The Flying Start checklist 2025 is a document which you can print out and use to help you to keep track of the things you need to do as you prepare to start your medical training at St Andrews.

The MBChB Phase 1 (including the BSc (Hons) Medicine programme) Professionalism Agreement should be read before arrival – however do not sign the agreement yet – you will discuss the agreement with your personal tutor during Orientation Week and you will have opportunities to ask questions. The 2025-26 version will be uploaded over the summer, meantime please familiarise yourself with the GMC’s Achieving good medical practice:guidance for medical students in preparation. 

Students should be familiar with the School of Medicine Med Handbook.

Click for web based handbook

Although you will have already made a statement about any previous criminal convictions, further checks are required for students entering Medicine programmes as you will conduct regulated work with children and protected adults. To do this, the School requires that you are a member of the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme. This supersedes any other background checks you may have (DBS, Basic Disclosure, etc.)

Please familiarise yourself with the online guidance, this includes information on the ID documents you are required to send (section 8 of the PVG applicant document).

You should email 3 acceptable forms of supporting ID to medpvg@st-andrews.ac.uk within two weeks of meeting the conditions of your offer.  

When your application status becomes unconditional firm, you will be given an individual appointment time for a meeting on Microsoft Teams which will last 10-15 minutes, please check your emails regularly throughout the summer for further information.

If you are already a PVG scheme member please send us a copy of your PVG certificate along with your IDs. If you do not provide a copy of your PVG, your application will be put through as a new scheme member.

The New Entrants page contains important general information for students who are matriculating (registering) at the University for the first time.

Be aware that there are a number of admin tasks to do before you come to St Andrews. You will find a helpful list on the New Entrants page.

University New Entrants page

GMC information for medical students can be read at GMC medical students – education