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 10,425 students, including 8,260 full time undergraduates and 2,164 postgraduates. There are 130 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 150 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 130-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

The university is ranked 4th in the UK and 1st in Scotland in the Complete University Guide 2022.

In the same guide, the university has 23 subjects in the top 10. It is ranked 2nd in the UK for both Business and Management Studies, and Philosophy, while 10 other subjects are ranked 3rd.

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