Equal Opportunities and Admissions Statement
The University handles applications within the framework of the University's Equal Opportunities Policy, and does not discriminate directly or indirectly on the basis of:
- Relationship to a member of staff of the University or an alumnus
- Gender
- Marital or parental status
- Social class
- Ethnic origin
- Country of origin
- Religion
- Sexual orientation
- Age
- Disability or special need as set out in the University's Disability Statement.
Selection for the offer of a place in the University will be based on the candidate's application in respect of:
- Academic achievement whether actual or predicted in relation to the degree applied for
- Referee reports
- Nature of the intended research topic
Integral to the University's policy is the regular monitoring of admissions processes. The collation and analysis of data on the diversity of applications and admissions to the University is central to this effort. This data is used to ensure that no discrimination is taking place.
Admissions Officers will be provided with suitable training in the implementation of this policy.
Procedures
The University of St Andrews is not obliged to make an offer of acceptance to any candidate, even if he/she has gained the published grades for entry. Candidates should be advised that all applications are carefully read by Admissions Officers and many factors are taken into account when making decisions. Therefore no applicant will be guaranteed admission on the basis of examination grades alone.
However the University of St Andrews is legally obliged not to discriminate on grounds of age, race, religion, sex or disability. The University of St Andrews fully endorses this requirement, and has taken steps to ensure that all those involved with the admission of students are aware of this endorsement.
The University of St Andrews welcomes applications from all students, irrespective of their ethnic origin, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, social background, age or disability.
The University of St Andrews is wholeheartedly committed to giving academic opportunities to all appropriately qualified applicants.
It is important that the process of student admission to the University of St Andrews is free from unfair discrimination of any kind. This follows from the legal and moral obligation not to discriminate on grounds of age, race, religion, gender or disability.
The Admissions process will be supervised by the Director of Admissions.
This document will be revised when necessary and will be issued annually to those involved in any aspect of selection.
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Process of application
Admission to the University for postgraduate study is organised centrally by the University Admissions Service, on the recommendation of the Head of the relevant School, and under the auspices of the deans of Faculty. Prospective students should consult the relevant School concerning details of courses and for answers to any specific enquiries they may have.
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Principles
In considering applications with a view to admission, the University of St Andrews will seek to implement the following principles:
- Admission procedures should be clear and consistently applied.
- Only applicants with appropriate qualifications and/or relevant experience should be admitted to postgraduate study.
- Admission decisions should involve the judgement of more than one member of the institution's staff.
- Suitably experienced staff will be involved in the selection process.
- Interviews with candidates may be used as part of the admissions process (including appropriate arrangements for assessing the suitability of candidates based overseas); admissions procedures will include an indication whether, and at what stage, an interview and/or a qualifying examination may be required.
- Where a prospective student lacks a first degree and/or a taught postgraduate qualification, alternative mechanisms for assessing student qualification and preparedness, reflecting professional or other work experience, may be used.
- Confidential references and other information, such as the submission of relevant written work, will be used to assess the suitability of a candidate to undertake postgraduate study.
- The prospective student must be able to show that s/he has, or is likely to secure, the necessary financial support to undertake his/her studies.
- All students, whose first language is not English, must satisfy the University's English language proficiency requirements; such training can be provided by the University English Language Teaching Centre, and may be required by a School as a condition of admission.
- Confidentiality will be maintained as appropriate throughout the admissions process.
- The University will endeavour to ensure that an effective support infrastructure exists for those students with special needs.
The recommendation to admit will take account of the following factors:
- Whether the candidate has appropriate qualifications and/or the relevant experience for the proposed programme of work.
- Whether, on the information available, the proposed programme can involve study to the level required to obtain the degree for which the candidate is to be registered.
- Whether it might reasonably be expected that the proposed programme of work could be completed within the period designated for it.
- Whether, insofar as can be predicted, the appropriate necessary resources (e.g. library, computing, laboratory facilities, technical assistance) will be available.
- Whether it is expected that proper supervision can be provided and maintained throughout the research period, including during any periods of research leave for the supervisor or time spent abroad by the student.
Factors that must not form part of the assessment of the application whether directly or indirectly
Factors that must not form part of the assessment are:
- Being related to a member of staff of the University or alumnus
- Gender
- Marital or parental status
- Social class
- Ethnic origin
- Country of origin
- Religion
- Sexual orientation
- Age
- Disability or special need as set out in the University's Disability Statement.
Feedback to applicants
Normally the University of St Andrews does not automatically give reasons for rejection. Nevertheless, where this may prove helpful to an applicant, guidance may on occasion be given by Admissions staff. Where the reason for rejection is based on the confidential reference, feedback to applicants will not be given.
Applicants with special needs
Disability, special needs and equal opportunities for disabled applicants
The University of St Andrews welcomes applications from students with disabilities or special needs. The University of St Andrews is committed to giving academic opportunities to all appropriately qualified applicants, irrespective of disability, wherever practical.
The need to notify special needs
Where the University is not adequately made aware of the special needs or requirements of disabled persons prior to admission, it cannot be guaranteed that suitable staff and/or facilities will be made available to meet those needs or requirements. In some cases the University may require appropriate evidence of the extent of a particular disability before it is able to commit itself to providing resources and/or appropriate support.
Visits
All prospective students are invited to visit the University to determine whether the University of St Andrews is able to meet their needs, expectations and requirements. The University considers that such visits are particularly important for disabled applicants, as such visitors afford an opportunity for in depth discussion of specific needs and assessment of requirements.
Consideration of applications
Initially the University of St Andrews will consider all student applications on their merits and without reference to disability. Any final offers will be made after discussion with applicants about measures necessary to offset any disadvantage arising from their disability.
Deferred offers
In a very few cases, particularly where the provision of special facilities for a disabled applicant may be either difficult or very expensive, the University may defer making an offer of admission.
Special facilities
In some cases, particularly where the provision of special facilities for a disabled applicant may be either unusually difficult or expensive, the University may defer making an offer of admission. Where the University is unable to provide suitable staff or facilities to enable a disabled applicant to meet the requirements of the course, the applicant will be advised that they might find it impossible to complete their intended degree programme.
Where admission to the University would constitute a serious safety hazard, which cannot reasonably be overcome, or when it would break existing health and safety legislation, the University will be unable to accept a disabled student. Both the applicant and the University must be satisfied that the University premises are, or can be, made safe and accessible.
Special needs
Admissions Policy is that all students will be judged on their academic merits. Only after the decision as to whether or not to offer a place has been taken is consideration normally given to the effects of any disability.
Specialist consultants
Specialist consultants will be involved in assessment of student safety and the need for provision of special facilities. These may include the University's Special Needs Advisor, Estates and Buildings, Occupational Health, and Residential Services, as well as teaching departments.
Feedback to applicants
Where a disabled student is refused admission to the University, the University will provide feedback to the applicant about the decision on request. Where the reason for refusal involves a confidential academic reference on the application form details of this will not be given.
Complaints
If an applicant wishes to make a complaint or appeal against an admissions decision, then in the first instance this should be addressed in writing to the Director of Admissions. If further appeal or complaint is thought necessary, then this should be addressed to the University Secretary.