Collaborative programmes
The University is committed to the development and enhancement of strategic alliances that enrich the academic life of the institution and further cultivate the University’s ‘internationally Scottish’ dimension. Strategic partnerships are driven by strong synergies in teaching and research expertise, and operate successfully on multiple levels, reflecting academic priorities in research and curriculum development and providing the foundation for strong, multi-faceted and long-term collaborations.
Collaborative degrees
Each collaborative programme is unique and reflects the specific arrangements agreed between St Andrews and the partners involved.
Many of our programmes are joint degrees, ensuring a fully integrated collaborative programme which offers students a unique learning experience and a single award reflecting the joint nature of the programme.
As each programme is unique, it is important to look at the specific study pathways of the programmes.
Undergraduate programmes
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The University of St Andrews has partnered with the College of William & Mary in Virginia, USA, to offer a truly global undergraduate degree: the BA (International Honours).
Students spend two years in St Andrews and two years in the USA and can study the following subjects on the programme:
- Classical Studies
- Economics
- English
- Film Studies
- History
- International Relations.
Find out more about choosing the BA (International Honours) joint degree. Current students who are part of the BA International Honours programme can find additional information in the current students section.
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ScotGEM is a four-year graduate entry undergraduate programme run by the universities of St Andrews and Dundee and health boards in Fife and Tayside, in collaboration with NHS Highland, NHS Dumfries and Galloway, and the University of the Highlands and Islands.
ScotGEM is a graduate entry programme which focuses on enthusing graduates to become generalist practitioners (not necessarily GPs), with experience in rural health care. It is designed to develop doctors interested in a career as a generalist practitioner within NHS Scotland.
Find out more about ScotGEM MBChB.
Taught postgraduate programmes
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The University of St Andrews has partnered with the University of Bonn, Germany, to offer students the MLitt in German and Comparative Literature.
This collaborative degree leads to a Scottish Master of Letters (MLitt) and a German Master of Arts (MA). The programme aims to deepen students' knowledge of the latest thinking in literary and comparative studies and give them the research, communication and writing skills needed to embark on a PhD or top-level graduate career.
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The University of St Andrews has partnered with the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel, to offer students the MLitt in The Study of Judaism and Christianity.
This two-year collaborative degree leads to a Scottish Master of Letters (MLitt) and an Israeli Master of Arts (MA). The programme offers a unique opportunity to gain comparative and cross-cultural perspectives on these two religious traditions. Students spend a year in Jerusalem before coming to St Andrews for their second year.
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The International Master in Audiovisual and Cinema Studies (IMACS) MLitt offers a unique opportunity to obtain comprehensive training in film and media studies. IMACS students participate in a network of 15 leading programmes in film and media studies in Europe and Canada, spending time between St Andrews and two other participating universities over the course of two years.
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The University of St Andrews has partnered with the University of Stirling to offer students the St Andrews and Stirling Graduate Programme in Philosophy (SASP). This programme offers the following degrees in Philosophy:
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ScotGEM is a four-year graduate entry undergraduate programme run by the universities of St Andrews and Dundee and health boards in Fife and Tayside, in collaboration with NHS Highland, NHS Dumfries and Galloway, and the University of the Highlands and Islands.
ScotGEM is a graduate entry programme which focuses on enthusing graduates to become generalist practitioners (not necessarily GPs), with experience in rural health care. It is designed to develop doctors interested in a career as a generalist practitioner within NHS Scotland.
Find out more about ScotGEM MBChB.
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The University of St Andrews has partnered with EM Grenoble, France, to provide the International Double Degree in Business (MSc). This programme will last two years and allow students to gain two separate degrees from two world leading institutions.
Students will complete one year in St Andrews, with the second year spent at EM Grenoble, choosing to study one of the following subjects for each academic year:
Year One - St Andrews:
- MSc International Business or
- MSc Management
Year Two - EM Grenoble
- MSc Managing with Data or
- MSc Energy Business and Climate Strategy
Joint degree programmes conversion tables
The undergraduate and postgraduate taught joint degree programmes' conversion tables show how grades from partner institutions are converted into the St Andrews common reporting scale.
The tables apply to St Andrews students who complete grades during an approved Study Abroad placement. Each table:
- relates to specific University partnerships in the country listed
- compares the partner institution’s grading scale with the St Andrews 20-point Common Reporting Scale
- applies from the date shown beneath the table
For full information, read the Credits and grade conversions for study abroad policy (PDF).
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Grade conversion table for postgraduate taught study abroad in University of Bonn (MA and MLitt German and Comparative Literature) joint degree programme
University of Bonn St Andrews Honours classification indicator Sehr gut (1) 20 Distinction at Masters level Sehr gut (1) 19 Distinction at Masters level n/a 18 Distinction at Masters level Sehr gut- (1,3) 17 Distinction at Masters level Gut+ (1,7) 16 Merit at Masters level Gut (2) 15 Merit at Masters level Gut- (2,3) 14 Merit at Masters level Befriedigend+ (2,7) 13 Pass at Masters level Befriedigend (3) 12 Pass at Masters level Befriedigend (3) 11 Pass at Masters level Befriedigend- (3,3) 10 Pass at Masters level Ausreichend+ (3,7) 9 Pass at Masters level Ausreichend (4) 8 Pass at Masters level Ausreichend (4) 7 Pass at Masters level Mangelhaft (5) 6 (with right to resit) Fail Mangelhaft (5) 5 (with right to resit) Fail Mangelhaft (5) 4 (with right to resit) Fail Mangelhaft (5) 3 Fail Mangelhaft (5) 2 Fail Mangelhaft (5) 1 Fail Mangelhaft (5) 0 Fail Please note:
- Assessment and results produced at one institution cannot be transferred to another where the
second has grading scales that are more favourable. - A module assessed at one institution cannot be reassessed at the second. The rules of the
assessing institution governing the right to reassessment (if such is available) will apply.
Introduced for the conversion of grades awarded to students studying abroad from session 2020-2021 onwards.
Last updated: August 2020
- Assessment and results produced at one institution cannot be transferred to another where the
Student experience
Collaborative programmes offer students innovative and enhanced learning experiences.
Students on many of our collaborative programmes will divide their time between study at St Andrews and study at a partner institution, either in the UK or overseas. Consequently, students may experience a number of transitions throughout their degree programme, which help to develop agility and adaptability, a confident and flexible approach to learning, and a broad and international perspective, all of which prepare students well for employment in a global market.
The Global Office team offer a range of services to students on collaborative programmes to support their transitions and help them to make the most of their time at St Andrews.
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The University is committed to the development and enhancement of strategic alliances that enrich the academic life of the institution and further cultivate the University’s ‘internationally Scottish’ dimension. Strategic partnerships are driven by strong synergies in teaching and research expertise, and operate successfully on multiple levels, reflecting academic priorities in research and curriculum development and providing the foundation for strong, multi-faceted and long-term collaborations.
The framework within which collaborative provision is developed and managed at St Andrews is laid out in the Policy on Collaborative provision of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes (PDF).
This policy sets out the University’s principles and responsibilities relating to collaborative provision, explains the different types of programme and degree, and details the monitoring and review process we follow.
Where academic Schools at St Andrews are interested in establishing a new collaborative project or exchange programme, they are invited to contact the Global Office (partnerships@st-andrews.ac.uk) as early as possible to discuss projects. See also the section below on proposal and approval of new agreements.
The Global Office is there to advise and facilitate the process. It will carry out all necessary risk assessments and due diligence checks and will negotiate the required institutional Agreements with the partner following relevant proposal and approval processes managed in collaboration with an academic or academic School/s at St Andrews.
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All of our partners are carefully selected, and the University works closely with them to offer high-quality programmes. All of our collaborative programmes are reviewed regularly, a process that includes evaluation of student feedback.
In establishing and operating institutional collaborations, the University is committed to the principles of good practice defined by the UK Quality code for Higher Education.
The University is a participant of the The UK Transnational Education Quality Scheme (UK-TNE) coordinated by the UK Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA).
Monitoring collaborative provision
The University has a clear set of principles for monitoring and reviewing all collaborative provision.
- Collaborative degrees, validation and articulation collaborations will be monitored and reviewed following a five-stage review process.
- Study abroad and exchange programmes are subject to annual mobility reviews.
Five-stage review process
The five points of academic review for all collaborative programmes are:
- Approval
- Implementation
- First review
- Annual monitoring and review
- Agreement renewal review
1. Approval
The approval process ensures thorough review of collaborative proposals and due diligence at the outset. This covers, for example, existing links with the partner, status of partner, arrangements for partnership operation including lead institution (rules and regulations), partner’s procedures for module approval and review, partner’s strategies for enhancement, and agreeing to a structure and membership of the programme's Joint Board. It is also at this stage that the School will put forward an Academic Co-ordinator, a role which is usually held by the programme proposer.
2. Implementation
This stage involves a light-touch and relatively informal review at the commencement of the programme. It primarily involves the School, Global Office, and Registry, and is intended to iron out any issues with the initial programme establishment. A summary report of Implementation reviews is collated annually by the Global Office for consideration by the Academic Monitoring Group (AMG).
3. First review
The first review provides an early opportunity to monitor progress, and ensure any problems are identified and resolved at an early stage in the life cycle of the programme. This comprehensive initial review normally takes place in the academic year after the first cohort of students has been admitted (irrespective of location of study in the first year). There is an emphasis on self-evaluation, but the review should include external examiner feedback and student feedback as well. First review reports are submitted to AMG for consideration.
4. Annual monitoring and review
The Joint Board, via the Academic Co-ordinator at St Andrews, is expected to provide an annual report to AMG on programme matters, issues, trends and student feedback. This report should include an overview of applications and entrants to the programme, a summary of student progression and outcomes, a summary of the key issues discussed at the joint committee over the last year and a note of any other concerns or issues which the Co-ordinator wishes to highlight.
Where appropriate, collaborative programmes will also form part of the University-led reviews of learning and teaching.
5. Agreement renewal review
This stage is a full review of all aspects of the collaborative programme and takes place around 15-18 months prior to the end of the Agreement period. The review provides an opportunity for the University, School/Department, collaborative partner, and review team to reflect on the operation, management, development, and future of the programme.
A strong emphasis on self-evaluation is complemented by feedback from students and External Examiners. Review reports are submitted to Academic Monitoring Group for consideration. Thereafter, an institutional decision is made as to whether to renew, amend or terminate the collaborative Agreement. For further information please see Handbook: Agreement renewal review for collaborative programmes.
Annual mobility reviews
At the outset of each academic year, the Global Office will send academic Schools, through their Study Abroad Co-ordinators a Study Abroad Mobility Review (SAMR), along with electronic copies of relevant Student Report forms from the previous year and a copy of the Co-ordinator's existing bilateral Agreement.
The SAMR will be pre-populated by the Global Office with incoming and outgoing numbers for the past two years, and Co-ordinators will be asked to comment on balance, and any other issues pertinent to the exchange. The Study Abroad Co-ordinator will be asked to raise any School or Departmental mobility programmes at a Teaching Committee for discussion.
The review process allows the Global Office and Co-ordinators to monitor closely all existing bilateral Agreements and their success, and provide a regular opportunity to update existing Agreements. The Global Office will report the results of the SAMR review to the Proctor's Office through the AMG Collaborations and Partnerships, and, in consultation with Co-ordinators, proceed with renewals, amendments or terminations thereafter.
Renewal, amendments and termination
The Global Office will proceed with the renewal/amendment of successful bilateral Agreements every year (as relevant) following review, its submission to AMG Collaborations and Partnership and after approval of any changes.
The outcome of this process may include suspension or termination of an Agreement should that be deemed appropriate, but is more typically a process by which amendments may be made to improve processes and programmes, and by which renewal is approved.
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Information for St Andrews staff
Our staff search tool allows you to view all our active academic partnership Agreements.
Please contact the Global Office at partnerships@st-andrews.ac.uk if you become aware of any issues or concerns related to student activity on a collaborative programme or student exchange. This includes but is not limited to issues relating to the cultural environment, local customs or legislation, welfare, safety or security, or equality, diversity and inclusion matters. Please see the university’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy for reference.
The information below is a starting point for Schools considering a new collaborative project or exchange programme.
In addition, staff should refer to the Policy on Collaborative provision of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes and content elsewhere on this page, which together outline full details on:
- Partnership activities
- Collaboration types
- Institutional Agreements
- University responsibilities
- Academic monitoring
We also encourage colleagues to get in touch with the Global Office at an early stage, so that we can advise and help to facilitate the process.
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The exchange proposal and approval process is designed to ensure that there is a consistent and thorough approach to the approval of all new University exchanges.
Saints Abroad
Through Saints Abroad the Global Office provides exchange programmes which are university-wide as well as some which are specific to a certain Department or School.
Full information and details of participating Schools are available at Saints Abroad.
New Exchanges
Please complete the Exchange and study abroad proposal form (Word) if you are proposing a new student exchange with another institution.
We recommend that you discuss proposals with the Global Office at as early a stage as possible as several months will be required for internal approval and partner negotiation before a collaboration can be launched.
As a rule of thumb, proposals should be submitted to the Global Office by 30 April at the very latest, if the proposed exchange is due to commence the following academic year (e.g. by 30 April 2028 for a proposed exchange commencing 2029-2030), but be aware that longer may be required depending on partner processes and the complexity of individual cases.
If it is important for you to begin advertising a new exchange in September or October for mobility the following year, please do not wait until the June deadline to contact us and begin the proposal and approval process. This is necessary to allow sufficient time for approval, negotiation, agreement of the contract by St Andrews and the selection and preparation of students.
Opt in to current options
If you would like to make more Saints Abroad options available to your students, please complete the Saints Abroad opt in (Word) and return it to the Global Office. The Global Office will typically seek interest in opting in to partnerships which are available for expansion, but interest is also invited by academic Schools outwith this invitation process. Opt-in applications must be submitted by 1 August, if the programme is to be available for students the following academic year.
Annual review
Once established, the following review processes will be undertaken.
During semester one of each year, the Global Office will send Study Abroad Advisers via email a Study Abroad Mobility Review (SAMR) form, along with electronic copies of relevant Student Report forms from the previous year and a copy of the Adviser’s existing bilateral Agreement.
The SAMR will be pre-populated by the Global Office with incoming and outgoing numbers for the past two years, and Advisers will be asked to comment on balance, and any other issues pertinent to the exchange.
The Study Abroad Adviser will be asked to raise any School or Departmental mobility programmes at a Teaching Committee for discussion. The completed SAMR should be returned to the Global Office by a stipulated deadline in late November, typically at the end of week 10. The SAMR should be returned by the Director of Teaching on behalf of the School or Department.
The review process allows the Global Office and Schools to monitor closely all existing bilateral Agreements and their success, and provide a regular opportunity to update existing Agreements. The Global Office will report the results of the SAMR to the Proctor's Office through the Academic Monitoring Group (Collaborations and Partnerships), and, in consultation with Advisers, proceed with renewals, amendments or terminations thereafter.
Renewal, amendments and termination
The Global Office will proceed with the renewal/amendment of successful bilateral Agreements every year (as relevant) following submission of the Study Abroad Adviser’s SAMR and any consequent approval of changes which may be necessary. Advisers will receive a scanned copy of any updated bilateral Agreement that may be required once this has been signed by St Andrews and the partner institution.
Should the SAMR highlight problems with an exchange, the Global Office will discuss these with the Adviser and either assist with addressing any minor issues raised, or proceed with termination of the Agreement in consultation with the Proctor's Office through the University’s Academic Monitoring Group.
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New collaborative Undergraduate and Postgraduate Taught Programmes leading to a Joint Degree, a Double Degree, or a Dual Degree will require a collaborative business case to be submitted by the Global Office to the Cohort, Admissions, and Resourcing Steering Group (CARSG).
In the first instance, please see the following:
A new proposal will require
- A Business case for new collaborative programme (Word)
- Supporting Documents
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- A letter of support from the partner institution
- A Non-research costings template (business case analysis) (Excel)
Collaborative programme proposals are reviewed and approved by CARSG. Additional input may be sought from further members of the Principal’s Office. Once approved in principle, a programme proposal and module proposals are submitted to the Curriculum Approvals Group (CAG), as outlined on the Module and Programme Approval webpage.
The Global Office then negotiates an institutional Agreement (Memorandum of Agreement) with the partner, which is signed by the Deputy Principal and Vice-Principal (International Strategy and External Relations). An institutional Agreement should be in place before any students may begin on a collaborative programme.
Collaborative programmes are subject to monitoring through a Five-Stage Review process (further information can be found under the 'Quality' accordion).
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In a validation Agreement, the academic qualification is awarded by St Andrews, while the programme is delivered by one or more other institutions. In such arrangements, students are matriculated at St Andrews and have access to appropriate University facilities. The University takes responsibility for the quality and standard of the programmes validated as leading towards a St Andrews award. Quality assurance arrangements and academic standards are as equally rigorous as those applied to University programmes.
Validation arrangements are considered on a case-by-case basis. Please contact the Global Office about interest in a new Validation arrangement at partnerships@st-andrews.ac.uk for initial discussions. If agreement in principle exists, then it will further require a full Business Case, followed by programme details, and approval by the Principal’s Office prior to submission to CAG.
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Please complete the Global PhD proposal form (Word) if you wish to set up a new Global PhD (or co-tutelle/Joint PhD) arrangement for a student with a partner institution.
If a programme for Global PhDs already exists with the partner institution, and you wish to propose an individual co-tutelle under that programme, please complete the Individual candidate proposal form (Word). Please see our Global PhD website for details of existing partnerships.
If you wish to propose a new programme for the potential recruitment of multiple PhD students to a Global PhD partnership with a new collaborating institution, please contact the Global Office at globalphds@st-andrews.ac.uk in the first instance for discussions, following which a proposal form will be provided should there be agreement to proceed. Approval will be sought and arrangements established with the partner institution in the same was as for standard Global PhDs as outlined below. Further information is available on the designated Further information is available on the designated Global PhDs website.
Please note that it can take several months to establish a co-tutelle Agreement. The Global PhD proposal form should be submitted to the Global Office as far in advance of entry as possible, and at least six months before the student’s intended start date. A completed and signed partnership Agreement is a condition of entry, and an unconditional offer cannot be issued to a student prior to its completion, meaning that any necessary immigration processes and other entry protocols cannot begin until after that date. It is not uncommon for this to take six months or in some cases significantly longer.
What is a Global PhD (or co-tutelle) degree?
A Global PhD (co-tutelle) is an arrangement whereby a student conducts their doctoral research under co-supervisors from two institutions, leading to a jointly awarded degree.
One certificate will be presented bearing the crests and signatures of both institutions, stating that the degree was earned under joint supervision.
The student will divide their time into study blocks in order to facilitate access to the resources, human and otherwise, that will maximise their research opportunities. A minimum of 12 months must be spent at St Andrews within the first three years of the PhD. Fees are normally paid locally, i.e. to the institution at which the student is resident.
A co-tutelle Agreement will not usually extend the duration of a PhD; the standard duration is 3 years with the possibility of a continuation year.
When is a Global PhD the desirable route?
A Global PhD provides the doctoral student with access to two supervisors throughout the duration of their degree. The expectation is that both supervisors will be engaged with the student from start to finish, and that regular meetings including all parties will be held either in person or using virtual methods such as Teams.
If the student requires input from the supervisor at the other institution for only a limited period, for instance they might require access to laboratory facilities or library holdings, or need guidance on appropriate statistical analysis methodology, it is unlikely that a co-tutelle would be appropriate. In these cases, a form of Visiting status may be more relevant if available.
Are there any contra-indications to a Global PhD arrangement?
- Some scholarships/funding arrangements do not allow for a co-tutelle, e.g. Commonwealth Split Site Scholarship
- Not all institutions offer co-tutelle degrees
- Some institutions have very protracted internal approval processes that might delay the start of studies (the agreement should be in place before the student has matriculated)
- Certain national requirements restrict the ability to agree terms for elements such as duration of the PhD. This is commonly an issue in Canada and the USA
Who initiates a Global PhD arrangement?
- A St Andrews academic who considers a joint degree with a named co-supervisor at another institution to be the optimal route for their prospective PhD student
- An academic from another institution who considers a joint degree with a named co-supervisor at St Andrews to be the optimal route for their prospective PhD student
What steps must be followed to establish a Global PhD arrangement?
- A student should identify an appropriate supervisor at each institution. The St Andrews supervisor should contact the Global Office to discuss the proposed programme, and initiate formal proposal processes.
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The University offers a range of articulation programmes for students with eligible qualifications at established partner institutions to gain entry (usually at year two) to a St Andrews degree through recognition of prior learning. The information below is designed to outline the way in which proposals can be submitted and approved for the creation of new articulation programmes.
We encourage colleagues to get in touch with the Global Office at partnerships@st-andrews.ac.uk at an early stage to discuss the process.
Articulation requires liaison with a number of different Units and Teams across the institution including Admissions, Registry, the Global Office and Academic Schools. All articulation proposals require this liaison as well as the approval of the Associate Dean for the Faculty and will be assessed by an Articulation Committee prior to CAG approval.
To facilitate this, an Articulation proposal form (Word) should be completed in the first instance with the assistance of those colleagues in the University who will be involved in some way in the creation and implementation of the programme should it be approved.
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An MoU is a broad commitment to work with another institution. It is a statement of intent, rather than a substantive Agreement, though it is often an important first step towards a collaborative project. An MoU may be signed with the approval of the relevant Head of School, Dean of Faculty, or member of the Principal's Office.
An MoU should articulate clearly the rationale for the relationship between the parties and will only normally be approved if there is a defined intention to work towards a fuller relationship with the collaborating institution, such as one of the above collaborative activities or a research partnership, etc. Other rationales may be approved and should be discussed with the Global Office initially. Please contact the office at partnerships@st-andrews.ac.uk for any such discussion.
Following initial discussions, an MoU proposal form (Word) should be completed.
Your data
If you are interested in participating in a collaborative programme, you should read the Student personal data privacy notice (PDF) which outlines the University’s policy in relation to the transfer of personal data to collaborative partnerships in the UK and overseas.