agreement will remain in force for the duration of
your studies at the University and can be found at:
www.st-andrews.ac.uk/media/study/documents/
Terms-and-conditions-of-study.pdf
Further details regarding your offer are found online:
www.st-andrews.ac.uk/study/ug/apply/after
“The fun traditions, beautiful
setting, and genuine and
friendly community will
ensure that you will soon
find your place among us!”
Jack from Catterline, Scotland
“Although it’s more than halfway round the world from my
family home, St Andrews quickly became home. I really love
St Andrews’ balance between the old and the new – it’s an
eclectic mix of ancient tradition and cosmopolitanism.”
Airashi from Singapore
3
Your accommodation
guarantee
Useful link
www.st-andrews.ac.uk/accommodation/ug
Our guarantee
We guarantee an offer of accommodation to all
individual undergraduate applicants, provided
certain conditions are met. Please see our
webpages for further information.
Starting university is an exciting time and finding
the right place to live is important. There are nearly
4,000 bed spaces within a fantastic variety of
accommodation. These range from beautiful stonebuilt listed buildings, full of original period features,
through to stylish new apartments built to high
environmental and sustainable standards.
When and how to apply
Your application for University managed
accommodation can only be made once you have
selected St Andrews as your firm or insurance choice.
Whether your offer is conditional or unconditional
you need to apply by 30 June in your year of entry
to meet the accommodation guarantee for first
year students. The online application form will be
available from 1 April.
Student Accommodation Services will allocate you
a room according to your stated accommodation
preference, lifestyle, hobbies and interests.
Accommodation choices
Our accommodation is distributed across 11
locations, many of which are only a short walk to
University buildings.
Although you cannot choose a specific hall of
residence on your accommodation form, you will
have a choice of residence types to pick from:
•Catered or Self-catered
•Standard (shared bathroom facilities) or En-suite
•Single room or Shared room
Facilities and amenities
Catered Residences
Standard:
Gannochy House
John Burnet Hall
McIntosh Hall
St Regulus Hall
St Salvator’s Hall
University Hall
En-suite:
David Russell Apartments
Fife Park
John Burnet Annexe
University Hall
Self-catered Residences
Standard:
Albany Park
4
En-suite:
Agnes Blackadder Hall
David Russell Apartments
Fife Park
•A regular cleaning service (Catered only)
•Inclusive heating, hot water and electricity costs
•Telephone (allowing free calls within the
University)
•Data points and inclusive wireless internet facilities
•Launderette
•Kitchens (Self-catered and Catered)
•Bed, wardrobe, desk, chair and lamp
•Support and welfare services from our
Wardennial Team
Returning students
You can also apply to live as a returning student in a
University residence after first year. Due to high
demand we are not able to guarantee
returning students a place, however
there are many options to
choose from in the
private sector.
Undergraduate
hall population:
97% of new entrants,
20% of returning students.
Get involved
in student life
The Students’ Association represents and supports an
inclusive and vibrant student community covering all
aspects of student life in St Andrews.
With over 150 student-led societies affiliated to the
Students’ Association, not to mention an abundance
of sports clubs and volunteering opportunities,
there is no reason not to get involved. Whether you
are looking to pursue your passions, try something
completely new, or just meet like-minded people,
we have something for you.
Student societies cater for all interests, from the
theatrical to political, and from the charitable to the
academic and religious. Some societies are linked
to academic Schools and are an excellent way to
expand your understanding and appreciation of
the subject.
All societies hold regular events and socials giving
you the opportunity to take part in one-off activities
or try out a particular society before deciding to
become a full member.
Events are also put on at the Students’ Association
every night of the week across three bars, café,
and a concert venue. Comedy nights, pub quizzes,
ceilidhs, major acts and DJs, as well as airing
popular sporting events on the 300" screen, are all
available throughout the year in spaces dedicated
to you, ensuring you have a full social calendar to
accompany your academic studies.
The Students’ Association building has recently
undergone a £12 million refurbishment. This has
resulted in new and improved student venues,
including 40% more space for student societies and
campaigners as well as a state-of-the-art multimedia
suite shared by the STAR radio station, Rogue film
productions and the student television broadcasting
group, Bubble TV.
Useful link
www.yourunion.net
From your first day at St Andrews, you will
automatically become a member of the
Association and have the ability to participate
in any of the aforementioned aspects of
student life. There’s a saying, “First you become
a part of St Andrews and then it becomes
a part of you.” St Andrews will embrace but
also challenge you to become an active part
of our vibrant student community.
Pat Mathewson
President, University of St Andrews Students’ Association
5
With weekly meetings filled with friendly faces, chat
and cake, the Charities Campaign is a great way to
get more involved in University life and make friends.
Other volunteering opportunities include the
St Andrews Voluntary Service (SVS) and the
University Student Ambassador programme working
on projects with the local community as well as
public events.
Nightline is the student-run confidential listening and
information service that is open every night during
the semester. SupNet, the Student Support Network,
is run through Student Services and volunteer
students help with everything from meeting a
student for coffee to helping them move house.
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Drama
Volunteering
Volunteering
Every year the Charities Campaign supports six
charities chosen by the students. With the help of
a large committee, a mascot by the name of Rory
McLion and lots of enthusiasm, they fundraise for
these charities by putting on a vast range of events,
which includes RAG (Raising and Giving) Week, one
of the largest events of the year.
Drama
Mermaids is a performing arts fund, providing
financial support, advice, expertise and enthusiasm
to help students put on the shows that they want. It
is about supporting all creative types engaging in the
performing arts whether you are a writer, producer,
actor, props enthusiast or make-up artist. Mermaids
are also fortunate enough to run the only studentdedicated theatre in St Andrews.
Mermaids run weekly workshops to help students
develop their skills; varying from audition techniques
to workshops with professionals covering puppetry
or how to get into drama school. They also send a
number of very successful shows to the Edinburgh
Fringe – a fantastic opportunity to represent
St Andrews at this amazing international festival.
The affiliated societies also cater for a wide variety of
interests: Gilbert and Sullivan, A Cappella, Lifespring
(Christian performing arts), Just So (musical theatre),
Blind Mirth (improvised comedy) and Inklight
(creative writing), so there is really something for
everyone.
Choral Scholarships
The University of St Andrews has a rich choral tradition
extending back to the founding of the University in
the early fifteenth century. Today, the thirty-strong
choir of St Salvator’s performs at three services a week,
and collaborates with leading musicians, taking part in
international tours and TV and radio broadcasts.
All members of St Salvator’s Chapel Choir benefit from
a scholarship that covers subsidised singing lessons
and free participation in the annual choir tour.
Sport
Music
Music
Music is an important element in the lives of many
students at St Andrews. Recognising this, we offer a
range of facilities and opportunities for students to
expand and develop their musical skills and interests
during their time here. It is possible to choose to
study music modules as part of your degree. The
Department of Music offers a wide range of modules,
catering for everyone from interested beginners to
able musicians. Many students also enjoy music as
an extramural activity through joining the numerous
choral and instrumental ensembles based at the
University. The Music Centre provides facilities for
instrumentalists and singers through access to
practice rooms, private tuition, instrument loan
and a well-stocked music library.
Sport
Sport is a central part of the student experience
at the University of St Andrews. The sports clubs
offer a huge variety of opportunities to compete
and experience sports at all levels. Saints Sport runs
over 60 sports clubs and has over 4,000 members
(half the student body). There is something
for everyone, whatever your level of fitness or
experience, with beginners welcome in all of
the clubs.
Sports Scholarships
The University of St Andrews has developed a
dynamic scholarship programme over the past
nine years, which offers student athletes a range
of coaching, training and support opportunities,
allowing them to excel in their sporting achievements.
Students competing at Scottish Students Sport
and / or Regional Squad level and above, in any sports
disciplines, are eligible to apply.
Useful links
www.st-andrews.ac.uk/music
www.st-andrews.ac.uk/sport
7
Immerse yourself
in our traditions
As you might imagine with over 600 years of history,
the University has developed many traditions, making
life in St Andrews unique. From red gowns to fancy
dress and foam fights, students at St Andrews are
fiercely proud of their heritage.
Raisin Monday
One of our unique traditions that some of our
students take part in is the annual Raisin Weekend.
During this weekend senior students throw parties
for first year students to celebrate their introduction
to St Andrews. This culminates in a giant fancy dress
foam fight on Raisin Monday.
May Dip
The town comes alive at dawn on 1 May when
students make their way down to the East Sands
beach to take a dip in the freezing North Sea at
first light. This is thought to bring them luck in
their exams.
Gowns
Undergraduates have been wearing red gowns since
the 1600s. Whilst they are no longer mandatory,
some students still wear them around town and for
special occasions.
Gowns
May Dip
Useful links
www.st-andrews.ac.uk/studentexperience
www.st-andrews.ac.uk/study/why/life/traditions
Raisin Monday
8
Your graduate
prospects
Your future
We recognise that academic success is only half the
story. In an increasingly competitive graduate market,
we understand the importance of equipping you
with the skills to capitalise on your education and
successfully market yourself to graduate employers.
Careers Centre
Our Careers Centre provides a wide range of services
to help you make well-informed and timely decisions
about your future. These include:
•Personalised consultation and one to one career
advice.
•Workshops led by Careers and employers on topics
including CVs and applications, interview skills and
making the most of your time at St Andrews.
•An extensive website of resources providing
detailed information about jobs and employers,
postgraduate study, professional training, selfemployment and voluntary work, in both the UK
and overseas.
Useful links
www.st-andrews.ac.uk/careers
www.st-andrews.ac.uk/capod
This network is useful for finding graduates of the
University working in specific career areas who can
offer career advice and tips when you need it.
In recent years our graduates have secured jobs with
a huge range of organisations including: Thomas
Reuters, Community Energy Scotland, Deloitte, Teach
First, Rolls-Royce, Procter and Gamble, KPMG, Cancer
Research UK, UK Government and NHS.
Centre for Academic, Professional and
Organisational Development (CAPOD)
CAPOD provides a comprehensive programme of
professional skills workshops to help you develop
your employability through evening lectures, online
resources and practical skills sessions. One to one
consultations, short courses and modules are also
available as part of a comprehensive range of
academic skills sessions.
Email us at:
[email protected]
Our Careers Centre webpages will also provide you
with the ability to network with our extensive alumni.
9
Visa
information
Getting a Student (Tier 4) Visa
Eligibility
Whether you require a visa to come to the UK to
undertake a course of study at the University of
St Andrews will depend on:
• your nationality (according to your passport)
if you are not an EU/EEA/Swiss National you will need
to apply for a Tier 4 visa.
• the length of your course
if you are studying for more than six months you will
need to apply for a Tier 4 visa.
Once you have accepted your offer of a place and, where
applicable, met any conditions, the University will start
the process of issuing your Confirmation of Acceptance
for Studies – CAS number. You must NOT apply for a
visa without this number. It is a 14 digit number starting
with E4*. Do NOT confuse this with your University
student ID number which is a 9 digit number.
Timing
The CAS issuing process starts in June; this is because
you cannot apply for your visa more than three months
before the start date of your course. This means that you
should make sure that you have your financial evidence
in place in June, so that you can start the visa application
process in good time. Please check the supporting
documents and financial evidence requirements:
www.st-andrews.ac.uk/international/information/
visas/applying/newstudents/documents/
For CAS enquiries email:
[email protected]
For visa application enquiries email:
[email protected]
If you are a national of a “low risk country”, (as defined
by the UKVI) then you will be covered under the
“differentiation agreement”. This means that you
are required to submit fewer documents with your
application (although you still need to have the same
evidence of qualifications and finance). You qualify for
the differentiation arrangements if:
• you are applying for entry clearance in your country of
nationality or for leave to remain in the UK OR
• you are a national of one of the countries listed in
the Immigration Rules. (The UKVI will confirm your
nationality using your passport.) The list of low
risk countries are Argentina, Australia, Barbados,
Botswana, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia,
New Zealand, Oman, Qatar, Singapore, South Korea,
Trinidad and Tobago, UAE, USA, Hong Kong (SAR
passport) or a British National (Overseas) passport,
Taiwan (ROC) passport.
The process
For guides on student visas, your CAS, and life in the
UK as an international student see:
www.st-andrews.ac.uk/study/international/
moving-to-the-uk
www.ukcisa.org.uk
To begin the process of applying for a visa, including
finding a location nearest to you, look at:
www.ukvisas.gov.uk
Some tips on applying
Communications
We will correspond with you about your visa by email
ONLY so you should check your email regularly and
respond to all requests promptly. This will ensure that
you can receive your CAS number as quickly as possible.
Once you have your CAS number, you can apply
for your visa.
At the time of your visa application you will also be
subject to the Immigration Healthcare Surcharge which
you will have to pay at that point. The full amount
must be paid – for example a four-year undergraduate
degree in 2015 is £675. These charges are set by the
UKVI and are therefore subject to review by them.
10
• Make sure that your passport is valid for at least six
months before you start your visa application to
avoid problems.
• Your passport will have to be submitted to the UKVI
when making your visa application, so consider
your plans over the summer, including any planned
vacations. Avoid making travel plans until your
passport has been returned to you.
• Remember that the earliest date that you can make a
visa application is three months before the start date
of the course.
• Keep ALL of your documents with you in your carryon luggage when travelling to the UK.
Financial
information
Fees & Funding
International students usually have to be self funding.
However, there may be funding available from your
government, from independent sponsors, or from other
award paying bodies.
Payment should be made in full, or an instalment plan
set up, prior to the start of the academic session.
The deadline for payment varies yearly, but occurs in
September before matriculation.
For details and instructions on how to pay your fees,
visit: www.st-andrews.ac.uk/students/money/
tuitionfees/howareyoupaying
For any questions regarding tuition fees, email:
[email protected]
Loans, funding and scholarships
USA
Students from the US can apply for a loan through the
Direct Loan Program. Full details of the process and
contact information can be found at:
www.st-andrews.ac.uk/students/money/
internationalstudents/loansforusstudents
For a full list of scholarships, eligibility requirements
and application forms, please visit this website:
www.st-andrews.ac.uk/study/ug/fees-and-funding/
rest-of-world
Other countries
The British Council information on funding from
specific countries:
www.britishcouncil.org/learning-funding-your-studies
Financial need-based scholarships
The University of St Andrews offers international
undergraduate scholarships. These entrant scholarships
are for international students who will be studying at
St Andrews for an undergraduate degree starting in
2016 or later.
The scholarships take the form of a tuition fee reduction
of up to £4,000 per year for each year of the student’s
undergraduate studies and will be awarded on the basis
of financial need.
Accommodation award
Prospective students can apply for financial support
for their University accommodation fees. The award is
£3,000 per annum for the first two years of study and is
means-tested, based on financial need.
11
Student
support
Support
The University of St Andrews recognises coming
to university is an exciting time, but can also present
its own challenges. To help you settle in and enjoy
your student experience, a variety of services and a
dedicated team of advisers are available to provide
advice and guidance in areas such as:
•Financial hardship
•Academic matters
•Health concerns
•Disability
•Childcare
•Faith
The Advice and Support Centre (ASC)
Staff at the ASC are available for any query – from
paying bills, to obtaining an academic transcript,
personal issues and any other student matters.
Safety
The Wardens and their teams provide practical help
and advice on welfare matters to students in halls of
residence at all times.
The University’s Police Liaison Officer has oversight
over safety issues, and can help with any incidents.
Useful links
www.st-andrews.ac.uk/library
www.st-andrews.ac.uk/itsupport
www.st-andrews.ac.uk/studentservices
12
The Out of Hours Emergency Service responds to all
emergency situations, including personal crises.
Resources
The University’s Wi-Fi system has comprehensive
coverage across its buildings and residences,
allowing students access to online resources
just about everywhere. Our extensive number of
computer rooms as well as a web-based email service
and virtual learning environment means online
course material is available 24 hours a day.
Our specialist team of experts also provides help and
support and a chargeable PC clinic service where you
can bring your own equipment for repair.
The Library comprises six facilities across the University
housing over one million volumes, a growing e-book
collection, over 12,000 print and electronic journals
and extensive academic databases, providing a
modern supportive learning environment.
The main University Library is located in the centre
of town and is open for more than 100 hours per
week during the semester, including weekends. It is
as much a place to meet friends and grab a coffee
as it is to search for books and online resources.
Pre-sessional academic
language & literacy courses
Pre-sessional English language and academic
literacy (four weeks)
Our four-week pre-sessional course offers
international students a flying start to their studies.
With an emphasis on academic writing and
appropriate use of sources, you will
• receive personalised feedback on your writing and
presentations
• become familiar with UK academic culture and
conventions
• read academic articles and other texts more
critically and effectively
• develop strategies for successful note-taking
• use the University Library and online sources
confidently
• learn how to avoid plagiarism
• improve your knowledge of spoken idiomatic
English.
If your offer includes an English language
condition, attending this course may allow you to
satisfy the University’s language requirements.
Equally, students with advanced levels of English find
these courses a useful and enjoyable introduction
to their degree programme. For further information
contact [email protected] . See also
www.st-andrews.ac.uk/elt/presessional
St Andrews Academic Induction (two weeks)
Are you from a non-UK educational background?
Are you study-ready for a UK degree programme?
Attend our two-week academic induction and
be well-prepared for university study (and enjoy a
useful and information-packed introduction to life in
St Andrews!)
Our two-week introductory course has a focus on
academic writing style, structure and conventions
and provides a practical orientation to life in the UK
and at St Andrews. If you are wondering how high
school writing and university writing might differ,
about how best to demonstrate your knowledge
and understanding in a seminar or presentation, or
even how to address your professors in an email
or how to reference an e-journal – this course will
cover these topics and much more besides. For
further information and details of dates and fees,
contact [email protected] or visit:
www.st-andrews.ac.uk/elt/presessional
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Thinking about
studying abroad
Undergraduate students have the opportunity to
apply to spend a semester or a year abroad as part
of their degree programme. St Andrews is partnered
with large and small institutions, ancient and young,
in Asia, Australia, Europe, the Middle East and North
and South America. Some offer an intimate campus
experience; others are located in the heart of a
major metropolis.
There are two types of Study Abroad programmes:
•The St Andrews Abroad programme is open to
students across a number degree programmes
within the Faculties of Arts, Science or Divinity.
Exchanges are competitive and students must
demonstrate a strong academic record to be
considered.
•School Study Abroad programmes are specific
to certain academic Schools. In addition there
are options for students on certain degree
programmes in Biology, Chemistry and Modern
Languages to spend a year working abroad.
For a list of Study Abroad destinations by subject,
check out the Where Can I Go? section of the
Study Abroad webpages.
Study Abroad will change you
in ways that are not always
immediately obvious. Whether you
are from Fife, elsewhere in the UK
or Europe, Study Abroad could add
an important dimension to your
St Andrews degree programme but
also influence the choices you make
for a long time after graduation.
Samantha Lister
Head of Academic Partnerships
and International Experience
14
benefits of
Studying Abroad
Broaden your academic experience
Enhance your employability
Improve your language skills
or learn a new language altogether
Experience life in another culture
Demonstrate your independence
and develop life skills
Whether it is exploring Australian marine life as part
of a Biology programme at James Cook University
in Queensland; or studying Psychology at the
University of Toronto; or gaining a new perspective
on International Relations at the University of Hong
Kong, Study Abroad plays an important role in the
University’s commitment to a learning culture that
is challenging, imaginative and flexible.
Useful link
www.st-andrews.ac.uk/studyabroad
The town
The University of St Andrews is ideally situated for
both a traditional yet modern student experience.
The University, which is located within the town of
St Andrews, is situated on the east coast of Scotland, 13
miles from Dundee and 50 miles north of Edinburgh.
The majority of the town and the University is all within
one square mile and most University buildings are no
more than a 15-20 minutes' walk from each other.
With a population of around 20,000, of which over
8,400 are students, St Andrews offers an unrivalled
student experience. There is no campus as such; the
town and University have grown up together over
six centuries. The University buildings are side by side
with shops and houses and are truly integrated with
the town. Our compact town centre makes travel easy,
with everyone getting around on foot or bicycles.
There are also many cafés and pubs, hosting musical
and comedy nights, quizzes and other events
providing you with a rich social environment. The
local cinema shows current blockbusters as well as
special charity and classic screenings.
You will find a friendly, cosmopolitan and intellectual
community in the town, with students coming from
the far corners of the globe to study here.
Students*
Undergraduates: Postgraduates: Students from the UK: Students from the rest of the EU: Students from overseas: Students in University accommodation:
Town population (incl. students):
6,763
1,657
55%
13%
32%
42%
c.20,000
* Full time equivalent as of October 2015
15
Useful information
and FAQs
From now until you arrive, the Admissons
office will send email updates and reminders about
various things such as scholarship applications and
accommodation deadlines. Additionally, in the summer
preceding the start of your course, you will receive an
email with more information on:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Arrival and airport pickup service
Orientation (Freshers’) Week
Setting up a University of St Andrews ID card
Fee (tuition) payment
Health and disability
Activating your University email
Online matriculation
Choosing modules
Parents’ Receptions
Banking
For information on how to open a bank account as an
international student, please visit this webpage:
www.st-andrews.ac.uk/students/money/
bankinternational
Make sure that you have enough cash or access to funds
when you arrive as your bank account may take several
days to set up.
Health
All International students coming here for longer than
six months will have paid the Healthcare Surcharge on
submitting their visa application and this will cover you
for national health services. However the service is for
chronic management and critical healthcare primarily
and you may find that the NHS services do not cover
you for choosing particular styles of personal healthcare
which you might want to opt for.
If you take any regular medication, it is vital that you
make sure that it is available in Scotland. If you have a
pre-existing medical condition, please ensure that you
bring your medical records with you.
St Andrews Community Hospital has three doctors’
surgeries; once you have matriculated, you will have
the chance to register with one of them.
Mobile phones
We have one mobile phone shop in St Andrews, Carphone
Warehouse. There are two main ways of paying for calls:
Pay-as-you-go (prepaid) and monthly contracts.
Think carefully about the number of calls and texts you
will make before you decide. The cost of international
calls is often not included in any price plan. However,
Skype and Whatsapp are great ways of staying in
touch with friends and family abroad for free using the
University’s WiFi network. Also note that you will need
to wait until you set up your bank account before taking
out a monthly contract.
16
Can I change my degree once I have accepted
my offer?
If you want to change your degree once you have
accepted your offer, you must make a request in writing
(preferably by email) as soon as possible.
Can I defer my degree programme after I have
accepted my offer?
If you want to defer your degree, you must make a request
in writing (preferably by email) as soon as possible.
When will I next hear from the University after I accept
my offer?
If you accept your offer, we will start sending you more
information from April onwards.
Can I get in touch with the Sports Centre before I come
to St Andrews?
Of course! The Sports Centre are eager to hear from
prospective students and offer holders. If you are
interested in any sport, then we want to know about
it so we can advise you on continuing your sporting
endeavours at university.
Can I apply for accommodation if I have a conditional
offer?
Yes, you should apply for accommodation if you have an
offer from us, whether unconditional or conditional.
When is the deadline for applying
for accommodation?
The deadline is 30 June, so please make sure that you start
your application in plenty of time.
When will I receive my CAS (Confirmation of
Acceptance for Studies)?
In order for us to begin the CAS process you must have:
•an unconditional offer and satisfied any conditions
•provided your passport information
•applied for an ATAS certificate (this will have been
highlighted in your offer letter if required).
We begin the CAS process at the beginning of June; before
we issue your CAS we will ask you to confirm your personal
details and programme information. You should check this
carefully and advise us of any alterations.
Once we have received notification that the information
we hold is accurate we will notify you of your CAS number
via email. This number is essential for you to start your visa
application through the UKVI website and you must not
submit your visa application without it.
For applicants who are required to attend our pre-sessional
English Language programmes as a condition of their
admission, please refer to our English Language Teaching
pages. www.st-andrews.ac.uk/elt
Who
to contact
Admissions
E:[email protected]
T: +44 (0)1334 462150
Visiting
E:[email protected]
T: +44 (0)1334 462150
Fees and Funding
E:[email protected]
T: +44 (0)1334 462162
The ASC (Advice & Support Centre)
E:[email protected]
T: +44 (0)1334 462020
Accommodation Services
E:[email protected]
T: +44 (0)1334 462510
Disability Team
E:[email protected]
T: +44 (0)1334 462038
“St Andrews has offered me a unique learning experience
with its emphasis on social traditions to its friendly and
personable teaching staff. It is a close-knit community and
you really feel integrated in the history of the town.”
Emily from New York, USA
“The degree structure is both
flexible and supportive, allowing
you to experience a wide range of
topics before developing your own
favourites. In addition, I’ve met some
wonderful, like-minded people.”
Courtney from Prague, Czech Republic
“All the uncertainties I came to
university with – about either
my choice of degree or chosen
institution – have been eradicated
by what is a unique and charming
place to both study and live.”
Tom from Bolton, England
Visiting us
There are plenty of opportunities to come and visit us at the University of St Andrews, giving
you the chance to appreciate our stunning location, our unparalleled quality of teaching and
research and meet with our greatest assets – our students.
Visiting Day dates
9 March 2016
30 March 2016
6 April 2016
13 April 2016
For information, and to book a place on any one of our Visiting Days, please go to:
www.st-andrews.ac.uk/study/ug/meet-us/visiting-days
17
Undergraduate Admissions
St Katharine’s West
16 The Scores
St Andrews, Fife
KY16 9AX
Scotland (UK )
T: +44 (0)1334 462150
F: +44 (0)1334 463330
E: [email protected]
8,000
Students
60
Sports Clubs
saints
Scotland’s
First University
Cosmopolitan
Community
sport
Historical
Student Traditions
Stunning
Coastal Location
Top 70
World University
(68 in QS Rankings)
150+
Student Clubs
& Societies
Around
1 : 12
Academic Staff :
Student Ratio
98%
Continuation Rate
4
Year Degree
Programmes Offering
Flexibility and Choice
www.st-andrews.ac.uk
Curriculum Development
As a research intensive institution, the University ensures that its teaching references the research interests of its staff, which may change
from time to time. As a result, programmes are regularly reviewed with the aim of enhancing students’ learning experience. Our approach
to course revision is described at: www.st-andrews.ac.uk/media/teaching-and-learning/policies/course-revision-protocol.pdf
Photographs by: Spencer Bentley, broad daylight, Nick Callaghan, Charities Campaign, Ben Goulter, Rhona Rutherford, Oli Walker and
Laurence Winram.
Produced by Print & Design, University of St Andrews, October 2015.
All the information in this publication is correct at time of going to press.
Printed by Winter & Simpson on Recycled 100 White Offset, 100% recycled paper.
The University of St Andrews is a charity registered in Scotland. No: SC013532
600
Over
Years of Academic
Excellence