Program Overview

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Science (International Year Zero) Programme

Overview

The Science (International Year Zero) programme is a foundational course designed to prepare international students for undergraduate study in scientific disciplines at the University of St Andrews. This programme enables students to progress onto the first year of undergraduate degree programmes in chemistry, chemistry with medicinal chemistry, computer science, Earth and environmental sciences, geology, mathematics, neuroscience, and statistics.

Course Type: International Year Zero

This is the University's own pre-degree programme, which prepares international students for undergraduate study in the UK and at the University of St Andrews in particular. Students who complete the programme successfully progress to the first year of an undergraduate degree.

Entry Requirements

Academic Requirements

Typical academic requirements for the Science (International Year Zero) programme vary depending on the student's country and qualification. Students can demonstrate their academic ability with a high school transcript from their final year at school. Any high school qualification used as evidence of academic ability should be from the last year attended and dated within the previous three years.

English Language Requirement

All International Foundation offer-holders must submit a Secure English Test (SELT) as evidence of their English language ability, unless they do not require a student visa to study in the UK.

Do I Need to Have Studied This Subject Before?

Students need to have studied sciences at school. Strong grades in relevant subjects like mathematics or integrated sciences would make the application more competitive.

Application Requirements

• Your most recent high school transcript
• A personal statement
• An academic reference from your high school on their letterhead or from a school email
• Your official English language test result

Application Deadline

The deadline for applications is Monday, 14 July 2025. You only need to provide your high school transcript and personal statement when you submit your application.

Course Details

Programme Structure

The programme is designed to help international students succeed as undergraduates in scientific disciplines. The course aims to ensure that students develop analytical, communication, and research skills, and the study techniques needed for their degree. The structure of the programme provides dedicated support in the first semester, when it is most needed, and will progressively encourage students to work independently and collaboratively.

Modules

Semester 1

• Communicating in Academic Contexts 1: Helps students develop and practise productive and receptive academic spoken communication skills.
• Research and Writing for Humanities and Science 1: Helps students develop the key skills needed to succeed in the main types of assessment in their undergraduate degree programme.
• Foundation Academic Thought in Arts and Science (optional)
• Foundation Inorganic and Physical Chemistry (optional)
• Mathematics A (optional)

Semester 2

• Communicating in Academic Contexts 2: Helps students further develop and practise productive and receptive academic oral communication skills.
• Research and Writing for Humanities and Science 2: Builds on the skills, strategies, and language introduced and developed in Research and Writing in Humanities and Science 1.
• Foundation Mathematics (optional)
• Foundation Statistics (optional)
• Foundation Organic Chemistry (optional)
• Mathematics B (optional)

Teaching and Support

Classes take place Monday to Friday between 9am and 6pm. Students will spend approximately 16 hours per week on focused learning activities. As a fully matriculated student, you have access to the University's libraries and study areas.

Fees and Accommodation

Tuition Fee

The tuition fee for 2025 entry is £26,380. This fee includes:

• Access to all University facilities
• A transfer from Edinburgh or Glasgow airport, or Leuchars train station, when you first arrive
• The use of course books, handouts, and other course materials

Accommodation

The International Education and Lifelong Learning Institute recommends that students request an en suite single room with either a self-catered or catered package. University accommodation is guaranteed for International Foundation students.

Your Future

Studying Your Degree at the University of St Andrews

Students can progress onto the first year of an undergraduate degree programme in:

• Chemistry
• Chemistry with medicinal chemistry
• Computer science
• Earth and environmental sciences
• Geology
• Mathematics
• Neuroscience
• Statistics

To progress onto a degree at the University of St Andrews, students must achieve a minimum grade of 11.0 in English for Academic Purposes (EAP) modules, and a minimum grade of 7.0 in all other modules.

Your Undergraduate Offer

Students entering the Science (International Year Zero) programme in September 2025 will receive a conditional offer in Semester 1 for a place on their intended degree programme at the University of St Andrews starting in September 2026. When students successfully complete the programme with the required grade, their offer to enter the degree programme at St Andrews will become unconditional.