Undergraduate admissions
Part-time evening degree programme
Distance Learning Course
Postgraduate admissions

Undergraduate Admissions

It is possible to study psychology at St. Andrews as a BSc in the Science faculty, as an MA in the Arts faculty, or as part of a wide variety of joint degrees. Details of the subject requirements for entry to each faculty are given in the current University of St Andrews prospectus and you are encouraged to check these before making an application to the University. For further information on the course the Psychology School leaflet is available here in pdf format.

This programme is accredited by the British Psychological Society as conferring eligibility for Graduate Membership of the Society with the Graduate Basis for Registration, provided the minimum standard of qualification of second class honours is achieved. This is the first step towards becoming a Chartered Psychologist.

Arts or Science?

The Psychology components of your degree are the same regardless of whether you take an MA or BSc in Psychology. The difference is in the other subjects you study in your first and possibly your second year. If your background is scientific choose the BSc but if your other interests are philosophical, historical or literature, choose the MA.

Requirements

The School of Psychology is eager to encourage applications from as wide a range of people as possible, and if you have non-standard qualifications we will be happy to advise on their acceptability.

Our standard offers are as follows:
Single sitting:
AABB at Higher,
AAB at A level,
36 points at International Baccalaureate.

For applicants offering passes obtained over more than one sitting, the grades required are often higher than this.

Details on joint degrees.

There are no subject specific prerequesites for admission to the Psychology course, so it is not necessary to have studied Psychology before applying for a Psychology course at the first year level (or any other subject beyond the University and Faculty requirements).

It is important to note that many factors are taken into account in determining level of offer, and actual grades sought may be higher or lower than this.

However, it is important to stress that, in line with University policy, we are keen to recognise potential. We read both your personal statement and your references with care. We are especially willing to reward results that have been achieved against a background of personal hardship or social disadvantage and to vary our offers accordingly.

More information about subject requirements for different faculties, about requirements in the case of non-standard qualifications or for overseas students, and about how to arrange a visit to the University and the School of Psychology, can be found on the undergraduate student pages of the University website.

If you can't find an answer to your question on that website or this page, please contact admissions@st-andrews.ac.uk. If your question is specific to the Psychology undergraduate course, please contact Dr James Ainge the Psychology Undergraduate Admissions Officer.

Part-time Evening Degree Programme

Admission to the Part-time Evening Degree Programme will normally be restricted to suitably qualified adults over the age of 21. The normal requirements for entry to undergraduate degree programmes will be relaxed for this programme.

Applicants must, however, demonstrate that they are capable of profiting from, and succeeding in, a demanding academic environment.