What is the University of St Andrews?
Q: What is the University of St Andrews?
A: The University of St Andrews (St Andrews University or St Andrews) is a public research university in St Andrews, Fife, Scotland. It is the oldest of the four ancient universities of Scotland and the third oldest university in the English-speaking world.
Q: When was it founded?
A: The University of St Andrews was founded between 1410 and 1413 when an Antipope issued a papal bull to a small founding group of Augustinian clergy.
Q: What does it consist of?
A: The University consists of three constituent colleges (United College, St Mary's College, and St Leonard's College) and 18 academic Schools organized into four Faculties. It also occupies historic and modern buildings throughout the town.
Q: How is its academic year divided?
A: The academic year at the University is divided into two terms, Martinmas and Candlemas.
Q: How diverse is its student body?
A: The student body at the University is very diverse; over 45% come from over 100 countries outside of the UK, with about one-eighth coming from other EU countries and another third coming from overseas – 15% from North America alone.
Q: How does it rank nationally?
A: National league tables currently rank St Andrews as third best university in the United Kingdom behind Oxbridge according to various rankings such as those by Guardian, Complete University Guide, Times Higher Education World Universities Ranking etc., while some Schools such as Physics & Astronomy are ranked first in their respective fields within UK itself.
Q: Who are some notable alumni/staff members associated with this university? A: Notable alumni/staff members associated with this university include former First Minister Alex Salmond; Secretary Michael Fallon; HM British Ambassador Barbara Woodward; US Ambassador Colleen Bell; Olympic gold medalist Chris Hoy; Prince William Duke Cambridge & Catherine Duchess Cambridge etc., along with six Nobel Laureates who have been awarded for Chemistry & Physiology or Medicine and Peace & Literature respectively
