Gateway to Arts 2021 entry
The Gateway to Arts programme 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 to benefit from a supported transition programme into the University of St Andrews, before progressing into year three of a degree programme offered in the Faculty of Arts.
The programme is only open to applicants who at least two, if not all, of the specific eligibility criteria below as well as the academic entry grades for this programme.
UCAS code
Y003
Course type
An integrated pathway into year three of a full degree programme
Course duration
Two years full time
- Start date: 6 September 2021
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
- were 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.
Reputation
The University of St Andrews as a whole was voted top in the UK for student academic experience in The National Student Survey 2020 as 92.7% of St Andrews final-year students gave the University top marks for the quality of the learning and teaching experience.
The University has secured a TEF Gold award for the quality of teaching and the undergraduate experience.
Find out more about studying at the University of St Andrews.
Course information
The Gateway to Arts MA (General) is a supported entry pathway coordinated by the Admissions department. Gateway students enter the first year of the programme with a specific Honours degree route in mind and will take modules relevant for that programme. They will also be required to attend a peer-led tutorial each week in their main degree subject.
Gateway students have a designated Adviser 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 the programme, 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.
Find out more about studying at the University of St Andrews.
Fees
Tuition fees for 2021 entry
2021 fees are not available yet for this course. 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.
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 University buildings are located throughout the town, walking around you encounter ancient and modern buildings, parks and beaches, providing a rich, beautiful backdrop to learning. Find out more about the town of St Andrews.
Find out more about student life at the University of St Andrews.
Contact
Access and Widening Participation Team
Admissions
University of St Andrews
St Katharine's West
The Scores
St Andrews
KY16 9AX
Phone: +44 (0)1334 46 2346
Email: gatewayto@st-andrews.ac.uk
Policies
Admission to the University of St Andrews is governed by our admissions policy.
Information about all programmes from previous years of entry can be found in the archive.
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.
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.