Research Postgraduate Student Orientation
The resources and events outlined on this page are intended to help you make a smooth transition from undergraduate/masters study or the workplace to being a research postgraduate student.
The Postgraduate Orientation 2023-4 Moodle course contains a wide range of information to support you as a student, organised in five sections:
- (Re)Joining has information for when you first arrive, such as online matriculation, fees and funding, ID cards, returning from leave of absence, etc.
- Studying explains the University structures, policies and procedures that apply to you as you undertake a doctoral or other research degree, as well as the wide range of support available to you. You should review this section before attending any of the live welcome events, and take note of any questions that you would like to ask.
- Living has information to help you navigate life beyond your studies, eg setting up a bank account, student accommodation and house-hunting guide, student life, and much more.
- (Re)Connecting has information on the wide range of extracurricular activities available, such as sport, music and student societies, including the Postgraduate Society.
In addition to reviewing these online resources, you should sign up for the live Postgraduate Researcher Welcome event.
This event will take place online and will give you the opportunity to meet The Provost and Associate Provosts, and a panel of colleagues who support research students, to learn more about structures and policies within the University. All will all be available to answer questions and you will have the chance to meet and chat with other new research students after the event.
How do I register for a welcome event?
You need to activate your University email address prior to booking a place as you need this for the online booking system. If you haven’t already done this, go to New students on a research postgraduate course for information on activating your account.
The links below will take you to the University’s online Personal Development Management System (PDMS), so that you can book on the Postgraduate Researcher Induction date of your choice. The same content will be repeated for each date (please select only one). The links will all open in a new browser window.
Booking process: Click event link below to the event booking in PDMS where booking will become available from Thursday 12 January 2023. Tick the “Add course to selection” box, then click the “Book” button. You will go to a login page where you need to enter your St Andrews University email username and password, then click the “Login” button. The system will show you the course you have asked to book on: click the “Submit” button. You will be asked to fill in information on special dietary needs, etc. – that will only happen the very first time you log in. You will get an email acknowledging your request for a place, and a separate email to confirm when you have been allocated a place. If you don’t receive any confirmation emails, please check your Spam/Junk/Clutter folders, and if you still can’t find it let us know by emailing: [email protected]
Welcome Events (select one) – all British standard time:
The Postgraduate Researcher Welcome Induction and Essentials event is for all new PhD, MPhil, MFA, MSc(Res) and MSt(Res) students. You are only required to attend one Induction and one Essentials event. You can register for the Postgraduate Welcome event via PDMS from 8th February 2024.
Thursday 07 March 2024
Postgraduate Researcher Welcome – Induction & Essentials (online)
Online and in-person events for academic year 2024/25 will run in September and October 2024 and will be available to book through the GRADskills programme on PDMS from 1 August 2024.
Any problems or queries
If you encounter any problems or have any queries, please email us: [email protected].