How to apply for the BA International Honours

The BA International Honours degree programme is highly competitive. The entry requirements and interview process are designed to find the leaders of tomorrow who, as well as being highly academically able, will fully realise the potential of this unique educational experience.

You can apply to the BA International Honours programme through one of the following:

  • Common Application 
  • Direct Application 

Students applying for other programmes through UCAS can apply for BA International Honours using our direct application or the Common Application, as the BA International Honours courses are not available on UCAS. 

The deadline for applying to the BA International Honours programmes is 1 May 2025 (the deadline for transfer applications is earlier). However, as there is limited availability on this programme, applications will close when the programme is full. We strongly encourage applicants to apply early. 

You can apply for the programme to one institution only (either St Andrews or William & Mary). Each institution will honour the admissions decisions of the other. You will study your first year at the institution you apply to.

You must specify which subject area you wish to apply for on your application form.

If you have questions about making an application you can email bajointdegree@st-andrews.ac.uk or join an upcoming BA International Honours online event.

Entry requirements

St Andrews uses a contextual admissions process which is in place to ensure we offer a fair and transparent admissions process to all applicants, regardless of background.

UK-based students should use the entry qualification indicator to see whether they will be required to meet standard or minimum academic entry requirements.

Students based outside of the UK will be required to meet the standard academic entry requirements. We accept a wide range of qualifications from around the world. To find out what you will need to achieve, please look at the entry requirements by country.

Find out more about academic entry requirements.

Standard

  • AAAAB at SQA Highers
  • AAA at A-Levels
  • 38 (HL 6,6,6) IB points

Applicants for English will require A (Highers or A-Level) or HL6 (IB) in English; applicants for History will require A (Highers or A-Level) or HL6 (IB) in History.

Minimum

  • AABB at SQA Highers
  • ABB at A-Levels
  • 36 (HL 6,5,5) IB points

Applicants for English will require A (Highers or A-Level) or HL6 (IB) in English; applicants for History will require B (Highers or A-Level) or HL5 (IB) in History.

Interview

As part of the application process, candidates should be prepared to attend an interview. For 2025 entry, the last date for interviews is Wednesday 14 May 2025. Interviews will be conducted virtually using Microsoft Teams. 

The interview offers you the opportunity to explain why you have applied specifically for the programme as well as to ask any questions you may have. 

What we are looking for

When looking at applications for these courses, we focus on the following areas:

  • the grades and qualifications that you have already achieved or are predicted to achieve
  • the context in which your qualifications have been, or will be achieved; this could include your age, whether any resit exams were taken, and other extenuating factors
  • your personal statement (see more details in the section below)
  • your academic references
  • performance at interview, where appropriate
  • relevant work or other experience, where appropriate
  • English language ability, where appropriate.

Personal statement

Your personal statement should explain your personal reasons for studying your chosen subject at the University of St Andrews. Admissions officers are looking for someone who is interested in their subject and who has the motivation and potential to do well in a university environment. 

This is a very important part of your application. Most students who apply to the University are well qualified, so decisions on who receives offers are often determined by the quality of the personal statement. You are encouraged to spend time drafting and re-writing your statement so that it is organised and well written.

In your personal statement, provide some relevant background information about yourself, your interests, and especially your reasons for choosing your course. Highlight any relevant work experience or voluntary work you have done. If you have an idea of what your career choice might be, and how your studies at St Andrews would support that, you may wish to include this as well.

Contact us

If you have questions about making an application you can email bajointdegree@st-andrews.ac.uk or join an upcoming BA International Honours online event.