Access to the University of St Andrews
Mission Statement
To enrich The University of St Andrews by attracting a diverse student body of the highest order through smart outreach alongside intelligence led and evidenced based admissions resulting in targeted student support.
Access Outreach
Going to university is a highly rewarding experience and one that everyone should have the opportunity to do. Whether you are a school leaver or a potential mature student, we want to give you the right information to make an informed choice about studying here.
The right information could be on choosing the right qualifications, preparing your UCAS Personal Statement or simply arranging to visit our historic campus for the first time. If you haven't had the opportunity to talk to someone who is graduate of a university like St Andrews e.g. a parent, a brother or sister or someone at your school or college, we have designed a number of initiatives such as the Sutton Trust Summer School and Student Shadowing Days to give you a practical insight into student life at St Andrews.
If you want to find out what it's like to be a student here, staff from the Access Team will help guide you through the admissions process whether you are a prospective student, parent or guidance advisor.
Services to applicants, schools and colleges
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We work with schools and FE colleges to promote the advantages of a Higher Education.
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We operate the annual programme of undergraduate Visiting Days where you can meet students, staff, tour the facilities and visit Schools and Departments.
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We attend HE Fairs, Careers Conventions and delivers informative talks across Scotland in order to give timely and accurate advice to aspiring students.
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Provide advice to potential students about university entry qualifications. These include Standard Grade, Higher, Advanced Higher, HNC, HND and Access Courses.
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Coordinate bridging programmes to help with the transition to university. These initiatives help prospective students to develop appropriate skills and confidence in their own abilities prior to university entry.
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Offer guidance and continuing professional development opportunities to teachers, advisors and parents as they support potential students through the UCAS application process such as Teachers Together.
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Provide information and guidance about Higher Education in general so that aspiring students (school leavers and mature) can make informed decisions.
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Supports university entry via a number of transitional support programmes.
Widening Participation - Admissions
In determining who is to be offered a place, Admissions Officers seek clear evidence of academic ability to ensure that the applicant is not exposed to the prospect of failure. We do not have quotas which advantage or disadvantage any group of applicants and we are committed to treating all applicants fairly in a transparent process.
However, our policy has always been to take into account academic potential as well as achievement in examinations. Therefore, references which indicate that there are clear and justifiable reasons of a personal or social kind for underperformance are treated as important factors. We are determined to recognise both attainment and potential as we work towards making the University of St Andrews more accessible.
Our close partnerships with schools and colleges, our summer schools and our fund raising for bursaries are just some ways in which we ensure we continue to attract from areas and schools where participation rates at Higher Education have been traditionally low. In this way we will continue to enrich our diverse student population by attracting students from all walks of life who can contribute to the high standards to which we are committed.