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Gateway to Arts 2020 entry

The Gateway to Arts provides supported entry into degree-level study at St Andrews for applicants who have narrowly missed our minimum entry grades and meet some, if not all, of the contextual criteria noted in the eligibility section below.

Our flexible degree structure allows students who wish to study any of the subjects offered in the Faculty of Arts to enter on this route and progress into a full degree programme at the end of year two.

The Gateway programme also offers advice and support to help ensure that students make the transition into university life.

Applications for 2020 entry for this course have now closed, see which courses are available for the upcoming academic year.

UCAS code

Y003

Course type

An integrated pathway into year three of a full degree programme.

Course duration

Two years full time

  • Start date: 7 September 2020

After successful completion of year two, students will progress directly into year three of one of our named degree programmes within the Faculty of Arts.

Do I need to have studied this subject before?

No prior knowledge is needed for the Gateway to Arts programme. Applicants should have studied a range of subjects relevant to their intended degree interest. Some subjects, however, may require previous knowledge. 

Timetables

St Andrews students must meet with their Adviser of Studies at the beginning of Semester 1 in September to complete advising – a compulsory part of the matriculation process. After module choices have been decided, a timetable will be allocated indicating the dates and times of classes.

Eligibility

Typically, candidates for Gateway programmes are those who have fallen short of minimum requirements and meet some, if not all of the following contextual criteria:

  • live in Scotland in an area of deprivation as defined by the Scottish Government as SIMD20
  • attend a low progression school
  • are care experienced as defined by the local authority
  • are a registered young carer.

Typical entry requirements

Typical academic entry requirements are:

  • SQA Highers: BBBB

Offers will be determined on individual applications taking into consideration contextual admissions information as well as academic performance.

Minimum grades at Highers can be taken over more than one sitting. 

Applicants under serious consideration for this route will be required to attend an interview with a member of the Admissions team and a member of academic staff to discuss their application in more detail.

Course information

The Gateway to Arts MA (General) is a supported entry pathway co-ordinated by Admissions. This is an initial two-year programme with possible progression to an Honours; Gateway students enter the programme with a specific Honours degree route in mind.

During your first year of study, you will take modules relevant for your intended Honours degree and will also be required to attend a peer-led tutorial each week in your main degree subject. 

Gateway students have a designated advisor of studies who will provide support and guidance for academic matters over the first two years of study. 

Gateway students also have a single point of contact within Admissions for signposting and guidance on where and when to seek help should issues arise.

At the end of the second year, if students have met all academic requirements for their chosen Honours route, they will progress to junior Honours (typically the third year of a four-year Honours course). Students who have not met the requirements will progress as per current Senate Regulations for progression.

Modules

In the first two years of your degree, Gateway students will undertake the standard compulsory sub-honours modules for the degree they intend to complete, as well as additional subjects from the full range of modules offered in the Faculty.

See module information, teaching format and assessment for different Honours degrees on the course pages.

If Gateway students successfully progress to the Honours programme of their choice, the full range of third and fourth-year modules are available to them.

If Gateway students progress to a General degree route, they will be able to choose from third and fourth-year modules for which they meet the pre-requisites.

Fees

Tuition fees for 2020 entry

Scotland Tuition fees for Scottish applicants have yet to be set for 2020 entry.

More information on tuition fees can be found on the undergraduate fees and funding page.

Accommodation fees

Find out about accommodation fees for University accommodation. 

Funding and scholarships

The University of St Andrews offers a number of scholarships and support packages to undergraduate students each year.

Find out more about undergraduate scholarships.

Student life

From the outset, the University of St Andrews offers an array of events and opportunities which result in a truly unique student experience. Students participate in a range of traditions, notably, the red academic gown and the academic family, where older students adopt first year students as ‘children’ and help guide them in a system of mentoring. These traditions and the choice of over 150 sports clubs and student societies to choose from ensures a community feel amongst students from first year onwards.

The town of St Andrews itself has lots to offer. As the campus is located in town, walking around you encounter ancient and modern buildings and areas of greenery and seaside which provide a rich, beautiful backdrop to learning. If you want a change of scenery, St Andrews' position near surrounding towns and cities such as Anstruther, Dundee and Edinburgh makes it ideal for getting to know more about Scotland.

Find out more about student life at the University of St Andrews.

Contact

Admissions
University of St Andrews 
St Katharine's West
The Scores
St Andrews
KY16 9AX

Phone: +44 (0)1334 46 2150
Email: gatewayto@st-andrews.ac.uk

Policies

Admission to the University of St Andrews is governed by our admissions policy.

Curriculum development

As a research intensive institution, the University ensures that its teaching references the research interests of its staff, which may change from time to time. As a result, programmes are regularly reviewed with the aim of enhancing students' learning experience. Our approach to course revision is described online (PDF, 72 KB).

Tuition fees

The University will clarify compulsory fees and charges it requires any student to pay at the time of offer. The offer will also clarify conditions for any variation of fees. The University’s approach to fee setting is described online (PDF, 84 KB).