St Andrews - Ask A Current Student Thread

You might not be able to take it even in first year, since they don't like people applying to courses like philosophy which are easier than IR to get into then switching to IR. You might get lucky and get a spot on the IR course, (they might put you on a waiting list or something in case someone drops out). But I wouldn't get your hopes up about studying IR if you come to St Andrews for Philosophy.

I'm pretty sure my flatmate applied for philosophy. He's done IR in addition the past 3 semesters and is considering doing the joint degree. I think you'd probably be fine. I know lots of people who take IR and it isn't their first subject, there's something silly like 400 people doing it in 1st year and it's definitely not all of them who actually have signed up to do it as a degree.

That is good to hear! Which year are you in, may I ask? I read something about not being able to take IR in second year at '1000' level, what does that mean exactly?

Thanks so much to both of you for your responses.

I'm in 3rd year.

1000 level is first year stuff. I'm sure they do turn some people away but it's most likely those without AAA. I'm pretty sure you'd be fine.

So I don't understand why they say you can't take 1000 level at second year? Sorry, the whole Scottish system is confusing to me at the moment - I'm sure I'll get used to it if I'm lucky enough to go to St As! I suppose it makes sense that they would want people to have the grades needed to take it as a subject, it's fair enough. Thanks for your help.

This means you can't take up IR in second year.
You can take 1000 level modules in second year

For example,
My degree is in Modern History so as long as I take the required 4 modules for this, I can do my degree in it. There are 2 1000 level modules and 2 2000 level modules.
I did extra modules in Ancient History and IR in the first semester of first year. Then second semester I dropped IR and took up Medieval history. This year I took Ancient and Medieval again but next semester I am dropping them and taking up first year modules instead. Basically, to take modules in second year, you have to have taken the first year modules (usually). So what they are saying is that if you want to take up new modules in second year, you cannot take IR unless you have done it in first year. You cannot take it up as a new module in second year.
Sorry that this is complicated to explain.

also, you can do IR as part of your degree, no problem. Yes it is oversubsribed but loadssss of people take it as an extra module every year and I have never once heard of someone being turned down to do this as long as they meet any pre requisites (AAA at A level, can't be part of facualty of science etc. you can find that online). As long as you take all required modules in philosophy and IR, you should be able to go a joint degree.

Question for a student.
This may be the most middle class thing I could ask but as St. Andrews is quite far north, is there any opportunity to go up to the mountains and ski?
Parents lived in Glasgow and used to go very now and then so I'm wondering about whether it's possible.

I've applied for philosophy and am aware that three subjects are studied at the beginning and then there's the possibility of changing your original course to a joint honours. I'd like to have the possibility of eventually ending up with a joint honours degree in philosophy and international relations, however I know how oversubscribed IR is at Saint Andrew's and have read something about not being able to take it as a subject in the second year, so does this mean that I wouldn't be able to eventually make it part of my degree? I've looked elsewhere online but can't quite work it out.

Thanks in advance for any response.

I know it's already been discussed, but I'm really curious on how "elitist" St. Andrews is. I do get that it is what you make of it, but are the people difficult to get to know?
I guess, I'm mainly asking because I've been a bit spoiled in Vienna as it was terribly easy to make friends here whereas I have friends at different universities where it apparently was more difficult because the people seemed a bit cold and unapproachable.

Maybe I'm getting a bit ahead of myself as I haven't even heard back yet

I know it's already been discussed, but I'm really curious on how "elitist" St. Andrews is. I do get that it is what you make of it, but are the people difficult to get to know?
I guess, I'm mainly asking because I've been a bit spoiled in Vienna as it was terribly easy to make friends here whereas I have friends at different universities where it apparently was more difficult because the people seemed a bit cold and unapproachable.

Maybe I'm getting a bit ahead of myself as I haven't even heard back yet

Hi, sorry if this question has been asked a MILLION times, but I'm curious about the social life at St. Andrews?
I applied because I really really like the course there, and I wouldn't say I'm a massive party animal or anything, but I go out drinking/clubbing quite a lot and I'm not the most studious of people at times. I really want to have a fun university experience and from some reviews I've heard I'm worried this isn't something I'll get at St. Andrews??
Could someone give me an idea of the social/'going out' scene in St. Andrews??
Thanks!!

There's loads to do, many of my friends go drinking all the time. Not sure whether Medicine at St Andrews is a good idea though if you're not into studying...

Do most people usually attend the various St. A's balls?

Do you have to empty your room at Christmas and Easter when staying in university accommodation?