How to Apply to Computer Science at the University of St Andrews: The Four-Year BSc and Five-Year MSci, with Requirements and Timelines for Chinese and Canadian High School Students and Transfer Students

The University of St Andrews is in Scotland. Undergraduate computer science is taught by the School of Computer Science in the Faculty of Science. Scottish degrees usually take four years; in the first two years (sub-honours) you study other subjects alongside computer science. Here is what you need to know for September 2027 entry, based on St Andrews’ official information, for students at high schools in China, students at Canadian high schools (including BC and Vancouver students), and transfer students.

1. Programmes

• Computer Science BSc (Hons): UCAS code G400, four years full time.
• Computer Science MSci (Hons): UCAS code G401, a five-year Integrated Masters with a substantial final-year project and Masters-level modules.
• Joint Honours: Computer Science combines with Biology, Economics, Management, Mathematics, Philosophy, Psychology or Statistics; the subject with the higher requirements sets the grades.
• No prior computer science needed: but applicants are expected to have studied mathematics at SQA Higher, A-level or equivalent.

2. Course structure

• Years 1 and 2: basic concepts of computer science and several programming languages. In Year 1 you take at least one other subject; in Year 2 you can continue it or focus on computer science. Typically one or two computer science modules per semester.
• Years 3 and 4 (Honours): three or four computer science modules per semester, with advanced options such as cyber security, video games and computer graphics. The MSci includes a year-long team software engineering project in Year 3.
• Study abroad: available through St Andrews Abroad, but computer science students can only go for a full academic year.
• Placements: the course page does not mention a paid placement year.

3. Entry requirements

• International applicants use the Standard requirements: the transfer page says applicants from outside the UK should use Standard entry; Minimum entry applies to eligible UK applicants.
• A-levels: Standard AAA, including A in Mathematics and a pass in one of Biology, Chemistry, Computing, Further Mathematics, Geology, Geography, Physics or Psychology.
• IB: Standard 38 (HL 6,6,6), including HL6 in Mathematics and SL5 in one of Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Geography, Geology, Physics or Psychology.
• SQA Highers: Standard AAAAB including A in Mathematics.
• General requirements: GCSE (5) in English language or literature and one GCSE (5) in Biology, Chemistry, Computing Science, Geography, Mathematics, Physics or Psychology, or equivalent.
• Interview: most applicants are not interviewed, and computer science is not among the exceptions.

4. Students at high schools in China

• The China page does not list the Gaokao: accepted routes include A-levels (AAB to A*A*A across the University), IB (36 to 38) and US qualifications; computer science follows its course page.
• US curriculum and AP: three APs at 4 or above with 5 in required subjects, or SAT 1320 or ACT 28.
• Foundation: St Andrews runs its own International Foundation Programmes; meeting the threshold score gives entry to undergraduate study.
• Whether the Gaokao can be used is not published; email the China team (china@st-andrews.ac.uk) to ask.

5. Students at Canadian high schools (including BC)

• British Columbia: the Certificate of Graduation (Dogwood) with an 85% average in Grade 12 classes and 90% or higher in required science subjects. Computer science requires mathematics, so take Calculus 12 and aim for 90%.
• Students also taking the IB should normally receive dual offers reflecting both sets of requirements.
• English: Canada is on the UKVI list of majority English-speaking countries, so Canadian nationals normally need no test; students who completed their final two years at an English-medium school with a substantial English writing subject may also be exempt.

6. Direct second-year entry and transfers

• Direct entry to second year: well-qualified school leavers may enter Year 2 and finish the BSc in three years or the MSci in four; Computer Science is on the eligible list. St Andrews says extra requirements are on course pages, but the computer science page read for this guide gave no specific grades, so confirm with Admissions. This route reduces flexibility in module choice.
• Transfers: only a small number are accepted each year and entry is competitive; you usually need an exceptional record and a valid reason, and must already hold the minimum grades and prerequisites. You cannot transfer into the final year of a four-year degree.
• Transfer documents: a second academic reference, a detailed university transcript, your final high school transcript (international students) and your syllabus for credit assessment. The deadline is also 13 January 2027.

7. English requirements (Science profile 7-D)

• IELTS Academic (including One Skill Retake): 6.5 overall with 6.0 in each component.
• TOEFL iBT: from 2026, 4.5 overall with 4.0 in each; for earlier tests, 81 overall with Reading 16, Writing 19, Listening 16 and Speaking 19.
• Duolingo: 130 overall with 115 in each; PTE Academic: 70 with 64 in each; Cambridge English: 176 with 169 in each.
• Test scores are normally accepted only within two years of the start date.

8. Fees

• EU and overseas students: both the BSc and MSci pages list £34,910 a year.
• See the scholarships pages for awards by fee status and programme; amounts were not checked for this guide.

9. How to apply and timeline (September 2027 entry)

• Three routes: UCAS; overseas students may also use the Common Application or St Andrews’ direct application, each counting as one of five UK choices. The direct application is for overseas students applying to St Andrews as their only UK university.
• 13 January 2027, 18:00 GMT: equal consideration deadline. Later international applications may be placed on a waiting list.
• Applicants who meet the deadline receive a decision by May 2027.

Checklist

Students at high schools in China:

• A-levels AAA (A in Mathematics plus a science-type subject) or IB 38 (HL 666, HL Maths 6)
• Senior high school only: email to ask whether the Gaokao can be used, or consider the International Foundation Programmes
• IELTS 6.5 (6.0 in each), TOEFL 4.5 (new scale) or Duolingo 130
• Apply through UCAS, the Common App or the direct application by 13 January 2027

Students at Canadian high schools (including BC and Vancouver):

• 85% Grade 12 average with 90% or above in mathematics and other required subjects
• Apply by 13 January; strong students can ask about direct second-year entry

Transfer students:

• Places are few; apply by 13 January with a second reference, university transcript and syllabus

Sources: University of St Andrews, Computer Science BSc; Computer Science MSci; Entry requirements: China; Entry requirements: British Columbia; Undergraduate English language requirements; English language profile 7-D; How to apply; Transfer students; Direct entry to second year. Information is for September 2027 entry. Check St Andrews for the latest details.