Entry requirements

Entry requirements

• Standard qualifications accepted

  The University recognises the following qualifications for undergraduate entry. Specific grades are dependent on each programme.

  • SQA Highers: BBBB to AAAAB
  • A-Level: ABB to A*A*A
  • International Baccalaureate (IB): 36 (HL 6,5,5) to 38 (HL 6,6,6 plus SL 6,6,6). From 2021, programmes requiring A-levels Mathematics will accept either Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches or Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation at higher level.
  • Cambridge Pre-U ( A-Levels equivalencies):
    • Where Grade A* at A-Level is required we will ask for D2 in the Pre-U Principal Subject.
    • Where Grade A at A-Level is required we will ask for D3 in the Pre-U Principal Subject.
    • Where Grade B at A-Level is required we will ask for M1 in the Pre-U Principal Subject.
  • Welsh Baccalaureate (A level equivalencies):
    • Where AAA at A-Level is required we will ask for A in the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales and AA at A-level.
    • Where AAB at A-Level is required we will ask for A in the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales and AB at A-level or B in the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales and AA at A-level.
    • Where ABB at A-Level is required we will ask for A in the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales and BB at A-level or B in the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales and AB at A-level.
    • Note: The Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales will not replace pre-requisite subjects. An A* grade will fulfil the second A* requirement for standard entry Mathematics.
  • Higher National Certificate (HNC): ‘A’ Graded Unit
  • Higher National Diploma (HND): ‘AA’ Graded Unit
  • SWAP Access: AAA
  • Foundation Apprenticeship: accepted as equivalent to one additional SQA Higher for applicants to degree programmes in the Faculty of Arts and Science for non-required subjects.
  • Access Diploma to higher education: a minimum of 45 credits at Level 3 at Distinction and Merit.
  • BTEC National Diploma (Level 3):
    • Where AAA at A-Level is required we will ask for two Distinctions and one Distinction* (D, D, D*).
    • Where AAB at A-Level is required we will ask for three Distinctions (D, D, D).

  The grades listed are the range of likely grades considered for an offer, but many factors are taken into consideration when making offers, including context, your personal statement and references. See the University's use of contextual data.

  This information is for general guidance; we consider each application on its own merits, as outlined in the admissions policy.

  For postgraduate entry requirements please see ‘Entry requirements by country’ below.

• St Andrews pledge

  The University's ambition is to see equity of access across the country, regardless of socio-economic background. We pledge to make an offer to all UK applicants who:

  • declare a looked after or in care background.
  • reside in the 20% most deprived areas in Scotland as indicated by the SIMD and attend a school which historically has lower than average progression to higher education; provided that the desire to study the subject is demonstrable, the minimum asking rates within all specified required subjects are met and if relevant there is success in external testing or interview.

  To support our students from the most disadvantaged areas in Scotland while at the University we will:

  • provide means-tested financial assistance to students who would otherwise struggle with the cost of studying at the University of St Andrews, through our St Andrews Scholarship schemes.
  • offer a full transition programme if suitable for their course and a first-year mentoring programme for students who enter one of our Supported Pathways.