What current and former Masters students say

“After one semester into the MLitt Management programme, I can safely say that coming to St Andrews was one of the best decisions of my life. If you commit to seeking knowledge, are gregarious and create a productive schedule, you will find the experiences you gain here are invaluable. A Masters is an accelerated course and a self-directed journey, so the outcomes will be proportionate to the work you put in – be it in class, at the library or the pub! You will be treated as an adult with the agency to decide how you interpret coursework – academic staff are critical, friendly and eager to help. Lastly, you can trust the process when it comes to group work. While your team members could be from different ethnicities and have contrasting attitudes, you might find it is just the environment you need to improve your worldview.”

“Being part of the MSc in Finance and Management programme at the School of Management not only allowed me to grow in an academic sense but also develop my knowledge outside the classroom. Being able to thrive in an environment with the constant support of academic staff, and prodigious and ambitious coursemates, ensures that everybody can achieve the highest outcome. I can confidently say that through the small, interactive classrooms and exceptional facilities that the University offers, I am fully prepared for the next steps in a career in finance. Looking back at all the possibilities to choose from, I am thrilled and self-assured that an MSc in Finance and Management at the University of St Andrews was the optimal choice.”

“My time at the School of Management in St Andrews has been a truly rewarding experience so far. Having studied at a management school before, the experience in St Andrews is quite unique! Contemporary issues are discussed in connexion with established theory, enabling us to become critical professionals. I love how we get to work together with students from other programmes in joint modules – just like you would in a real company. The tight-knit community between students encourages everyone to give their best, especially in group projects. One of my highlights is the MX programme, in which speakers of different industries share their experiences with us – a great way to gather ideas for what's to come after the Masters degree! ”

“I pursued my MSc in Finance and Management in the academic year 2017-2018. I was 20, just having completed my undergrad and about to embark on a new journey. And believe me, studying in the best university in Scotland, in the quaint, fairytale town of St Andrews, was everything I had hoped for! The faculty taught brilliantly, welcomed our queries and were always approachable for clearing doubts. There weren't any questions left unanswered during my time of study, irrespective of how challenging some financial concepts can be. I spent just a year, but the unforgettable friendships, the sea - the depths of which cannot be fathomed - and the pretty little streets in the town which were perfect for eating and shopping around with my friends, all amplified the beautiful memories that I carry to this day. The subjects I selected helped me as I began my professional career in the financial sector.”

“At the time of writing this I had only been in St Andrews for about six months and was already certain that it will be the most valuable experience for me before advancing towards my professional career. Even though I came from a business related background, there was not an extensive amount of financial studies I had covered, which had me worried at first that I might not grasp the subjects in St Andrews as fast as others – quite the opposite was the case. Not only my fellow students but also the academic staff are constantly available to answer any question one might have, which makes it possible for everybody to achieve the same results. Moreover, the fact that the classes are quite small, makes the lectures a lot more personal, and allows everybody to feel involved, making the overall experience even more enjoyable. And finally, as this is my final academic study year, I put emphasis on developing my entry into my professional career. The University offers such a broad range of talks, presentations, fairs, societies, and career services that the anxiety one might have when planning towards a professional career is barely noticeable.”

“After a few years in consulting in the USA, I am pursuing a Masters in international business to re-direct my career. I have found the curriculum to allow me to gain both breadth of knowledge about the issues facing a rapidly changing world as well as a depth in international business and theory. The academic staff truly care about our education and oftentimes tailor our coursework to what the group is finding interesting at the time. I value the relationships I have developed and expect to carry it all with me after graduating!”

“As a first-generation university student, I felt anxious at the prospect of attending a prestigious, world-class institution like St Andrews, but immediately these anxieties were dispelled.
Staff are infectiously friendly, academic staff at the forefront of their fields share leading academic insights, and a diverse student cohort enables me to gain and understand unique perspectives. Partner these people with the excellent module content, extracurricular programs, and facilities, and there truly is no other university where I'd rather be.”

“My time at St Andrews strongly shaped the type of career and role I saw for myself. I wanted a global and international space where I could challenge myself and learn new things every day. The experience helped me grow, try new things, learn about new cultures and explore things outside my comfort zone.”

“The greatest benefit was the combination of theoretical and practical learning with academics who are also professionals in their field. Achieving Chartered Banker Status will help with my career and my future. The University’s postgraduate community is extremely strong with a great number and wide variety of societies, extracurricular lectures and opportunities for socialising with other students.”