Taught programmes
Before applying to study for a taught programme at the University, ensure that you can meet all of the University’s minimum entry requirements. The information below includes details on how and when to apply for our taught programmes.
Applications for our distance learning programmes for 2020 entry are currently open. All other applications are now closed.
Applications for 2021 entry
Applications for programmes starting in September 2021 will open in the Autumn. Register your interest and be the first to hear when applications open.
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Admission to a taught programme is normally on the basis of a good first degree with Honours from a UK university (or its overseas equivalent).
More details can be found in entry requirements and country information.
We do not require the GMAT or the GRE.
For entry requirement questions, please contact admissions@st-andrews.ac.uk.
English language requirements
Applicants whose first language is not English must provide evidence of English proficiency. For further information on what evidence of English proficiency is required, please email admissions@st-andrews.ac.uk.
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Applicants to the following programmes must also complete a supplementary application form:
- Animal Behaviour MSc: Animal Behaviour MSc application form - 2021 entry (Word)
- Astrophysics MSc: Astrophysics MSc supplementary application form (2021 entry) (Word)
- Marine Ecosystem Management MSc: Marine Ecosystem Management MSc application form - 2021 entry (Word)
- Marine Mammal Science MSc: Marine Mammal Science MSc application form - 2021 entry (Word)
- School of English taught courses: Supplementary application to School of English (Word)
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All applications must be submitted using the online form. The following supplementary documentation can be uploaded in the relevant section of the online application form:
- CV or résumé. This should include your personal details with a history of your education and employment to date.
- A personal statement or sample of academic written work in English is required for specified programmes. See further guidance on the individual course pages.
- Two original signed academic references.
- Academic transcripts and degree certificates. Please only upload certified copies with official English translations if applicable. Do not send original documents as they cannot be returned.
- Evidence of English language proficiency (required if English is not your first language). If you have not yet taken an English language test, this can be submitted at a later date. Any offer of a place would then be conditional on attaining evidence of your English language competence.
For more information on the documentation required for the programme you are applying to, please visit the respective course page. This will also explain whether you need to submit certain documentation before your application can be considered.
Sample of academic written work and personal statements
The sample of academic written work can be an extract from a previous project or essay, or part of your undergraduate dissertation.
If you are required to provide a sample of work but are unable to do so, please contact the appropriate School directly for further guidance.
All written work and personal statements must be provided in English.
References
- Two academic references are normally requested by email directly to your referees when you submit your application. Applicants remain responsible for ensuring that references are sent to us.
- Your references must include your full name and proposed programme of study. Referees may use their own headed paper.
- Referees are asked to upload their references directly in our online system. If preferred, references may also be sent by email (pgt.application@st-andrews.ac.uk); in this case, they must be sent directly from your referees’ own email addresses.
- One employment reference and one academic reference is acceptable for applicants unable to provide two academic references.
- If you are applying to more than one programme, references will be required for each programme.
If you are applying to more than one programme, please ensure that each application contains a copy of your supporting documents, as this will allow your application to be processed faster.
The online application form can be saved and returned to at any point before submitting.
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The majority of taught Masters programmes will start in September of each year with the exception of some distance learning programmes.
Most programmes have a 28 May 2021 application closing date, though an early application would be advisable. This is to allow sufficient time to process our decision and, importantly, to give you time to obtain visas, apply for scholarships and organise travel arrangements, if needed.
The following programmes have specific application deadline dates:
- Bible and the Contemporary World MLitt (and by distance learning) (2020/2021 entry) - 30 June 2020 (for September entry) and 2 November 2020 (for January 2021 entry)
- School of English (all Masters programmes) - 31 January 2021 (for those applying for School of English scholarships); 28 May 2021 for all other applicants.
- Health Psychology MSc - 30 June 2021
- School of International Relations (all full-time Masters programmes) - 30 April 2021
- Terrorism and Political Violence - distance learning MLitt - 30 June 2021
- Marine Mammal Science MSc - 2 April 2021
- Neuroscience MRes - 20 November 2020 and 19 February 2021.
- Psychology Conversion MSc - 19 February 2021
- Research Methods in Psychology - 28 May 2021.
Decisions normally take around four to six weeks once all supporting documents and references have been received and the application is complete with the exception of the MSc Psychology (Conversion) and MSc Marine Mammal Science when decisions will be sent out after the closing date.
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Tuition fees will vary depending on what programme you are studying and where you are from. You may be able to apply for help with funding your studies at the University.
Early application is strongly advised if you are applying for a scholarship. Many have an early closing date (often between December and February) and most scholarships require you to be holding an offer in order to be considered for funding.
We continue to accept self-funded applications even after scholarship deadlines have passed. If you need further guidance on this, please contact the School that you are applying to.
For more advice on scholarships and funding, please go to postgraduate scholarships. You can also find out more about our current tuition fees.
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Applicants can disclose the details of any disabilities or specific learning needs that they have in the relevant section of the application form. This information will be passed on to the disability team within Student Services. Applicants are encouraged to get in touch with the disability team (email theasc@st-andrews.ac.uk) as early as possible to ensure that their needs will be met by the University.
If you are a student with a disability or specific learning need, and the University has not been made fully aware of your requirements prior to an offer being made, we cannot guarantee that suitable resources will be available on your arrival in St Andrews.
All applications are assessed purely on academic merit, and the impact of a disability will be considered only after a final decision has been made.