Top University in the UK - The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024. Number 1 in the UK for the second year in a row - Guardian University Guide 2024. Top in the UK for positivity - National Student Survey 2023. The University of St Andrews is Scotland’s first university, founded in the early 15th century. It is the third oldest university in the English speaking world. Teaching began in St Andrews in 1410 and the University was formally constituted by the issue of a papal bull in 1413. Over 900 degree courses are available at the University across four faculties: Arts, Divinity, Medicine, and Science. St Andrews is a proudly international university with staff and students from over 140 countries.