Is St Andrews one of the top universities in the UK?
I’m an international student currently researching UK universities and have been looking into the BSc (Hons) Biochemistry course at the University of St Andrews. While doing so, I noticed that its global QS ranking is around 113th, and that the stated A-level entry requirements (AAB as a standard offer, with ABB as a minimum) appear lower than I had expected. This made me wonder how St Andrews is generally viewed by UK students, particularly in comparison with other well-known universities. More broadly, if someone wanted to understand how universities are perceived within the UK itself, which ranking systems or indicators would be the most meaningful to look at?
Reply 1
Original post
by username7866846I’m an international student currently researching UK universities and have been looking into the BSc (Hons) Biochemistry course at the University of St Andrews. While doing so, I noticed that its global QS ranking is around 113th, and that the stated A-level entry requirements (AAB as a standard offer, with ABB as a minimum) appear lower than I had expected. This made me wonder how St Andrews is generally viewed by UK students, particularly in comparison with other well-known universities. More broadly, if someone wanted to understand how universities are perceived within the UK itself, which ranking systems or indicators would be the most meaningful to look at?
Hi there. I wouldn’t worry too much about different ranking sites, they all differ.
St Andrews is a highly regarded and reputable Uni in the UK and abroad. If you’re looking for somewhere with a good name St Andrews does have this. There’s been an article in the last couple years offering to change Oxbridge (Oxford and Cambridge) to include St Andrews in its name. It was also ranked top of the country in a couple of rankings in past years so it is well regarded.
In terms of why it is 113th I wouldn’t worry either. I think I saw somewhere that St Andrews doesn’t produce as much research as some other Unis and some rankings bring it down because of that. I wouldn’t say that’s a bad or a good thing. There’s also loads of great unis in the world so 113 is still pretty high.
ABB being a minimum offer isn’t very common, most Unis it will be lower (also depends on the degree). Not many ask for higher grades than the standard offer apart from Oxbridge and London or if you’re applying for something like Medicine.
Having received an offer from St Andrews and visiting I thought it was a lovely University. It also has a high international student population I believe if that is something you are looking for. Bare in mind it is not a big place, so if you want a city lifestyle it is not the best option.
In terms of general Uni ranking it is quite opinion based. The ‘Russel Group’ unis are generally well regarded - these are unis that have chosen to be a part of this group by saying they want to focus on research as an institution. But many non RG unis are well regarded too like Durham, Loughborough, Bath or St Andrews itself. The ‘general’ idea is that Oxbridge and London unis like Imperial, UCL, KCL etc are some of the ‘top unis’ but they aren’t the be all or end all and you could be just as successful and happy at other unis. Overall most UK unis are well regarded worldwide.
Hope this helps a bit
Quick Reply
Related discussions
- Is the University of St Andrews considered one of the top universities in the UK?
- St Andrews or Edinburgh for Theology/Philosophy?
- St Andrews Ranking
- St Andrews or UCL for psychology conversion
- Edinburgh, Dundee and St Andrews uni for Medicine
- LSE - gap year or transfer
- Durham Wins University of the Year
- Durham or St Andrews?!!
- University of St Andrews Applicant Thread 2026
- Is St Andrews a top university in United Kingdom
- ESCP Bsc
- Warwick VS St Andrews
- ib boundaries in top unis
- British universities to study International Relations
- Student life at imperial vs St Andrews (for chemistry)
- Medieval history postgrad
- Btecs for cambridge law 2026 undergraduate
- LSE or St Andrews IR and Chinese
- Official University of St Andrews 2025 Applicant Thread
- St Andews vs Bath Msc Economics
Latest
Trending
Last reply 1 day ago
Official University of St Andrews 2025 Applicant ThreadUniversity of St Andrews
224
1157
Last reply 2 months ago
Official St Andrews Uni Offer Holders Thread 2025 entryLast reply 6 months ago
a bit niche… biblical studies and philosophy at st andrewsLast reply 6 months ago
St andrews chemistry grads make the same as hull chemistry gradsLast reply 7 months ago
St Andrews Culture – Any Issues with Class or Diversity?Posted 7 months ago
What is St Andrews like for supporting mental health/pastoral support?Articles for you
How The Student Room is moderated
To keep The Student Room safe for everyone, we moderate posts that are added to the site.
