University of St Andrews Access for Rural Communities (ARC)
Create a free account to applyExplore university pathways through a three-year programme combining subject tasters, campus experiences, skills workshops and university visits. In S5 and S6, get guidance on UCAS, personal statements, interviews, fees and funding, with opportunities including shadowing and graduation events.
Access for Rural Communities (ARC) is a widening access programme from the University of St Andrews for pupils from rural and remote communities. It is designed to help remove barriers to higher education by giving young people information, encouragement and practical support as they explore university pathways and plan for the future.
The programme runs over three years and combines core and optional activities delivered online and in person. Pupils can take part in subject tasters, campus experiences, soft skills workshops, university visits, economics and management activities, psychology and neuroscience events, and support linked to applying for university.
In the senior phase, the programme also includes guidance around UCAS, personal statements, interviews, fees and funding, plus opportunities such as shadowing and graduation events.
ARC is open to pupils in S4, S5 and S6, with some activities tailored to specific year groups. Schools register interest and nominate pupils, and individual pupils can also express interest through their guidance teacher or by contacting the ARC team directly.
The programme also includes a summer school offer, with separate opportunities for S4 and S5 pupils.
19 November 2026
Online taster lectures: four lectures in a variety of subjects
10 December 2026
Online taster lectures: four lectures in a variety of subjects
11 March 2027
Online taster lectures: four lectures in a variety of subjects
15 April 2027
Online taster lectures: four lectures in a variety of subjects
Semester 1 TBC: S6 UCAS workshops
Late October or early November TBC: S6 MMI training sessions
Semester 2 TBC: Explore the University
Semester 2 TBC: Economics and Management day
Semester 2 TBC: Tutorial and Lab Day – Reading Week Semester 2
Semester 2 TBC: Open Day
Semester 2 TBC: Offer holder day
Semester 2 TBC: Introduction to fees and funding
Semester 2 TBC: Shadowing
Semester 2 TBC: Graduation
Summer 2027 TBC: S4 Summer School
Summer 2027 TBC: S5 Sutton Trust Summer School
Location
- Pupils from rural and remote communities.
- S4, S5 and S6 pupils.
- S4 pupils who will progress to S5 after the summer break in 2027 may apply for the ARC S4 Summer School.
- S5 pupils registered on the ARC programme are encouraged to apply to the Sutton Trust summer school.
Comments
Loading comments...