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Department of Psychology

Exploring minds, driving discovery, and shaping the future of psychology

Study with us

Discover how psychology helps us understand people, from the way we think and learn to how we interact, develop and thrive.

As part of our friendly and supportive community, you'll study the full breadth of contemporary psychology, gaining the knowledge and practical experience to explore the human mind with confidence and curiosity.

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We believe that understanding the human mind is central to addressing the societal challenges of our time. We lead research that answers fundamental questions about human behaviour and we translate those findings into meaningful societal impact.

Professor Lisa Henderson, Head of Department

Complete University Guide Rankings by subject, 2027.
We're proud of our Athena Swan Gold award, demonstrating out commitment to improving gender equality.
Ranked 8th in the UK for research and 2nd for research output quality in the Times Higher Education’s ranking of the latest REF results (2021).

Research

We investigate the core of human experience: how we think, learn and connect.

By combining cutting-edge methods with interdisciplinary expertise (including the Institute of Mental Health Research and the York Neuroimaging Centre) our work drives better health outcomes, fairer societies and advanced education.

Our department contributes to the York Biomedical Research Institute and is home to interdisciplinary centres such as the York Neuroimaging Centre and the Institute of Mental Health Research, offering you a vibrant research environment that tackles real-world questions and engages directly with wider societal challenges.

Explore our research

News

News

9 July 2026

York is ranked 11th in the UK for psychology in the latest release of the Complete University Guide league tables (2027).

News

4 February 2026

The introduction of mandatory photo ID in the 2024 general election may not have provided the security boost promised by the government, new research suggests.

News

18 December 2025

Congratulations to Dr Angela de Bruin for being awarded the Psychonomics 2025 Early Careers Award!

News

24 November 2025

Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music or on our website www.theresearchroompodcast.com

Events

Event

Wednesday 3 February 2027 9am

This one-day course will equip clinicians and trainees with the latest advances in the understanding and treatment of psychotic disorders from an interdisciplinary and patient-focused perspective.

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