News and events

Students and stars celebrated at Winter Graduation

A Fife-based former Royal Marine and Strictly Come Dancing star, a veteran sports presenter and BAFTA Scotland award-winner, the former Chief Scientific Adviser for Scotland (pictured), and one of the UK’s foremost theorists of race and racism were awarded Honorary degrees during Winter Graduation.

The Honorary graduates were joined by St Andrews archivist and historian, Rachel Hart, who was awarded the University Medal.

Congratulations to the 990 students who graduated across the four ceremonies or in absentia, and a warm welcome to our global alumni community.

Influential historic manuscript finds permanent home at St Andrews

One of the most important histories of Scotland, which sheds new light on William Wallace and the Stone of Destiny, has found its permanent home at the University of St Andrews.

The manuscript, which has been renamed the St Andrews Chronicles, is being made available to the public for the first time in 500 years. It was acquired at auction by the University with generous support from Dr William Zachs and the Friends of the Nations' Libraries after being sold by a notable Norwegian collector.

Making Waves Campaign: scholarship impact

We are fortunate to have been able to welcome 172 new scholarship recipients to St Andrews this year, bringing the total number of students supported by our alumni, families and friends to 1,800 since 2018, at both undergraduate and postgraduate level.

Scholarships at the University are changing lives, and, in turn, our scholars are changing the world. We are grateful to all those in our community who have contributed to making such a positive impact on the lives of so many talented students.

'University has allowed me to grow both academically and socially, and I believe both have been equally life-changing.'

Dr Gordon H Carruthers Wardlaw Scholar – Biology 

You can hear their stories and read about their research below, and find out more about the key projects in our Making Waves Campaign.

We'll be continuing our series of Making Waves Impact Events throughout 2025. Please look out for details of upcoming events in the new year!

St Andrews Senior Lecturer appointed Scotland’s new Makar

Dr Peter Mackay, a Senior Lecturer in the School of English at St Andrews, has been named Scotland’s new Makar – the National Poet for Scotland.

His appointment was announced by First Minister John Swinney and marks a historic milestone – Dr Mackay will be the first Makar to primarily write in Gaelic.

St Andrews launches a new MSc in Leadership

The University of St Andrews Business School will offer a new MSc Leadership programme from September 2025. With a focus on equipping students with the skills required for a more nuanced approach to leadership, the postgraduate course will emphasise the importance of emotional intelligence for successful leadership in our increasingly complex and interconnected world.

In the article linked below, Professor of Leadership Development at the University of St Andrews Business School Carole Elliott (pictured) explores the importance of a nuanced approach to leadership.

If you graduated from the University within the last three academic years, you may be eligible for a 15% discount on postgraduate taught tuition fees, including the MSc in Leadership.

London Alumni Carol Service

We are looking forward to meeting alumni at the London Alumni Carol Service on Wednesday 18 December at 7pm at St Columba’s Church of Scotland, Pont Street.

The service will be followed by refreshments and an opportunity to mix, mingle and meet fellow St Andrews alumni.

If you would like to attend and have not yet registered, please do so via the link below.

Global Burns Night 2025

We will be celebrating the life and works of Scotland’s national poet, Robert Burns, on Thursday 23 January at 7pm (UK time). All are warmly invited to join us online for an evening of music, poetry, academic elements from across the University, and more.

Please save the date and a link to register will follow.

Alumni – including Richard Hayhurst – at the recent 1970s and 1980s footballers' reunion

Alumni Stories

This month, we hear from three of our inspirational alumni who have shared stories of incredible careers, life-changing adventures, and a reunion to remember.

On behalf of all who attended the recent 1970s and 1980s footballers’ reunion, Richard Hayhurst (MA 1979) describes fond memories and a fantastic weekend which brought alumni from around the world back to the pitch in St Andrews.

Fiona McPherson (left) and Professor Sonia Buist (right)

Fiona McPherson (MA 1990) found inspiration through exploration, transforming the lives of young people at her Dundee secondary school through The Polar Academy.

Professor Sonia Buist (née Chapman) (MB ChB 1964) is one of the world’s leading experts in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Her story covers a fascinating career in – and contribution to – global health.

If you would like to share your Alumni Story, please contact deveditorial@st-andrews.ac.uk.

Alumni Authors

Please submit your book to Alumni Authors. All books submitted will be considered for inclusion in St Andrews in the News.

SaintsFunder: Blue Angels Bursary

The Blue Angels Bursary has been supporting students to overcome the financial barriers to dance and competitive performance for the past four years. This support enables passionate dancers and choreographers to do what they love most across styles including ballet, contemporary and jazz.

Laidlaw Live

Look out for the latest Laidlaw Music Centre live-streamed concerts and access high quality music – wherever you are in the world.

Reconnect!

If you know someone who would like to reconnect and sign up for St Andrews in the News, they can do so using the links below:

Alumni: Update your contact information

Parents/guardians of undergraduate students: Register to join the Family Programme

Email: alumni@st-andrews.ac.uk for more information