About us
An overview of the school and key members of the management team
The School of Philosophy, Psychology & Language Sciences at the University of Edinburgh is home to a scholarly community producing world-leading research across the fields of philosophy, psychology, linguistics, and English language.
According to the QS World University Subject Rankings 2023, all of the School's subjects rank in the top 10 in the UK and top 30 in the world. With over 130 academics, staff expertise ranges from analytic philosophy and the study of English language to theoretical and applied linguistics, experimental psychology, cognitive neurosciences, and genetic influences on human behaviour.
The School is known for its interdisciplinary approach to teaching and pioneering novel forms of research that go beyond traditional boundaries. The School has well-established links with other areas of the University, such as Clinical Neuroscience, Medicine, Informatics, and Edinburgh College of Art.
In addition, the School has active links with research organisations outside the University, and collaborates with a range of universities worldwide. The School offers extensive support for academics, including dedicated undergraduate and postgraduate teaching offices, a research and knowledge exchange support team, marketing & communications and an IT resources team.
The School's facilities include a range of specialist laboratories and a well-stocked and resourced School library, supported by a librarian. The School is located across three buildings in the heart of the University's George Square campus.
With over 2,000 students spanning our undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, we are proud of our diverse, vibrant and welcoming community. Active student societies, reading groups, seminars and regular visiting speakers allows students to immerse themselves in their subject, develop their knowledge outside the classroom and have fun in a supportive environment.
The School is part of the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences.
College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
School Management Committee
| Head of School | Professor Holly Branigan |
| Deputy Head of School | Professor Bettelou Los |
| Director of Professional Services | Mrs Margarida Teixeira-Dias |
| Head of Operations | Mr Steven McGauley |
| Head of Philosophy | Professor Michael Gill |
| Head of Psychology | Dr Sarah E MacPherson |
| Head of Linguistics and English Language | Professor Simon Kirby |
| Undergraduate Director | Dr Steve Loughnan |
| Postgraduate Director | Dr Alistair Isaac |
| Director of Research | Professor Michela Massimi |
| Senior Tutor | Dr Sue Widdicombe |
| Knowledge Exchange Director | Dr Thomas Bak |
| Director of Quality Assurance | Dr Claire Cowie |
| Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Director |