New and incoming students
The following offers information for students who are joining the University to study Psychology or Neuroscience.
- Orientation - events and activities on your arrival at St Andrews.
- Psychology and Neuroscience Orientation Events (PowerPoint)
- Draft module handbooks - information on current modules and sample module handbooks.
- Wellbeing officer - information about the School's Wellbeing Officer.
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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
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School President - Chloe-Anna Hunt
Hello everyone! My name is Chloe-Anna, and I am your School President for the 2023/24 academic year! Firstly, I would like to congratulate you on obtaining a place here at the University of St Andrews. As you embark on this exciting new chapter of your life, you will establish lifelong friendships, gain real-world learning, experience leadership opportunities, and, of course, have fun. By joining the School of Psychology and Neuroscience, you will be joining such a diverse, vibrant and academically-invigorating community, which you'll find is reflected by our students and staff. The school is a truly special place, and I hope you will find your time here a rewarding and fulfilling experience.
As your School President, my role primarily involves representing your views and ideas and leading academic representation within the School of Psychology and Neuroscience. I sit on various teaching committees and act as a bridge between students and staff. I aim to give you as many opportunities as possible to engage in the school community. Whether it's through attending our careers talks or our dog cuddling wellbeing events, there's something for everyone! That said, running in the upcoming Class Representative elections is a great way to get involved! The role allows you to be your peers' voice and get a glimpse of the inner workings of student leadership within the school. Nominations will open at the beginning of the semester, so keep an eye out for an email with further information.
Lastly, I am here to support you in your journey and make your university experience memorable. Please feel free to contact me with any questions, concerns, worries or for a general chat. The university has a fantastic support system, and if you're feeling lost and need pointing in the right direction, I am here to help.
I hope you have fun, stay safe and enjoy everything St Andrews has to offer. I cannot wait to meet you all very soon.
Best wishes,
Chloe-Anna Hunt.
School President Email: psychpresident@st-andrews.ac.uk
Instagram: @psychneurosta
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The following are files provided to first year students as a welcome pack.
- Welcome letters (PDF)
- Orientation
- Psychology and Neuroscience Orientation Events (PowerPoint)
- Welcome pack FAQ (PDF)
- Thoughts and advice from students (PDF)