Psychology

Research in the School of Psychological Science aims to understand how social, cultural, cognitive, developmental and forensic factors affect behaviour.

The School of Psychological Sciences has diverse research interests, and many of our staff are world renowned experts in their field. We take an interdisciplinary approach, have extensive networks in the community, and promote collaborative research.

Our research students receive the best supervision possible and graduate with well developed research skills and the ability to critically evaluate information, and will be able to apply their skills to any field.

My research has practical applications. I hope to develop my findings into a training programme for the community organisation Victim Support, which can improve services for people seeking help at possibly one of the most difficult times of their lives.
Emma Tennent, PhD in Psychology

Research areas

The School of Psychological Sciences has diverse research interests, including:

  • social cognition
  • cross-cultural psychology
  • language and communication
  • gender
  • memory
  • cognitive and social development
  • neuropsychology
  • abnormal and criminal behaviour
  • addiction
  • the effects of drugs on behaviour and cognition
  • reinforcement processes
  • comparative cognition

Discover more about the research labs in the School of Psychological Sciences.

Research degrees

The School of Psychological Sciences offers two Master's degrees and the PhD in Psychology as well as in the specialised areas of Cognitive and Behavioural Neuroscience, Cross-Cultural Psychology, and Forensic Psychology.

The Master of Science by thesis involves a one-year research project. To gain entry into the Master's by thesis in a specialist area, you need to have completed specific postgraduate courses in that subject. The Master of Science by coursework and thesis is a two-year degree involving both postgraduate courses and a one-year research project.

Research across disciplines

The School of Psychological Sciences encourages innovation by thinking beyond traditional subject boundaries. You can take an interdisciplinary approach to your research—combining ideas or methods from other subjects within the University or collaborating with other schools.

Supervisors

All research students have an academic supervisor to guide and mentor them. If you are applying for admission to a research degree, you can start your own search for a supervisor by looking at the School's research labs or exploring our researchers' profile pages using the search box below. Alternatively, you can get in touch with the School of Psychological Sciences postgraduate coordinator.

Find a supervisor

Research centre

Centre for Applied Cross-cultural Research

The Centre's research responds to the challenges of globalisation, migration and growing cultural diversity through sound theory and research.