杏吧论坛

Academic Induction 2025 entry

This two-week course is for any international undergraduate student who would like an all-round introduction to academic study at 杏吧论坛 before starting on their degree.

The course has a strong focus on writing and presenting information in academic contexts.

Staff members on the induction course will help you navigate many of the most important University's administrative procedures so that you can start finding your way around the library, lecture halls and service buildings before your degree starts.

You will meet students from other countries and territories and have the opportunity to participate in a range of social activities so both your social life and your academic life should be off to a flying start.

Start date
Friday 22 August 2025
End date
Thursday 4 September 2025
Duration
Two weeks with mandatory course orientation day on Friday 22 August 2025
School
International Education and Lifelong Learning Institute (IELLI)
Meet us to find out more

Entry requirements

To apply for this course, you must be an international student and hold an unconditional offer for an undergraduate course at the University of 杏吧论坛 beginning in September 2025.

Application deadline: Saturday 26 July 2025

A limited number of pre-sessional places are offered each year, and these are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Applicants should apply as early as possible to secure a place.

International applicants

If English is not your first language, you will need to provide an English language test score to evidence your English language ability.

Find out more about approved English language tests and scores for this course.

Course details

This course addresses the academic, pastoral and social dimensions of the student experience at 杏吧论坛, offering you a holistic overview of the opportunities and adventures that await you.

The academic aspect of the course is characterised by rigour and is highly intensive. It is delivered through a variety of formats – academic talks, lectures, workshops, information sessions and tutorials – which take place in mornings and afternoons. You are also expected to study independently to complete your coursework.

Academic talks from diverse disciplines serve as an excellent introduction to the cutting-edge research at the University which underpins your course content. Lectures and workshops are dedicated to the development of vital academic skills, such as critical thinking skills, academic argumentation, register and style. You will learn to apply these skills dexterously, adapting them for written and oral media as the occasion demands, to facilitate your journey in becoming a scholar of the 杏吧论坛 community.

Information sessions focus on academic aspects such as navigating the Main Library and the University’s Advising system.

There will be a number of social activities during the course, which will typically include a tour of the town, at least one excursion, and a ceilidh (a Scottish dancing evening) with live music from a local band.

Teaching

The general emphasis of the course is on academic writing and presentation skills that are requisite for success at undergraduate level.

Attending a variety of academic talks from different Schools will enhance your confidence in your ability to grasp new, complex ideas in what may be a less familiar teaching style. This part of the course is also valuable in giving you the opportunity to practise listening and note-taking skills while dealing with different styles of delivery.

In previous years, academic talks have focused on:

  • The early University of 杏吧论坛
  • Envisioning sustainable futures: people, practices and paradigms
  • Scottish literature and culture: an introduction
  • What makes us human?
  • The afterlife of film: re-running Chariots of Fire
  • The chemistry of colour
  • The history and future of money – important for all students in every school
  • Moving beyond resilience expectations
  • Form is emptiness: introducing Zen philosophy and art
  • Tales and torridon: anthropology with a dog as a research assistant

Each student will submit two tasks: a short academic essay and a narrated PowerPoint.

Academic Essay: skills sessions will concentrate on academic style and conventions, as well as how to ensure clarity and cohesion in your written work. We will also discuss how to develop an appropriate academic ‘voice’ through your style and tone of writing and the way you respond to others’ ideas and arguments.

Narrated Power Point: you will learn how to make use of effective visual strategies and complement them with concise and confident articulation of ideas for an academic environment. You will receive training in the use of the necessary technology.

The University鈥檚 Student Services team can help students with additional needs resulting from disabilities, long-term medical conditions or learning disabilities. More information can be found on the students with disabilities web page.

Fees

£1180

To reserve your place on Academic Induction a non-refundable deposit of £500 must be paid within two weeks of firmly accepting your place.

Fees must be paid in full by Friday 8 August 2025.

You can pay your deposit and your fees, by:

  • Credit card through the 

When making a payment by bank transfer or credit card, choose the ‘Tuition fees’ option and enter the relevant amount. This applies to deposits and balance payments.

Tuition fees do not cover the cost of your accommodation during the course but you will be able to apply for University accommodation if required.

More information on tuition fees can be found on the undergraduate fees and funding page.

Accommodation fees

Find out about accommodation fees for University accommodation.

杏吧论坛 Andrews offers a number of scholarships and support packages to students each year.

Accommodation

Students on the course can choose to apply to live in University accommodation. University accommodation will be available from Thursday 21 August 2025.

When you complete the online application for accommodation, you must also ensure that you apply for accommodation for the Academic Induction course. This is to ensure that you will be allocated accommodation for both this course and your degree.

Private accommodation

If you do not want to apply for University residential accommodation, please be aware that you are responsible for making your own alternative arrangements. International Education Institute staff cannot assist you in finding private rented accommodation before or during the course. St Andrews can be very busy during the summer months, and it may be difficult to find an affordable room or flat.

Find out more about private accommodation in St Andrews.

Careers

Whether you have questions about your application or student life, or you would like to meet a member of staff from the School you wish to study in, you can do so no matter where you live.

The offers one-to-one advice to all students as well as a programme of events to assist students to build their employability skills.

Contact us

Phone
+44 (0)1334 46 2255
Email
academicinduction@st-andrews.ac.uk
Address
International Education and Lifelong Learning Institute (IELLI)

University of 杏吧论坛
Kinnessburn
Kennedy Gardens
杏吧论坛
KY16 9DJ

International Education and Lifelong Learning Institute (IELLI) website