Choosing your degree
The University of St Andrews is committed to attracting the world’s brightest and best students. Our Master of Arts with Honours and Bachelor of Science with Honours are typically four year degrees to ensure a broad based education which encourages students to experiment intellectually before specialising in a chosen field of study.
Things you need to consider when choosing your degree.
Full-time or part-time study?
Most University of St Andrews applicants will apply through UCAS to study on a full-time basis. However, an increasing number are now studying in a part-time mode, either during the daytime or in the evenings.
Deferred entry
The University of St Andrews encourages applicants to make their applications during the cycle they wish to enter, rather than submitting a deferred application. The University makes a very small number of deferred offers every year, and all applications for deferred entry will be assessed on an individual basis.
What subjects do you want to study?
There are a range of subjects which you might take at the University and some may be combined in a Joint Honours degree programme. Each Academic School and Departments has a website with further information and available combinations of subjects can also be found in the Undergraduate Prospectus which provides full information on each subject and is available to view online.
You can also view asking rates for specific degrees by using the A-Z degree subject listing.
A New Bench Mark in Collaborative International Scholarship - BA International Honours
From the University of St Andrews and The College of William & Mary. For more information on this unique degree, William & Mary
Which Faculty is best for you?
Your choice of Faculty will determine the nature of your final degree. The degree awarded by the Faculty of Arts is the Master of Arts (MA) while the Faculty of Science awards the Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree and several enhanced degrees.
Some subjects (e.g. Economics, Geography, Management, Mathematics, Psychology and Sustainable Development) are offered by more than one Faculty. It is important to check that your choice of Faculty is appropriate before completing your application form.
Your choice of Faculty is dictated by two factors, particularly if you are applying to the above subjects:
- The type of qualifications you possess
If your exam qualifications are Arts subjects such as English or History, you should apply to study for an MA Honours degree in the Faculty of Arts. If they are Science subjects such as Physics or Chemistry, and you would like to take additional science modules such as Computer Science, you should apply to study for a BSc Honours degree in the Faculty of Science. - The nature of the degree course you propose to follow.
If your main subject interest is Geography, Economics, Management, Mathematics or Psychology, you may enter the Faculty of Science for a BSc degree or the Faculty of Arts if your aim is an MA degree. The Faculty of Arts has slightly different entry requirements to the Faculty of Science and also offers different combinations of subjects that may be studied.