Cognitive Science
Our research focuses on the study of the mind, and processes such as reasoning, visual processing, problem-solving and emotion.
Department of Psychology research
We have a distinctive research profile of theoretically informed research in applied psychology.
Research themes
Our departmental research falls under five thematic areas. We focus on theoretically-informed applied psychology.
Clinical Psychology
We research the cognitive, emotional, behavioural and physiological processes that link to psychological problems
Development and Psychopathology
Our research in this area includes strengths in child trauma, autism and language development.
Health Psychology
Our research includes specialism in risk, pain and addiction.
Social and Environmental Psychology
We focus on the interaction of people with their environments.
Research groups
Our research staff belong to several research groups.
Addiction and Mental Health Group (AIM)
We aim to reduce the impact of addiction and mental ill-health on individuals and communities. Our research informs the public, policy and clinical practice.
Child Mental Health and Development
We examine key questions relating to mental health, wellbeing and development in children and young people, including a focus on intervention research.
Critical Research In Social Psychology (CRISP)
Our research concerns the study of identity and discourse in different social contexts.
Crossmodal Cognition Lab
We are interested in how we use our brains to perceive the world around us. Our focus is multisensory perception and cognition.
Digital Lives
Our research group investigates how and why people and groups interact with digital technology and the psychological impact it has on their lives.
Neuroimaging and Brain Stimulation Group (Neurostim)
We are a group of researchers actively engaged in brain imaging and brain stimulation methods.
Research institutes and labs
Researchers from our department also contribute to research institutes and labs
Bath Institute for Digital Security and Behaviour (IDSB)
Our research aims to respond to the evolving security risks to – and from – digital technologies from a socio-technical perspective.
Bath Babylab
Our research explores how infants and young children see and interact with the world around them. We're interested in the factors that impact their development.
Human Computer Interaction (the CREATE Lab)
We conduct research into the design and evaluation of mobile and ubiquitous technologies.
Social and Cultural Cognition (SCC)
Our research covers various areas in social psychology to understand social and cultural cognition and its underpinnings at both individual and societal levels.
Research Centres
Staff from our department contribute to University Research Centres.
Centre for Motivation and Behaviour Change
We research the psychological determinants of health, wellbeing and performance, spanning the development of theory and effective real-world interventions.
Centre for Applied Autism Research
We research the strengths and challenges experienced by autistic people, to facilitate full and active involvement within society.
Centre for Pain Research (CPR)
Exploring pain. Finding new ways forward.
Bath Centre for Mindfulness and Community
Nourishing minds and hearts through psychological science.
Centre for Climate Change and Social Transformations
A global hub for understanding the systemic and society-wide transformations that are required to address climate change.
Research projects
Find out more about research projects in our Department.
Moments of Change for pro-environmental behaviour shifts (MoCHA)
This research looks at how moments of individual and societal disruption can lead to lifestyle changes that make a positive environmental impact.
Diagnosing Dementia Using Fastball Neurocognitive Assessment
This project will embed Fastball (a promising new technique for diagnosing dementia) in an NHS memory clinic to establish how sensitive and accurate it is.
Adapting health services to meet the needs of autistic people with gender dysphoria
This research aims to ensure autistic people with gender dysphoria get the right support and help NHS clinicians to better understand the needs of this group.
Research environment
We have a regular series of seminars that takes place in our department.
Department of Psychology seminars
We host experts in different areas of psychology, including academics and practitioners from around the world. View our upcoming seminars on this page.
Department of Psychology academic staff
We are well renowned for excellent teaching and research with an enthusiastic academic team and a lively research environment.
Department of Psychology academic researchers
We are well known for world-leading research with an enthusiastic academic team and a lively research environment.
Research impact
Our strengths lie in conducting internationally-leading research of global significance.
‘Prescribed’ smartphone app offers hope to young people who self-harm
New research suggests that the BlueIce app developed by Professor Paul Stallard could have a significant impact in reducing self-harm in young people.
Improving access to justice for autistic people
Through our research we have improved the experiences and treatment of autistic people when they encounter the Criminal Justice System.
Improving care for patients with tinnitus through mindfulness
Our research has shown that Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy is an effective new treatment for debilitating tinnitus.
Improving the safety of bicyclists
Our research into driver behaviour near bicyclists has saved lives, reduced injuries, and benefited the economy of Australia.
Enabling children with chronic pain to live full lives
Children with pain are better able to live full lives because of the research conducted by our Centre for Pain Research.
Consortium to Research Individual, Interpersonal and Social Influences in Pain (CRIISP)
Our research will focus on how people perceive pain and how others affect their pain, as well as considering wider social and environmental influences on pain.
Our research
We seek to develop innovative methods of treatment and intervention, improving mental well-being and health. The breadth of our methodological approaches, including diverse quantitative and qualitative methods, features strongly in our research.
Our work is interdisciplinary, with collaborations across humanities, science and engineering, and with industry and policy partners. Research is carried out in our new £30m building, a dedicated space with two floors of state-of-the-art laboratories.
Contact us
Contact us to find out more about our research.