Flexible degree structure

The University of St Andrews operates on a modular degree system by which degrees are obtained through the accumulation of credits. The University's modular degree system makes undergraduate study here very flexible, and our module requirements are the same whether you are studying full time or part time.

A module is a self-contained unit of teaching, learning and assessment which is worth a fixed amount of credit. Most modules run for just one semester, and every module passed will gain you a set number of credits that will count towards your degree.

To gain an Honours degree, you will need to obtain 480 credits; to gain a General degree, you will need 360 credits. Full-time students will usually take 120 credits' worth of modules per year, which is typically 60 credits per semester. Part-time students will study half this number of credits per year.

You will be required to take a number of specified modules to gain a specialised Honours degree, but you will also have opportunities during your study to take subjects outside of your own Faculty. You may be able to take up to 80 credits in total from another Faculty, though this will depend on the popularity and availability of the modules you wish to take.