University of St. Andrews

HISTORY: St Andrews can trace its history back to 1410 when a group of masters initiated a school of higher studies in St Andrews. As such it is the oldest university in Scotland.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).In the 19th century the University developed 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 developed Medical and Applied Science courses. This association ended in 1967 with the foundation of a separate University of Dundee.

LOCATION: St Andrews is a small town built around a single University campus and students represent a large % of the population. The University sports center is 0.5 miles - a 10 minute walk - from the campus. Halls of residence are located in and around the town centre and are all a short walking distance of each other and the University buildings and facilities.

RANKING: University of St Andrews is ranked 201-250th in the Times Higher Education rankings and is ranked between 301-400th in the Shanghai Jiao Tong rankings. St Andrews is not a member of the Russell Group of universities.University of St Andrews is ranked 2nd in the National Student Survey Satisfaction rankings.

INTERNATIONAL: There are approximately 2,400 international students at St Andrews from more than 120 different countries, representing about 22% of all students.

SIZE: Latest figures indicate there are over 10,100 students in total at St Andrews, almost 8,000 undergraduates and over 2,100 postgraduates.

EMPLOYMENT: 95.2% of St Andrew’s graduates enter directly into work, further study or training within 6 months of graduation (source:HESA). A breakdown of post graduation employment by course, showing the split into professional/managerial positions, rather than general employment figures, is available from Unistats an independent source of university data. For more information, please visit the REF Information page.

FACILITIES: The University of St Andrews has more than 140 affiliated societies as well as over 150 sports clubs. Students can choose to join societies ranging from swing dance to wildlife conservation, fine dining, feminism and the Sherlock society. The University also has a dedicated music technology studio, a student radio station and a strong performing arts scene.

The University has over 60 sports clubs, a full timetable of fitness classes. It also runs a series of ‘hall sports’ giving students living in university accommodation the opportunity to sample many sports and compete for 4 trophies. The sports facilities are open to members of the University and the general public alike, although non-member public access to the fitness suites is not available during semester time. Athletes who are competing at representative levels are eligible to join the University Talented Athlete Programme.The Sports Centre is situated towards the west of the town near the golf courses, with accommodation close by for teams or individuals. Golf coaching is also available and a key sporting focus at St Andrews.

ACCOMMODATION: St Andrews residences are located throughout the town so everything is within walking distance and students feel very much at the heart of the community.Residences include Internet access, contents insurance (terms and conditions apply) and hall committee subscriptions.The lowest price for a single room with shared bathroom and kitchen facilities is £145.70 per week.An example price for catered accommodation is £190.73 at Andrew Melville Hall.

COST: Please note Scottish undergraduate honours degrees typically take 4 years to complete.International fees: International undergraduate tuition fees: Fees for full time undergraduate courses for subjects in the Faculty of Arts, Divinity or Science for 2022-23 are £26,350. Medicine - £33,570

SUBJECT AREAS: REF (Research Excellence Framework) was an independent government review conducted into the quality of research at UK universities and published in December 2014. This information highlights subjects of specialism within each university. We have listed all subject areas where at least 60% of the research conducted in these specific fields has been graded 3 or 4 stars. (4 stars being the highest ranking REF award). For more information, please visit the REF Information page.

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