Psychology

From the study of the brain to the complex social interactions of humans and animals, psychology at St Andrews places an emphasis on research-led teaching delivered by leading academics.

Students studying psychology are taught various topics of modern psychology including:

  • perception
  • cognition
  • emotion
  • motivation
  • memory
  • learning
  • social interaction and communication.
Students sitting in a semicircle in classroom

Undergraduate

Postgraduate taught

Postgraduate research

The School of Psychology and Neuroscience offers PhD and MSc (by research) programmes. Research in psychology typically falls into one of four key themes:

To apply, you should first identify and contact a potential supervisor you would like to work with in your intended research area. Find out how to contact a research supervisor.

“I had never studied psychology before, but the School was excellent at introducing me to and keeping me part of this new subject. Dynamic lectures make topics interesting and engaging. Psychology is a sociable and comfortable community which I am glad to be a part of.”

Jack
- Glasgow, Scotland

Awards

First in the UK for psychology

Guardian University Guide 2024

First in Scotland for psychology

The Complete University Guide 2023

91% of research activity rated 3* or 4*

Most recent Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021)