The University of St Andrews was founded in 1413. It is the oldest university in Scotland and the third oldest in the English speaking world.

Over six centuries it has established a reputation as one of Europe’s leading and most distinctive centres for teaching and research. It is highly ranked across league tables and combines historic buildings with modern facilities.

Courses and students

A wide variety of academic courses are taught through four faculties:

• Arts
• Divinity
• Medicine
• Science.

Courses are modular, so the degree structure is flexible, with some subjects being offered across the two faculties of Arts and Science.

The BSc Medicine is the only course which is not modular. Students complete their studies and clinical training in a partner medical school, either Manchester Medical School or Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, or one of the four Scottish Medical Schools: Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh or Glasgow.

The university teaches a wide range of subjects to over 10,000 students, including 8,388 full time undergraduates. There are 140 countries represented in the student population.

Depending on the subject you study, you may be able to complete part of your undergraduate course abroad, in countries including Australia, Hong Kong, New Zealand, Singapore, Canada and the USA.

Facilities and services

The university is a major part of the town of St Andrews and accounts for half of its population. There is a diverse range of social activities including over 180 student societies, 50 sports clubs and 100 competitive sports teams.

Nearly half of students live in halls, with a range of catered and self-catered accommodation available. The university has over 3,400 beds across 10 halls of residence and first year students are guaranteed accommodation.

Saints Sport is the body that delivers a range of physical activity and exercise programmes across the university, including sport, fitness classes, and health services. It has more than 50 sports at all levels and the centre now includes a 120-station gym, technical climbing wall and range of indoor and outdoor courts.

The new purpose built Laidlaw Music Centre opened last year. Facilities will include a recital room, practice room with pianos, studios for electronic music and recording, a library and group rehearsal rooms.

Ranking

Number 1 in the UK -  The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024.

In the same guide, ranked No. 1 in the UK for: History; History of art, architecture and design; Iberian languages; Philosophy; and Politics. They are also ranked No. 2 for Physics and astronomy, No. 3 for Psychology, and No. 4 for Mathematics.

Top university in the UK in the Guardian University Guide 2024.

Most positive students in the UK -  National Student Survey 2023.

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