University of St Andrews

Closely integrated with the Burgh, and recognised by the Papal Bull of antipope Benedict XIII in 1413, the University of St Andrews is the oldest in Scotland, and the third oldest in Britain.

The three colleges of the University - St Salvator's (1450). St Leonard's (1512) and St Mary's (1537) - gradually evolved into its modern collegiate form, to include the amalgamation in 1747 of St Salvator's and St Leonard's Colleges as the United College. Herein all the arts and science subjects are studied today, while St Mary's has maintained its identity as a college of divinity.

The University has a long and interesting history with many honourable graduates including Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and his wife The Duchess, Poet William Dunbar MA 1479, Benjamin Franklin 1759, Nobel Prize Winner in medicine Sir James Black, Edward Jenner pioneer of the smallpox vaccine, Rudyard Kipling, John Stuart Mill, JM Barrie and John Napier the inventor of logarithms.

For a complete guide to the history of the University click here

Image credits: www.flickr.com/photos/visit-st-andrews