Undergraduate Admissions Policy
The University of St Andrews is committed to fair, transparent and consistent admissions practices. This policy relates directly to, and builds upon, the University of St Andrews’ Disability Equality Scheme, Equality Statement, Access and Widening Participation Framework and Student Confidentiality Code.All places at the University are subject to availability. Applicants with the most potential to excel in their chosen subjects will be selected. Selection for the offer of a place will include consideration of the following information as part of the candidate's application:
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Academic qualifications, whether actual or predicted
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The academic context in which these qualifications have, or will be, achieved
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Personal statement
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Academic references
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Where appropriate, performance at interview
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Where appropriate, relevant work or other experience
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Where appropriate, English language ability
Minimum entrance requirements are published annually in the University prospectus and are also updated on the University web site.
UCAS applications
UK/EU applications
The University of St Andrews admits applicants within the UCAS admissions framework, and complies with their policy of equal consideration to all applications received at UCAS by their published deadline of January 15th. Applications received after this date will only be considered if places remain available. No preference will be given to applications submitted early.
International applications
Overseas applicants applying through UCAS will be considered on a rolling basis until the published deadline of June 30th. Due to the competition for places it is in the applicant’s best interest to apply well in advance of this deadline. Overseas applicants applying directly or via the Common Application should note that the deadline is May 1st.
Applications for deferred entry
Applications for deferred entry will be considered on an individual basis; however applicants should be aware that a very small number of deferred offers are made each year.
Admission at entry points other than year one and recognition of prior learning
Candidates wishing to present claims for RPL will be required to provide the University with relevant certifiable documentation evidencing their claim. All such claims should be made as part of the admissions process and ideally at the point of application. For further details please see: http://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/staff/policy/tlac/transfer/priorlearning/
Applicants with disabilities
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.
Applications from students with disabilities are subject to the same academic selection process as all applications, and will be assessed using our normal admissions practices and policies. Where applicants have stated a disability on their application form, this information is passed to our Disabilities Team, independently from the application process, to make an initial assessment and follow up where appropriate. Specific support arrangements will be considered by the Disabilities Team outwith the application process.
Disclosure of criminal convictions
Applications from students who have declared a criminal conviction are subject to the same academic selection process as all applications, and will be assessed using our normal admissions practices and policies. The declaration of a conviction will be followed up independently from the application process. Where a relevant criminal conviction is identified the application will be passed to the Director of Student Services to undertake any further investigation before a final decision is made.
Fraudulent applications
The University of St Andrews will not admit students on the basis of fraudulent or plagiarised applications. Where an application is identified as being potentially fraudulent or plagiarised the application will be subject to an investigation into the suspected plagiarism or fraud. If the application is found to be fraudulent or contains plagiarised material, the University reserves the right to reject the application on this basis. If it is established that the application is not fraudulent or plagiarised the application will then be considered using the same academic selection process as all applications, and will be assessed using our normal admissions practices and policies.
Principle of admissions
The University of St Andrews is not obliged to make an offer of a place 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 as places are limited, multiple factors are taken into account when making decisions. Therefore no applicant will be guaranteed admission on the basis of examination grades alone.
Feedback to applicants
The University of St Andrews is committed to providing informative and constructive feedback and routinely provides reasons for rejection. UCAS applicants receive initial feedback through UCAS Track. If applicants apply directly in writing for personal feedback we will provide this within a reasonable time frame. The University is only able to provide feedback to the applicant, unless written consent has been given to allow us to communicate with a nominated third party.
Complaints
If an applicant wishes to make a complaint or appeal against an admissions decision this should be addressed in writing to the Director of Admissions in the first instance.
Monitoring and Review
This policy will be reviewed annually and, where appropriate, in light of any changes in legislation and University regulations.