Scottish Blog

The University of St Andrews is the oldest university in Scotland. It is one of the four ancient universities of Scotland and is a still standing and operating reminder of not only the Scottish history, but also its people and clansmen.

In the English speaking world, the University of St Andrews is the 3rd. It was established in 1413, by Papal Bull, or by the order of the Pope of the time. Initially the University of St Andrews was established to teach theology and clerical studies, after a charter was bestowed on the St Andrews Cathedral allowing it to teach. Three years later the Papal Bull was issued, which declared the establishment as a university.

Unlike other universities established at the time, the University of St Andrews has had a turbulent past and at times has faced closure. In part this could be attributed to the relatively small size of the town which houses it. St Andrews is located in Fife; it has a population of 16,000, of which 7,000 are the students of the University of St Andrews.

Various colleges (like faculties) sprung up in the University of St Andrews up until the early 16th century. By the 18th century some of these began to unite together to form new colleges. By the late 19th century, the student population reached low peaks of 150 students and subsequently faced the possibility of closure. In response a new college was formed, the University College of Dundee, this acted as the medical school for the University of St Andrews. It separated in 1967, to form its own independent University.

In recent times, the University of St Andrews has been faring much better and is said to be well on the way to financial independence yet again.