Karen celebrates Provost’s Prize and degree with distinction

A St Andrews woman has been awarded the Fife Provost’s Prize for the most outstanding Evening Degree student of 2025.

Karen Scott, who recently graduated from the University with an MA in Combined Studies with Distinction, was recognised for her exceptional academic achievements and her commitment to her studies.

The annual prize, which includes a monetary award of £100, is presented to a student who has demonstrated both academic excellence and perseverance on the University part-time evening degree programme.

Karen, a former social worker with Fife Council, retired in 2016 and initially signed up for a short Art History course through the University’s Open Association. Inspired by her tutor’s encouragement, she enrolled on an Evening Degree programme, intending only to take occasional modules. However, her enjoyment of the classes soon led her to pursue the full degree, combining Art History, Anthropology, Psychology and English literature over the course of eight years.

Karen commented: “I feel very honoured to have been awarded the Provost’s Prize. I realise I did not start this degree as a novice in higher education and that previous studies stood me in good stead in terms of undertaking academic work. My perfect attendance award means I am very proud that I never missed a single class in all the time was doing my degree!”

Karen’s work was also recognised with a prize for the Comedy in English Literature module in 2021/2022, and she earned a place on the Deans’ List for four consecutive years.

Karen previously studied Biochemistry at St Andrews in the early 1980s, graduating with a general degree. She later completed a BA in Psychology with the Open University while raising her two daughters, before undertaking a postgraduate qualification in Social Work at Stirling University.

Karen, whose husband David, also a St Andrews graduate, recently retired, now looks forward to using her knowledge as they travel together, visiting museums and art galleries. She added: “I have no plans for any further studies!”

The University’s Evening Degree Programme offers flexible part-time study for adult learners aged 21 and over, allowing them to work towards a General MA degree over three to nine years, depending on their personal circumstances and prior qualifications.