At Essex, research in the Psychology Department is united by a central mission: to understand our place in the world.
We explore how people think about, interact with, and experience the world around them - an approach we call TIE. These three interconnected lenses guide our research across diverse topics, tying together the many threads of psychological science.
We’ve built a dynamic and collaborative research environment that reflects the original vision of Essex’s first Vice-Chancellor, Sir Albert Sloman, who championed the idea of breaking down disciplinary boundaries to pursue the unity of knowledge. That vision continues to shape how we work today.
Although we’re based in the Faculty of Science and Health, our research crosses traditional borders. We collaborate closely with the Faculty of Social Sciences and engage with interdisciplinary hubs such as the Essex Biomedical Sciences Centre (EBSC) and the Institute for Social and Economic Research (ISER). These partnerships reflect our belief that complex questions require collaborative answers.
To bring our mission to life, our research focuses on nine “worlds”, broad thematic areas that reflect the real-world contexts in which psychological processes unfold. You can find out more about each of these worlds below. Importantly, within and across these worlds, our researchers apply diverse methods (e.g., neuroscience, behavioural) and perspectives to explore the full spectrum of human thought, behaviour, and experience. Our structure encourages intellectual ambition, interdisciplinary collaboration, and research excellence.
We’re committed to investing in our facilities. Over the past few years, we have invested more than £500,000 into our facilities, including the acquisition of a transcranial ultrasound stimulation device (TUS). By offering our staff and students the opportunity to use state-of-the art facilities and by fostering cross-disciplinary collaborations, we enhance our collective strength and extend the reach of our research mission.
In the most recent Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021), we were ranked 20th in the UK for research outputs (GPA) and 17th for research power, a recognition of the quality, depth, and relevance of our work.
An educational world prioritises learning, knowledge, and access to quality education for all. It’s a world where education empowers individuals, diverse perspectives are valued, and people are encouraged to pursue both academic and personal growth. The educated world fosters a culture of curiosity, innovation, and lifelong learning.
In a sustainable world, resources are used to meet the needs of the present without compromising the future. Environmental protection, social well-being, and economic stability go hand in hand, promoting practices that preserve natural ecosystems, reduce waste, and encourage responsible consumption.
Research in our department has real-world impact that improves the lives of people in all walks of life:
Our academics publish papers in a range of journals related to their areas of interest. Some of our papers include:
Our researchers frequently appear in national and international press and contribute articles to The Conversation:
In the last five years we have invested in facilities of the highest quality.