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Gateway to Science 2022 entry

The Gateway to Science provides supported entry into degree-level study at St Andrews for applicants who have narrowly missed the 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 Science.

The programme is only open to applicants who meet at least two, if not all, of the specific eligibility criteria below as well as the academic entry grades for this programme.

How to apply Register your interest

UCAS code

CFG2

Course type

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

Course duration

Two years full time

  • Start date: 5 September 2022

After successfully completing year two, Gateway students will progress directly into year three of one of the named degree programmes within the Faculty of Science.

Do I need to have studied this subject before?

No prior knowledge is needed for the Gateway to Science programme. However, many of the Science subjects will require previous knowledge of that subject to study them. Applicants should have studied a range of subjects relevant to their intended degree interest. 

How to apply

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 an area of deprivation 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

The 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.

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 Science BSc (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 an additional peer-led tutorial each week in their main degree subjects.

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.

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.

For Gateway students successfully progressing to the Honours programme of their choice, the full range of third and fourth-year modules are available to them. Fifth-year modules will be available for those progressing to an Integrated Masters programme.

For Gateway students progressing to a General degree route, the modules will be chosen from the third and fourth-year modules for which they meet the pre-requisites.

Meet us online

If you're interested in studying at St Andrews, join us on a visiting day or online information session to find out about our courses, how to apply, and to meet current students.

Virtual visiting days

Fees

Tuition fees for 2022 entry

Tuition fees for 2022 have not yet been set. For fees for the current year of entry, see 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

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, ensure 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.