Department of Psychology

Welcome to the Department of Psychology
We are delighted to maintain our position as one of the TOP 100 psychology departments in the world, a distinction we have proudly held since 2022.
The 2025 rankings assess over 55 subjects from over 5,200 institutions across the world, based on academic and employer reputation, citations per academic paper, impact and quality of research and international research collaboration factors.
Recent research carried out by colleagues in our department includes work on fetal taste perception, promoting sustainable diets, children’s body image, and neuromodulation therapy for depression and much more.
Durham is a world-leading university. Our academic excellence and impact is reflected in our global rankings and this is a true credit to the outstanding teaching and research carried out at our University.


Welcome new students 2024
We're looking forward to helping you settle into student life and make the most of your experience. We encourage you to meet staff and familiarise yourself with the Department, by preparing as much as possible before your course begins
Why study Psychology at Durham?
Study with us
Undergraduate Study
You will receive a genuinely research-led education. As well as learning the core principles of psychology, you will participate in research through seminars, conferences and research assistantship schemes. You will also have access to our world-leading clinical and experimental facilities, including motion capture, eye tracking and biophysical recording laboratories.
Postgraduate Study
We offer both taught postgraduate and postgraduate research degree programmes. Our MSc programmes provide students with core skills, ideal for continuing on to complete a PhD, taking a research position, or entering the workplace. Our postgraduate students are supervised by academics with expertise in their fields and have the opportunity to engage with the local vibrant research community.
Undergraduate
Postgraduate
What's new?
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder harms relationships for both sufferers and their partners – new study
Assistant Professor in Psychology Sophie Hodgetts explains the findings from her groundbreaking research on PMDD.

Our ape cousins show us empathy has deep evolutionary roots – new research
Empathic comforting varies more within bonobo and chimpanzee species than between them
Severe premenstrual disorder takes its toll on daily life and relationships
New research reveals socio-economic influences on how the body regulates eating
The ‘morning shed’: a brief history of the sometimes dangerous lengths women have gone to look beautiful
‘Undercover anthropologist’ recognised for exceptional potential
Upcoming events
International Multisensory Research Forum 2025
Our facilities
One of our department highlights is the dedicated laboratory space with equipment linked to teaching on our programmes.
Equality and Diversity
Staff
At Durham we focus on you. We are energised teachers, who love our subject and want to share that passion with you.
'What I think makes Durham's Psychology course truly excellent is the contagious passion and excitement each of the staff have for Psychology.'
Blogs and social media
See what our staff and students get up to during their time at Durham University.
Highlights
Being an international student studying at Durham University
Day in the life of a second-year Psychology student
Social feeds
Get in touch
Contact us to find out more about our courses and research. For current student enquiries please use "All other enquiries" button below
Department of Psychology
Durham University
South Road
Durham
DH1 3LE
Phone: +44 (0) 191 334 3240
Fax: +44 (0) 191 334 3241
Questions about studying here?
Check out our list of FAQs or submit an enquiry form.
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