Dr Daniel McKay
Teaching Fellow in Clinical Psychology
Address
- Street
-
Doorway 6
Old Medical School
Teviot Place - City
- Post code
- EH8 9AG
Background
I am a teaching-focused academic, committed to enhancing the student experience through a student-centred, research-led, and inclusive pedagogical approach. My teaching expertise lies in applied psychology (e.g., environmental and clinical), individual differences in mental health, and research methods. I have a strong track record of supervising undergraduate and postgraduate students on dissertations and review essays, and I aim to use my experience in teaching, scholarship, and citizenship to advance applied psychology education.
I joined the University of Edinburgh in August 2024, following three years at the University of St Andrews as an Associate Lecturer (Education Focused) in the School of Psychology and Neuroscience. In my third year, I served as Deputy Director of Teaching, where I contributed to curriculum development, student support, academic leadership, and the upholding of programme quality standards, including active involvement in the School’s engagement with BPS accreditation and review processes.
Teaching Responsibilities:
I organise and deliver teaching across several postgraduate programmes. I am the Dissertation Organiser for the MSc Mental Health in Children and Young People: Psychological Approaches (online and on-campus). I also organise and deliver Research Methods in Applied Psychology (RMAP) for the online programme, and Individual Differences in Mental Health for the MSc Psychology of Mental Health (Conversion).
Scholarship of Teaching & Learning:
My scholarship focuses on improving higher education environments to better support neurodivergent students. Using a person–environment fit perspective, I explore how physical, social, and pedagogical spaces can be made more inclusive, responsive, and accessible to neurodivergent needs and preferences.
I currently lead three funded projects:
- Resilient Learning Spaces for Resilient Learning Communities (Learning and Teaching Enhancement Fund, University of St Andrews), in collaboration with Dr Paula Miles (Senior Lecturer), Dr Eoin O’Sullivan (Lecturer and Director of Teaching), and Charlotte Smithson (University of St Andrews graduate)
- Guided Imagery and Students’ Favourite Places (St Andrews Research Internship Scheme), with Katie Gallacher and Ashley Goldbaum (University of St Andrews graduates)
- Neurodiversity-Affirming Pedagogy Project (Staff EDI Development Grant, University of Edinburgh), in collaboration with Dr Emily-Marie Pacheco (University of Edinburgh)
Ongoing and recent projects include:
- Exploring Campus Spaces Through Neurodivergent Lenses
- Navigating the Social Environment in Higher Education
- Neurodivergent Soundscapes in Higher Education: Stress Inducing, Stress Relieving, Attention Depleting, and Attention Restoring
- Finding Sanctuary: An Exploration of Neurodivergent Students’ Favourite Places
Citizenship:
I contribute to the School and wider academic community through a range of leadership and service roles. I am a member of the Clinical and Health Psychology Ethics Committee (reviewer) and co-chair the Student Athena Swan Working Group, supporting gender equality and inclusive practice. From the 2025–26 academic year, I will also take on the role of Academic Cohort Lead for the MSc Psychology of Mental Health (Conversion) programme.
CV
158401.pdf
Qualifications
Postgraduate Certificate in Academic Practice | University of St Andrews | 2024
PhD in Psychology | University of the West of Scotland | 2021
MSc Research Methods in Psychology | University of Strathclyde | 2016
BA (Hons) Psychology | University of the West of Scotland | 2015