New and incoming students

• Welcome from Head of School

  Head of School - Professor James Ainge

  Dear Incoming Psychology & Neuroscience Students,

  I would like to extend a very warm welcome to those of you joining the School of Psychology & Neuroscience this year. Whether you are going to be staying with us for one semester or for four years, it is important that you know that you are joining an extended academic family which takes pride in helping you make the most of your time in St Andrews. As the current Head of School, I feel a strong sense of privilege in helping to ensure that you progress, and eventually leave, knowing that you made absolutely the right choice in studying here.

  This can be a daunting time, as you meet new people and familiarise yourselves with new and perhaps very different surroundings. However, I am confident that you will quickly fall in love with both the town and the School and that you will make many new friends. The School has a long tradition of high standards in everything that we do. We adopt the pedagogy of Benjamin Franklin (1759), one of the University’s honorary graduates (1759): “Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn”. You will be taught by the very best academic psychologists and neuroscientists in the country. You will also experience cutting edge research in the areas that you find fascinating and will have the opportunity to learn hands-on about the latest techniques.

  You will leave as very different, talented and fulfilled people and with an entirely new perspective on life. However, don’t be surprised if, years from now, when you have successful careers in your chosen field, you still find yourself drawn back to St Andrews. The coming years will fly past so please enjoy every moment and every experience that is on offer!

  All of us in the School, from current students and postgraduate researchers to the amazing academic support team of administrative and technical staff, are here to assist you in getting the most from your studies. You will find that we are all very approachable so please do contact myself or any of my colleagues for help or advice if you need it.

  I look forward to meeting as many of you as possible after you arrive.

  James Ainge

  Professor of Psychology & Neuroscience

• Welcome from the School President

  School President - Clara Curtis

  Welcome to the School of Psychology and Neuroscience.           

  To those just arriving, welcome! To those returning, welcome back! We’re so happy to have you here at St Andrews. A few tips before the year starts for anyone new - attend as many events as you can, both academic and social. Freshers’ Week is a time for trying new things, meeting new people, and starting to get involved. The best ways to explore are by going to social events at the Union and attending Freshers’ Fayre to see what our societies have to offer. You can always drop things you aren’t as passionate about later. The important thing is to get yourself out of your dorm and just do things! I promise you’ll find your people here.

  I know this transition can feel daunting, but every single first year is in the same boat. Pretty soon you’ll be wondering how you could’ve ever gotten lost walking our three little streets, and it’ll be hard to remember a time when the wonderful people you’ll meet here weren’t in your life.

  Now for a formal introduction. I’m Clara, a fourth year studying Psychology, and I’ll be your School President for 2025-2026. My role is to represent student needs by managing a team of class representatives and overseeing communications between staff and students through school meetings over the upcoming year. My goals include streamlining our internal communication methods, creating a greater focus on career support, and helping students adapt as the academic world continues to advance. I plan to continue initiatives from last year like our peer tutoring program and to work closely with our societies and magazines to increase student opportunities to engage within the school.

  If you’re interested in getting involved, I encourage you to join societies, run for a class representative position, or email me to chat about any ideas you have for the school. My job is to facilitate your ideas, so your contributions are vital!

  Remember to try new things, throw yourself into your work and your passions, and never be afraid to make mistakes. Everyone in this school is lovely (I promise we don’t bite), so don’t be a stranger! I’m always happy to answer student questions or even just chitchat about your day. I hope to see you all in St Mary’s Quad!

  Best regards,
  Clara (she/her)

  School President Email: psychneuropresident@st-andrews.ac.uk
  Personal Email: cec35@st-andrews.ac.uk 
  Instagram: @psychneurosta

• Welcome pack

  The following are files provided to first year students as a welcome pack.

  • Orientation
  • Psychology and Neuroscience Orientation Events (PowerPoint)
  • Thoughts and advice from students (PDF)