QAA publishes TQER report for the University of St Andrews

QAA has published the report of its Tertiary Quality Enhancement Review (TQER) of the University of St Andrews.

TQER is the method by which QAA reviews Scottish higher education providers as part of Scotland’s Tertiary Quality Enhancement Framework.

Founded in the early fifteenth century, the University of St Andrews was Scotland’s first university, and is the third oldest university in the English-speaking world. A research-intensive university, it is structured into four faculties – Arts, Divinity, Medicine and Science.

In 2024-25, its total student population was 10,218, comprising 8,381 undergraduate students, 931 postgraduate taught students and 906 postgraduate research students.

St Andrews is internationally diverse, with over 125 countries represented in its 2024-25 student population – and with 45 per cent of that population being international students.

The University of St Andrews' review visits took place on 10-11 March and 22-24 April 2025. The review was conducted by a team of four independent reviewers, including a student reviewer.

The TQER team makes a judgement on whether an institution meets sector expectations in managing academic standards, enhancing the quality of the learning experience and enabling student success, and has the quality assurance and enhancement arrangements in place to enable this to continue into the future.

The team judged that the University of St Andrews is effective in managing academic standards, enhancing the quality of the learning experience and enabling student success.

The review report listed two areas of good practice and three recommendations for action.

The TQER team identified the following features of good practice:

• Strategically driven and well-coordinated support for, and promotion of, learning and teaching;
• A comprehensive and effective approach to student support.
  

The TQER team made recommendations for action in the following areas:

• Transparency of information for applicants regarding fees for external placement years;
• Parity of the postgraduate student experience;
• Clarity in governance arrangements.

Professor Dame Sally Mapstone FRSE, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of St Andrews, said: "We place great importance on the quality of our teaching and the student experience at St Andrews, so to receive the highest possible outcome from the QAA is immensely rewarding. This result is a testament to our commitment to providing an environment where students can flourish and enjoy their time here.

"The review rightly recognises and commends the University for our work in maintaining high academic standards and delivering an excellent student experience. We will now use the insights from the review, and our own reflections, to continue enhancing the student learning experience."