Admission to a taught programme is normally on the basis of a good first degree with Honours from a UK university (or its overseas equivalent). Final overall grade examples include 2.1 (UK), 2.2 or B+ (Europe), 3.6 GPA (USA), 85% (China), 70% (India). More details can be found in Entrance requirements and country information.
We do not require the GMAT.
English language requirements
Applicants whose first language is not English must provide evidence of English proficiency. This can be either an IELTS score of 7.0, a TOEFL score of 100 iBT, or a Cambridge CPE at grade C. Further details can be found on the English Language Teaching webpages.
The Schools of English, Management, and Economics & Finance each have their own minimum English language requirements. You can find the specific IELTS scores required by these Schools on the English Language Teaching webpages.
Supporting documents and references
All applications are made using our online form and the following supplementary documentation must be uploaded in the section provided before a decision can be made:
CV/résumé. This should include your personal details with a history of your education and employment to date.
A sample of academic written work in English - see further guidance below.
Two original signed academic references.
Academic transcripts and degree certificates. Please only upload certified copies with official English translations if applicable. Do not send original documents as they cannot be returned.
English language requirements certificate.
Covering letter or a letter of intent (optional, except for applicants to the School of International Relations). This should be a very brief introduction letter stating why you wish to study at the University of St Andrews and your reasons for selecting the programme.
If you are applying to more than one programme, please ensure that each application contains a copy of your supporting documents, as this will allow your application to be processed faster.
Note: the online application form can be saved and returned to at any point before submitting.
Written work sample and Personal statements
All applications submitted to the Faculty of Arts and the Faculty of Divinity should include a 2,000 word sample of written work. For applicants to the School of Classics this written sample should be between 2,500 and 5,000 words in length. This can be an extract from a previous project or essay, or part of your dissertation. Applicants who cannot provide a sample such as this should contact the appropriate School directly for further guidance.
All applications submitted to the School of Management should include a brief personal statement of approximately 500 words instead of the academic written sample.
All applications to programmes offered by the School of Art History should include a brief personal statement of approximately 500 words along with the samples of work.
Students applying for programmes run by Schools within the Faculty of Science are not expected to submit a sample of their written work, with the exception of applicants to the Sustainable Development MSc.
All written work and personal statements must be provided in English.
References
References are automatically requested after submitting the online application form. Applicants remain responsible for ensuring that references are sent to us.
If preferred, references may be sent by post or email. By email, they must be sent directly from your referees’ own email addresses. By post, they must be sent either directly from your referees, or forwarded by you in a sealed envelope. Referees may use their own headed paper, and they must include your full name and proposed programme of study in their reference.
One employment reference and one academic reference is acceptable for applicants unable to provide two academic references.
If you are applying to more than one programme, references will be required for each programme.
Important dates and deadlines
Start dates and application deadlines
The majority of taught Masters programmes will start in September of each year with the exception of some distance learning programmes.
Most programmes do not have a closing date, though an early application would be advisable. This is to allow sufficient time to process our decision and, importantly, to give you time to obtain visas, apply for scholarships and organise travel arrangements, if needed.
Please note the following programmes which have specific application deadline dates:
International Relations (all Master Programmes): 30 April 2016
MSc Psychology (Conversion): 12 February 2016
MSc Marine Mammal Science: 1 April 2016
MSc Ecosystem-based Management of Marine Systems: 15 July 2016
Bible and the Contemporary World (distance learning and residential) - 13 June 2016 for August 2016 entry; 1 November 2015 for January 2016 entry (DL only)
Decisions normally take around four to six weeks once all supporting documents and references have been received and the application is complete with the exception of the MSc Psychology (Conversion) and MSc Marine Mammal Science when decisions will be sent out after the closing date.
