Religion and belief
We aim to increase awareness and understanding of different religions and beliefs, provide opportunities for interfaith discussions and activities, and ensure the spiritual and religious needs and practices of staff and students are supported.
The Universities (Scotland) Act 1889 opened Scotland's ancient universities to people of all faiths and none. Today, our community reflects a wide diversity of religious and philosophical beliefs.
We condemn all forms of religious intolerance, prejudice and hate.
Equality Act 2010
Religion or belief is one of the protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010. The Act defines religion as any belief system which has a clear structure and which is of sufficient seriousness. A philosophical belief must be genuinely held, internally consistent, structured and concerned with a significant aspect of human life and behaviour.
The Act also protects individuals who have no religion or philosophical belief.
Religion in St Andrews
The University Chaplaincy offers support and guidance to all students and staff, regardless of their faith or philosophy of life.
More information can be found on the Chaplaincy website about:
Religious observations
Religious holidays and festivals calendar
Staff and students can download and import the religious holidays and festivals calendar to their Outlook (or other digital) calendar to help with both scheduling and promoting a culture of inclusion.
Download the religious festival and holidays calendar ICS file from the Semester dates webpage.
Adjustments for students on the grounds of religious observance
The Religious Observance (Students) policy (PDF) gives information on how adjustments may be made for students on the grounds of religious observance.
Discrimination and hate incidents
How to report discrimination and hate incidents
Use the Report and Support system to disclose a discrimination or hate incident to the University.
The Report and Support pages also give information on other ways to make a disclosure and signpost organisations and places of support.
Definitions
Develop your understanding of terminology:
- Cambridge Dictionary definition of islamophobia
- UN definition of islamophobia
- Cambridge Dictionary definition of antisemitism
- International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism
- Jerusalem declaration on antisemitism
Statement on antisemitism
Read our statement on antisemitism to find out about our work to tackle antisemitism.
Resources
Student support
Get information on the student support pathways, including how to raise complaints.
British Muslim Trust
The British Muslim Trust provides confidential support for victims of anti-Muslim hate across the UK.
Fife Common Grounds Network
The Fife Common Grounds Network aims to bring people together from across Fife to share their religious views, beliefs, cultures and humanity.
Links to external sites and information
The University is not liable for external web content and may not be aware when this content is changed or removed.