Welcome from the HoD

The Department of Psychology is one of the largest in the University and, we believe, among the most diverse and exciting. Our research ranges from studying changes in individual nerve cells to changes in behaviour of entire societies; from applied research aimed at improving the human condition to basic research on the relationships between behaviour, brain and environment; from experimental research grounded in a strong tradition of scientific objectivity to action-based research from a variety of non-scientific theoretical perspectives; from the lab to the hospital, the field, industry and the clinical consulting room. Most of our academic staff have impressive international research reputations, and several are recognised among the world leaders in their fields. Do browse through the research groups’ and staff web pages – I’d be very surprised if you don’t find something to interest you (probably on every page!).

Our teaching is also very highly regarded, and we have several winners of Distinguished Teaching Awards on our staff. We see a strong link between research and teaching as the unique advantage that studying at a major international University offers. The department has an enviable reputation for our high-quality and popular undergraduate programme – you can major in Psychology for either a BSc or a BA degree – and our courses and degrees at graduate level are in great demand. As well as graduate studies focused on the research interests of our superb staff, we offer paths to professional qualifications in clinical psychology, health psychology, industrial/work/organisational psychology, applied behaviour analysis, and speech language therapy.

I’m proud of our department – of its staff, students, reputation and contribution to many different kinds of community. I hope you’ll be inspired to join us.

Douglas Elliffe
Head of Department