QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS – Postgraduate Students
There are some common questions and answers listed below. However, if you have any queries on any aspect of your studies or life at University of St Andrews, please contact your Supervisor in the first instance.
I want to change my course or module choice
You cannot change your course or module choice without having this approved by an Adviser of Studies. Changes must be approved by the end of week two of each semester. All students should see their Adviser in his/her School or Department.
I want to change my status from full-time to part-time (or vice versa)
Postgraduate students should contact the Pro Dean (Postgraduate) for their Faculty. Please note that it is not permitted under the immigration rules for International Students, at any level, to study part-time.
I wish to withdraw either temporarily or permanently from my course
Students wishing to withdraw from their studies will need formal permission from the appropriate Pro Dean (Postgraduate) to withdraw, and must, save in exceptional circumstances, seek this permission in person.
I have changed my name or address
On a regular basis, each student must check and update their record online via e-Vision. Following login choose the Personal details tab and update the information in the relevant section. If you have officially changed your name we will need to see the documentation supporting this before we can update our records. You should bring this documentation (e.g. deed poll, updated passport) to the Advice & Support Centre (ASC) along with your matriculation (ID) card.
I have missed classes or examinations
Attendance is a basic requirement for credit award, and failure to attend classes may result in you losing the right to be assessed in that module. Please ensure you are familiar with the 'Permission to Proceed' regulations as stated in the School handbooks.
Absences from classes
If you have missed classes, you must submit a Self-certificate of absence as soon as possible. This facility is available through the University's e-Vision portal. It is important that you complete and return the form as soon as possible indicating the number of days of absence, the modules affected and the reason for your absence. Further information can be found in the student absence policy.
Verifiable documentary evidence may be required if the absence results in the inability to successfully complete the compulsory elements of the modules and/or a deferred assessment is required. The School will indicate to the student (giving one week's notice) when further evidence is required in addition to existing self-certification.
Absences from examinations
Absence from examinations due to illness should be reported to the Examinations Office IMMEDIATELY when you know you will be unable to sit an examination. This should then be followed up by completion of a Self-certificate of absence via e-Vision and, if necessary, a medical certificate.
Problems? Don't let these accumulate; there are people who can help
Please see the right person and don't rely on second-hand information from your fellow students. Student Services are there to help with a wide range of problems, ranging from financial difficulties to pastoral counselling.
Academic Problems
For advice on personal issues which may affect your academic studies, e.g. absence from class, health, accommodation, family, friends, see Dr Lara Meischke, Academic Support Adviser at Student Services (you can telephone 01334 462042 or contact Dr Meischke by email).
For advice on the interpretation of Senate or Faculty regulations
If you encounter difficulties with your course which cannot be resolved by your Adviser, Tutor or Course Co-ordinator, please contact the relevant Postgraduate Pro Dean.
Termination of Studies
Students who, after due warning, have still not fulfilled the requirements of their courses risk having their studies at the University terminated. Students who face termination of studies will be contacted by the Pro Dean (Postgraduate) in the first instance.
Complaints, Appeals and Discipline
The University is committed to ensuring as high a quality student experience as possible while you are studying at St Andrews. Occasionally things may go wrong and if you are experiencing a difficulty or you are dissatisfied with your academic experience, you should raise concerns as soon as possible. This allows effective resolutions to be worked out quickly.
Complaints should be raised in the first instance at a local level with the appropriate member of staff, Head of School or Head of Unit/Service. There are occasions when an amicable solution is not possible and in these circumstances you should refer to, and follow, the procedures outlined in the University's Policy on Student Appeals, Complaints and Discipline.
If there are personal circumstances that may affect your academic performance and subsequently may result in an Academic Appeal, please bring these to the attention of an appropriate member of staff as soon as possible, for example your Adviser of Studies, the Academic Support Adviser or an appropriate Pro Dean. If you wish to obtain further information on Complaints, Appeals and Discipline, consult the University Policy on Student Appeals, Complaints and Discipline.
Financial Advice and Assistance
Expert help is available from Student Services. All advice is confidential. Issues covered include: pre-entry guidance on what your income and expenditure will be; student funding - e.g. entitlements to loan/grants, applying to trust funds, entitlement to benefits, maximising your income; managing your money; banking facilities; debt problems; council tax problems.
The Service also manages and allocates the various funds for which the University is responsible. These include the Discretionary Fund, Welfare Grant, University Loan Fund and a number of other Trust funds. Contact Student Services who are located in the Students' Association Building. To make an appointment, telephone 01334 462720 or email Student Services.
If you are having particular problems with instalment payments for Tuition and/or Accommodation fees, please contact Advice & Support Centre to discuss drawing up a payment plan.
Students with an outstanding debt to the University may not graduate or matriculate until their debt is cleared.