St Andrews top in Scotland and fourth in UK in new rankings

The University of ​St Andrews has been named the top university in Scotland and fourth in the UK in the newly released 2027 Complete University Guide.

At subject level, St Andrews School of Mathematics and Statistics is top in the UK, with a further ten subjects in the top three; Art History, Chemistry, Divinity, English, Earth and Environmental Sciences, French, German, Italian, Physics and Astronomy, and Psychology and Neuroscience. A total of 24 subjects rank in the top ten.

Historic first for St Andrews 

The University is set to mark a historic milestone during graduation week, with the formal installation of its new Chancellor, alongside celebrations for students and distinguished honorary graduates from around the world.

Dame Anne Pringle will be installed as Chancellor on Wednesday 1 July 2026, the first woman to hold the office in the University’s more than 600-year history. 

Alongside this historic occasion, the University will also honour nine distinguished figures from science, culture, academia, and public life with honorary degrees. Among the honorands this year are musician, educator, and broadcaster Richard Michael BEM; terrorism expert Professor Bruce Hoffman; and historian Professor Caroline Walker.

Donor Story: Bridget Stevens

Bridget Stevens (MA 1965) was on a path set for St Andrews since her first toddle around 
St Salvator’s Quad as a young child. Here, she shares fond memories of her time at the University and discusses her pioneering work in audio description, for which she was recently awarded an MBE.

Bridget reflects on her continued connection to the University, her annual support of Wardlaw Scholarships, her sponsorship of the Bridget Stevens Travel Scholarship, and her membership of the Chancellor’s Circle.

Chronicle 2026 is out now

This year's Chronicle magazine is out now and will be arriving with alumni and friends soon, if it hasn't reached you already. We hope that you enjoy reading the latest features, news, and updates from fellow alumni.

Chronicle Extra is also available online as the digital companion to the print magazine.

Thank you, as always, to all who have contributed to this year's edition. If you currently receive a print copy and would prefer to go digital, please contact us at alumni@st-andrews.ac.uk to update your preferences.

Alumni Weekend 2026

This weekend, Friday 26 to Sunday 28 June, we'll be welcoming alumni and friends back to St Andrews for our annual Alumni Weekend. Whether you are celebrating a special anniversary or simply looking for a reason to return, we'd love you to join us!

​ View the full programme and register now via the link below.

Patrons' Programme 2026

Our Patrons' Programme offers alumni, donors, parents, and friends the chance to soak up the full St Andrews experience through an exclusive schedule of talks, tours, and events. 

This year’s varied programme will include an opportunity to visit a local herd of Highland cows and find out more about their role in rewilding projects around St Andrews, take part in a golf lesson, and hear from academic experts in History, Art History, and Music. 

Book now to join us on Thursday 10 and Friday 11 September, when we will be delighted to welcome you for a 'behind-the-scenes' look at life in St Andrews.

Thank you from the SaintsCall team

From Monday 1 to Sunday 21 June, our team of student callers connected with alumni, supporters, and friends across the global St Andrews community through this year's SaintsCall telephone campaign.

We would like to thank everyone who took the time to speak with our callers. The conversations shared were about much more than fundraising – they were opportunities to connect through a shared love of St Andrews. Our students greatly appreciated the advice, encouragement, career insights, and personal stories shared, and we received really heartwarming feedback from those of you who spoke to the team.

We are grateful to everyone who chose to make a gift. Almost £215,000 was raised for undergraduate and postgraduate scholarships, the Areas of Greatest Need Fund, the Student Support Fund, and the Cost of Living Fund, with a further £23,000 pledged over the coming months. Your donations will make a meaningful difference to students' lives and help ensure that future generations can benefit from the unique St Andrews experience. 

 Alumni Stories

Jonny, Jono, and the JustSo team accepting their BAFTA for Best Short Form

​Jonny Madderson (MA 2003) and Jono Stevens (MA 2003) reflect on their filmmaking beginnings at St Andrews following their recent BAFTA win for their documentary, Hustle and Run. From their first short film produced as students for iMovie Fest, to the smash-hit YouTube series that would launch their careers in film and TV, and their recent award-season sweep, Jonny and Jono’s friendship has remained steadfast through the years. 

Helen and Ed in China, reaching both one year on the road and 15,000km milestones on the same day

Helen Senn (BSc 2005) is Head of Conservation and Science at the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, where she is currently leading the reintroduction of wildcats into the Cairngorm National Park. Helen shares her memories of the Mountaineering Club at St Andrews, the 15,000km trip from Glasgow to China that inspired her book, and her work to recover species from the brink of extinction.

To share your Alumni Story, please contact us at deveditorial@st-andrews.ac.uk.

 Saints Sport News

Golf scholar claims Africa Region Five title on international debut

Saints Golf scholar Judd Sundelson delivered a standout performance in his senior international debut for South Africa, claiming the individual title at the 2026 Africa Region Five Golf Tournament in Eswatini. 

University of St Andrews rowers at the English Senior Beach Sprint Championships

St Andrews athletes shine at English beach sprints championship

University of St Andrews athletes delivered an outstanding set of performances at the English Senior Beach Sprint Championships held at Littlehaven Beach, South Shields in May.  

Competing against a strong national field, St Andrews rowers secured double podium finishes in both the Men's and Women's Single Sculls. 

Book now: Men's Scottish Varsity Rugby

The University of St Andrews will play the University of Edinburgh in the 2026 Men's Scottish Varsity Rugby Match on Friday 18 September at the HIVE Stadium in Edinburgh. Kick-off is at 7.30pm and tickets are on sale now.

 Alumni Authors

Dr Niall Sreenan 

Saints Spotlight: Dr Niall Sreenan

Dr Niall Sreenan is a lecturer in the School of Modern Languages, which is ranked number one in Scotland and second in the UK in The Guardian University Guide 2026. In this month’s Saints Spotlight, he discusses the new Single Honours Comparative Literature programme and his recently published research into literary responses to Darwinism.

Women Historians of St Andrews 

Students and staff in the School of History are undertaking an investigation into women's participation in, and experiences of, the study of history at St Andrews. 

The project includes profiles detailing the careers of women history graduates, reflections from those who taught or researched history at St Andrews, and insights into the changes in teaching and the curriculum. 

You can read more about some of these women via the Women Historians project blog.

Inscription opportunities: leave a lasting mark

Become part of the ceremonial heart of St Andrews with an inscribed seat plaque inside – or a flagstone outside – the Younger Hall. In addition to our seat plaque opportunities, a limited number of flagstones have just been released, and can be inscribed as a lasting memory of your time at the University – or as a gift to one of our graduates.

Contact Katie Birrell, Development Officer, at kjb21@st-andrews.ac.uk for more information.

Reconnect! 

If you know someone who would like to reconnect and sign up for St Andrews in the News, they can do so using the links below:

Alumni: Update your contact information

Parents/guardians of undergraduate students: Register to join the Family Programme