About our research
An overview of our world-leading research in psychology
REF 2021
Edinburgh Psychology, together with neuroscience, psychiatry, and clinical psychology, is a research unit whose overall quality of research1 is ranked 2nd in the UK and combined quality/breadth2 is ranked 3rd in the UK. Our vibrant research community focuses on brain and mind across the lifespan, with particular strengths in cognitive neurosciences, the psychology of individual differences, language and communication, and theoretical and applied work in social interaction and child development. Our research has influenced, among others, the UK’s National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) clinical guidelines for the assessment and management of motor neurone disease (MND), and developed the psychological theory of Interactive Alignment, which underpins methods for teaching English as a second language in China. The impact resulting from our research has been uniformly rated outstanding in terms of reach and significance.
- Quality Index (Research Professional).
- Research Power (Times Higher Education).
Useful links:
- Psychology at Edinburgh brings together world-class researchers approaching the scientific study of mind and behaviour through a range of topics - from language development to dementia, personality to paranormal beliefs.
- The department benefits from a vibrant postgraduate community and strong interdisciplinary links with colleagues in medicine, informatics, linguistics, education, biology, and public health.
Read our blog or listen to our podcast to find out what psychology researchers and other academics at the School of PPLS have been researching:
Postdoctoral fellowships
And if you’re interested in applying for a postdoctoral fellowship in the department you can find more information here:
Research areas
Research highlights
Research centres and units
Impact and public engagement
Research seminars and reading groups
Labs and facilities
Take part in research
PPLS Academic visitors
Research ethics