Changes to your studies

Switching degree subjects within the BA (International Honours) programme

There is some flexibility in changing your degree subject in first and, potentially, second year to one of the other degrees the programme offers. To do this, you must ensure that you are advised into modules that fulfil the first year requirements of the other subject in which you may be interested.

If you would like to switch your degree, contact the Associate Dean Curriculum (Arts and Divinity) to determine your eligibility. Please see the BA (International Honours) programme requirements document in the module catalogue for more information.

Leave of absence

A leave of absence is a temporary withdrawal from your studies, for medical or personal reasons.

If you are considering a leave of absence from the BA (International Honours) programme, you must obtain permission from the institution which you are attending at the time, who will consult with the other institution if appropriate.

It is important to note that, due to the nature of the programme, it will normally only be possible to take a leave of absence for a full academic year.

If you are attending St Andrews and wish to take a leave of absence, please contact the Registry Officer (Student Support) by emailing reg-support@st-andrews.ac.uk to discuss your options.

If you take a leave of absence during your studies, your home institution will be in touch with you about the process for re-engaging with your studies at the end of your leave.

Withdrawing from the programme

While both St Andrews and William & Mary hope that all students flourish and enjoy the joint programme, we recognise that there may sometimes be valid reasons why students seek to transfer to another institution or withdraw from their studies.

If you are considering transferring to another institution or withdrawing altogether from your studies, you should discuss your case in the first instance with your home institution, who will be able to advise you about the process.

If you are a St Andrews home student, you may wish to discuss your situation with the Registry Officer at reg-support@st-andrews.ac.uk and the Associate Dean Curriculum (Arts and Divinity) at assocdeanarts-curr@st-andrews.ac.uk before making any decisions.

Occasionally, students express interest in applying to transfer onto a St Andrews degree programme. Find out more information about the application process for transferring to a St Andrews degree programme.

Transfer requests

Students admitted to the BA (International Honours) joint programme with William & Mary cannot transfer to a full St Andrews degree in their first year.

Those wishing to pursue a full St Andrews degree must submit a new application through standard admissions routes, with no guarantee of acceptance or full credit transfer. Tuition fees already paid will not be refunded, and scholarships may not be transferable. Students in later years may apply for transfer admission by Semester 2, Week 5, but must meet academic requirements and provide strong justification for the change.

Where a transfer application is successful, there is no guarantee that credit obtained in the joint programme will transfer in full to a St Andrews degree programme. Students may require longer to complete St Andrews programme requirements. Offers will be conditional on Semester 2 exam results.

It is important to note that tuition fees for years completed in the joint programme will not be refunded. Students in receipt of scholarships should also note that these may not be transferable.

Please email bainthons@st-andrews.ac.uk for further information.