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 labs
Researchers from our department also contribute to research labs.
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.
REal and Virtual Environments Augmentation Labs (REVEAL)
We are an interdisciplinary centre researching virtual and augmented reality technology.
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 Compassion
Nourishing minds and hearts through psychological science.
Centre for Motivation and Health Behaviour Change
We focus on the study and application of motivation. We aim to understand the determinants of wellness and health, and guide behaviour-change interventions.
Research environment
We have a regular series of seminars that takes place in our department.
Department of Psychology Seminars 2020
See the schedule of seminars taking place in the Department of Psychology
Department of Psychology academic staff
We are well renowned for excellent teaching and research with an enthusiastic academic team and a lively research environment.
Research excellence
The results of Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2014 confirm the excellence of the research carried out at Bath.
Research impact
Our strengths lie in conducting internationally-leading research of global significance.
Behaviour change interventions towards extending working life
Our research project on the motivations and processes involved in the decision to extend working life.
Developing understanding of the impact of online sexual abuse on young people
Our research project on the impact of online sexual abuse on children and the therapeutic interventions and training needed to support abused young people.
Technological and multisensory aids to improve the lives of the visually impaired
Our research project on how visual impairment changes cognitive and neural processes.
Extending and refining the understanding and treatment of health anxiety in medical settings
Our research project into the challenges posed in a range of healthcare contexts by patients' severe fears of ill-health.
Improving the lives of autistic people
Our research project works with autistic people and their families to design and develop technologies to reduce the difficulties they may face.
The psychology of sex and gender differences in pain
Our research project on the psychology of sex differences in male and female response to and expression of 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.