Social Sciences and Humanities (International Foundation) January 2021 entry
The January Social Sciences and Humanities programme is a multi-discipline programme which enables students to complete their studies in time to enter university in September of the same year. This intense programme is designed to equip students with the intellectual and linguistic skills appropriate to the demands of an undergraduate degree programme.
Based on their future degree intention, students will typically choose academic subjects such as Psychology, History, International Relations, Literature and Philosophy.
Teaching and learning experiences introduce students to their future degrees and possible future careers. The programme has a high success rate with 100% of students completing the programme successfully over the past three years. Graduates have gone on to study for single and joint Honours degrees at the University of St Andrews and other top UK universities.
Applications are now closed
This course is now closed for applications for January 2021 entry. Course information for January 2022 entry will be available on this page in April 2021.
Course type
International Foundation programme
This is the University’s own pre-degree programme which prepares international students for undergraduate study in the UK, and at the University of St Andrews in particular.
Course duration
Seven months, full time
Course dates
Start date: 14 January 2021
End date: 13 August 2021
The schedule for this programme differs slightly from the standard University semester dates. All weeks from the programme start date to end date are teaching or assessment weeks, other than the following:
- spring vacation: 22 March to 2 April 2021
If you started this programme in January 2020, you can find information about 2020 entry on the 2020 Social Sciences and Humanities IFP page. Information about all programmes from previous years of entry can be found in the archive.
This course is for:
International students who are academically able, but whose high school qualification is not recognised for application to an undergraduate degree at St Andrews. Foundation students typically use English as an additional language.
Applicants will normally meet the following criteria:
- be designated 'overseas' for fees purposes by the University (not 'Home/EU' or 'Rest of the UK')
- have a national high school qualification or mixed-curricula qualifications not recognised for application to an undergraduate degree at the University of St Andrews. If you have three A-Levels, the HKDSE, a full IB Diploma or any qualification type that is recognised for degree entry, you will not be eligible for an International Foundation programme, irrespective of the grades you have achieved.
- be due to leave school soon or have left school within the past three years
- have not previously studied on a foundation programme in the UK
- have not previously studied at university.
Do I need to have studied this subject before?
No, but candidates should have strong grades in any subjects relevant to their intended degree subject.
Entry requirements
Academic requirements
Typical IFP academic requirements - 2020-2021 entry (PDF) for this programme are listed alphabetically by country. If your qualification is not shown here, please email ifp@st-andrews.ac.uk about the grades needed from your high school system.
You can demonstrate that you have met the academic requirements with a high school transcript from your final year at school. Any high school qualification you use as evidence of your academic ability should be from the last year you attended high school and be dated within the previous three years.
You should apply before your final results are available, as the University can make you a conditional offer based on your past exam performance and predicted grades.
English language requirement
An IELTS (Academic) test report form with a minimum of 6.0 overall and no component score below 5.0.
If you require a visa, your IELTS test must be for UKVI purposes. See an overview of the English language requirements for foundation applicants.
You do not need to have your result when you apply, as this can be a condition of any offer made by the University.
Application requirements
The University requires you to provide the following documents as part of your application:
- your most recent high school transcript
- a personal statement outlining why you wish to study Social Sciences and Humanities at St Andrews and reflecting on your life and learning experiences to explain why you feel you would be successful on this programme
- an academic reference from your high school on their letterhead, or from a school email
- your IELTS (Academic) test report form.
Application deadline
The deadline for applications is 30 November 2020. You only need to provide your most recent high school transcript and personal statement when you first apply so that the University can consider your application. Your academic reference and your English language evidence can be provided later.
Reputation
The University of St Andrews as a whole was voted top in the UK for student academic experience in The National Student Survey 2019 as 95% 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.
Course information
The January International Foundation Programme for Social Sciences and Humanities prepares students for the demands of an undergraduate degree programme. The combination and integration of academic study skills and academic lecture courses is designed to give you a broad base of academic subject knowledge from various disciplines as well as the intellectual skills to critically analyse concepts to a high level. In particular, the programme prepares students for undergraduate study in the Faculty of Arts in St Andrews or the BA International Honours with the College of William & Mary.
Students will learn how to prepare extended academic essays and presentations directly related to their academic subjects, as well as complete academic and language skills examinations. During the programme, you will use and develop reading, writing and research skills in addition to learning from lectures. You will broaden your academic subject knowledge and develop critical thinking.
You will benefit from experienced and expert tuition in a friendly and supportive learning environment where you will study in small groups to accelerate your learning and adaptation to the new culture. You will have access to a personal tutor who will help you work on your time-management techniques and will support you to become an independent and reflective learner.
In particular, this programme provides:
- the potential for progression onto a single or joint Honours degree programme
- a thorough grounding in classical and sociological issues pertaining to a range of disciplines in the arts and humanities
- small group teaching with highly experienced teachers
- intensive and academic teaching designed to help you develop the skills to succeed
- a strong emphasis on criticality, improving analytical skills, time management and writing in authentic academic contexts.
By the end of the programme you will have a clear understanding of the key ideas that underpin many of the subjects that you will be going on to study. You will also have knowledge of the university system and experience of different types of assessment.
Modules
The modules listed here are the typical modules students must take in order to complete their foundation programme. The choice of academic subjects depends on timetabling, and some subject combinations may not be available for 2021 entry.
Students will take the following three modules in their first semester:
- Communicating in Academic Contexts 1: helps you develop and practise productive and receptive academic spoken communication skills to use within the Foundation programme and in your undergraduate programme.
- Research and Writing for Arts 1: introduces you to academic English and writing conventions in the Faculty of Arts through a combination of reading and writing classes.
In addition to these two compulsory modules, you will choose four compulsory academic subjects. Students typically choose from the following options, depending on their degree intention:
All students will study the same two compulsory modules in their second semester:
- Communicating in Academic Contexts 2: helps you further develop and practise productive and receptive academic oral communication skills that you will need to draw on in your degree programme.
- Research and Writing for Arts and Science: continues to develop reading and writing skills, but working with more complex texts and different types of writing.
- Critical Thinking in Arts and Science: consolidates students' understanding of the history and development of academic thought in both the arts and the sciences, which will enhance their ability to work with key philosophical and analytical principles underpinning academic study.
The modules listed here are indicative, and there is no guarantee they will run for 2021 entry. Take a look at the most up-to-date modules in the module catalogue.
Teaching
Teaching format
Classes take place Monday to Friday between 9am and 6pm (UK time).
You will spend approximately 16 to 18 hours per week on focused learning activities. During this time, you will experience a mixture of recorded lectures, live online or face to face seminars or tutorials with your maximum class size likely to be between 14 and 16 students.
As well as your timetabled classes, you will be expected to complete approximately 20 to 25 hours of independent study each week. As a fully matriculated student, you have access to the University’s libraries and study areas, but you will also work with the University's online learning tools (Moodle and Microsoft Teams).
Students are expected to do the following to prepare for classes and consolidate their learning:
- read and take notes from online textbooks, articles, and other online sources as required
- undertake additional research and self-study through the University library and online
- complete a range of homework tasks, individually and in groups
- engage with feedback on both formative and summative assessments.
The University’s student services team can help students who have additional needs resulting from disabilities, long-term medical conditions or learning disabilities. More information can be found on the students with disabilities web page.
Assessment
The programme includes a variety of types of assessment to give you the experience of different ways of being tested including:
- academic essays
- end of module examinations.
- presentations
- research projects.
You will have regular coursework assignments throughout both semesters, and some of these will contribute towards your final grade. Students will also have two sets of examinations, one set at the end of each semester.
Students will be given feedback on their coursework to help to prepare for the assessments.
Meet us in your country
Staff of the University of St Andrews are always pleased to meet prospective students in person. We visit many schools, colleges and higher education fairs to talk about the University and provide support and information for those thinking about applying.
If you are interested in studying at St Andrews, join us on a talk and tour to explore the town and find out about the courses and opportunities we offer.
Fees
Combined fee
The International Foundation programme offers an all-inclusive fee package which covers all the major costs of the foundation year so that there are no hidden extra costs.
2021-entry fees: £28,100
The all-inclusive fee package includes:
- tuition
- accommodation, including a bedding pack
- a catered meal plan with 14 meals per week
- access to all University facilities
- a transfer from Edinburgh or Glasgow airport, or Leuchars train station, when you first arrive
- the use of course books, handouts and other course materials
- laboratory coats and dissection kits, if required
- 24-hour emergency phone number
- programme-led and seasonal social events.
Scholarships
Kinnessburn Scholarship
For students moving from a foundation programme to a degree at St Andrews.
Students who successfully complete the International Foundation programme with a distinction grade and move onto a degree at St Andrews are eligible to apply for the Kinnessburn Scholarship. This scholarship is awarded to one student annually in June and provides a partial fee waiver for each year of study on an undergraduate programme at St Andrews.
IFP January Scholarship
If you are coming to study an International Foundation or International Pathway to Medicine programme in January 2021, and you receive your offer on or before Friday 6 November 2020, you can be eligible to apply for this scholarship. Up to five successful applicants will receive £2,000 towards the cost of their foundation tuition fees. Deadline for applications is Sunday 15 November 2020. Find out more about the IFP January Scholarship.
Accommodation
The fee package includes catered accommodation which the University arranges this on your behalf so you do not need to apply for accommodation.
All students are allocated a room in David Russell Apartments (DRA). In each apartment, there are five study bedrooms, each with its own private shower and toilet, a shared living space and fully equipped kitchen.
Bedding pack
A bedding pack will be delivered to David Russell Apartments for each Pathway student. The bedding pack is for a standard double bed (UK size) and contains:
- one duvet (10.5 tog)
- one duvet cover
- one flat sheet
- two pillows
- two pillowcases.
Meals
Students are on a catered meal plan that gives them 14 meals per week during the semester.
Breakfast and an evening meal are served every weekday; breakfast and lunch are served on Saturdays and Sundays.
Your future
Students on the January Social Sciences and Humanities foundation programme who achieve a final overall grade of 11.0 or above on the University's 20-point scale will receive an unconditional offer from the Faculty of Arts at the University of St Andrews to study a degree programme related to their subject choices on the foundation programme.
Popular degree options for students on the January Social Sciences and Humanities programme include:
- Art history
- Comparative literature
- English
- Film studies
- International relations
- Philosophy
- Psychology.
Students who pass the foundation programme but do not stay in St Andrews are advised and assisted with applications to other institutions in the UK.
Contact
International Foundation programmesInternational Education Institute
University of St Andrews
Kinnessburn
Kennedy Gardens
St Andrews
KY16 9DJ
Phone: +44 (0)1334 46 2255
Email: ifp@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.