Location:

Saint Andrews, United Kingdom

Program Type:

Study Abroad

Degree Level:

Undergraduate

Term:

Academic Year, Fall Semester, Spring Semester

Program Overview

Program Description:

*Due to the global health status worldwide, USAC is making programmatic changes to Summer & Fall 2020 and yearlong 2020/21 programs, and some options might not be available. These changes are posted on individual program pages on the USAC website.* 

St Andrews is a beautiful town situated in its own sheltered bay on the Fife coast, just north of Edinburgh. It commands exceptional views of the Angus coast and hills, with the Grampian Mountains beyond. The antiquity of the city includes wonderful old buildings, city walls, shops, and houses of stone. While the street plan is still medieval, there are excellent road and rail connections to all of Scotland, Wales, and England. The history of the town pre-dates the university (founded in or around 1410); there was a settlement on the site at least as early as the sixth century. The cathedral was founded by Arnold Abbot of Kelso in 1160 and completed in 1318. Today, the ruins of the castle and cathedral stand over a town that is alive with students and local tradespeople. The golf courses of St Andrews are famous throughout the world, attracting large numbers of tourists in the summer, and the town has grown to accommodate the international tastes of these visitors. A range of specialty shops and a wide variety of restaurants and bakeries enrich student life. The beautiful long beaches, the nearby Grampian Mountains, and a sports complex allow you to take part in a wide variety of recreational activities.

Studying abroad can be a more meaningful and invigorating learning experience than at home—both inside and outside of the classroom. You may be more curious and alert than you usually are so use this heightened energy to enhance your studies as well as your cultural and geographical explorations. You may also encounter different teaching styles and course processes; be prepared to adapt and to learn. Areas of Study at University of St Andrews Through our agreement with the University of St Andrews, an array of courses will be made available for you to take. Areas of study are included below. Courses are subject to availability and approval of prerequisites by the host university. Courses, called “modules” at St Andrews, are taught by lecture with course handbooks, tutorial sessions, and support. You will be admitted to a particular Faculty—equivalent to School or College within a US university—and then select courses from under this Faculty. You can take courses from other Faculties if scheduling allows. You may enroll in up to 60 Scottish credits each semester, which is equal to approximately 15 US credits. Students typically enroll in either two or three modules per semester. Modules at the first- and second-year level (lower division, 1000 and 2000) are known as “sub-honours,” while modules at the third- and fourth-year level (upper division, 3000 and 4000) are known as “honours.” Entry into honours-level modules is dependent on requisite background knowledge; for most subjects this means you will need to have taken prior coursework at the university level in that field. While many of the 1000-level modules are suitable for beginners, please note that some modules, especially in the sciences, require several years of background study at school. Therefore, there are limited course offerings for US sophomores. The undergraduate course catalogue has information about each module, including credit value, semester availability, method of assessment, and a summary of content. Keep in mind that you must enroll in the equivalency of at least 12 US credits per semester (even if host university requirements are lower). Be sure to have plenty of primary and alternate course options in mind as schedules are subject to change and registration in your preferred courses is not guaranteed. Grades may not be ready until one or two months after exams are completed; in some cases it may take longer. Check your Credits, Courses, and Transcripts document in Gateway for details specific to your host university. The transcript evaluation and grade reporting process at your home university will also take time after your overseas transcripts arrives. If you plan to study here during your senior year, review your home university requirements carefully to allow enough time for grades to be posted for graduation. Plan to work ahead with your academic advisor if you will be using your study abroad coursework to meet prerequisites back at home.

The St Andrews program is administered in the US by the USAC Central Office and in St Andrews, Scotland, by the Collaborations and Study Abroad Team (CSA) who is responsible for the overall operations of the program abroad, assists with course registration, and oversees your general well-being. There is a wealth of support for all students at St Andrews starting with the Residence Assistants in your Hall of Residence, and with the Student Support Service, as well as with the CSA office.

Setting Description:

The University of St Andrews is the oldest university in Scotland and the third oldest in the UK; the university is ranked in the top 1% of universities in the world according to the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2012. For almost six centuries it has upheld a tradition of excellence, attracting world-renowned scholars and the brightest students from every continent. Today the university has evolved into two colleges: United College, in which all Arts and Science subjects are taught, and St Mary's College, in which Divinity courses are taught. Rather than being a campus university, St Andrews is closely integrated with the town. Many of the 7,700 students use bicycles as a convenient way of getting around the town, but all areas of the university are within easy walking distance. The majority of schools are located around either St Salvator’s Quadrangle, St Mary's Quadrangle (with its sixteenth-century buildings) or North Haugh, a modern site overlooking the se

Additional Program Information

Scholarships:

Yes

Scholarships Description:

Learn more about USAC scholarships and discounts at https://usac.edu/money-matters