Psychology

About us

Psychology at Portsmouth comprises a vibrant combination of academics, students, researchers and support staff. Since its inception in 1969, it has evolved into the dynamic and multifaceted department it is today.

The Department’s permanent staff complement consists of approximately 30 academics, five administrators and four technicians. There are currently six Research Fellows and about 20 research students located in the department.  

The Department’s student population consists of approximately 550 undergraduates studying on our BSc Hons Psychology, BSc Hons Forensic Psychology and BSc Hons Psychology with Criminology programmes, another 250 students on our programmes with Psychology as a minor route, and about 100 students registered on our Postgraduate taught Masters programmes. Our aim is to provide a friendly, supportive and stimulating learning environment for students, so that they are drawn into the excitement of psychology at every stage in their lives.  

The Department has three Research Centres with internationally renowned staff and an active Business Service developing and marketing psychological tools. We are committed to the integration of all our activities within our areas of research excellence. We take very seriously our mission for the creation and provision of knowledge of the highest quality. 

History

Psychology has been a part of the University of Portsmouth since the late 1960s, when the Psychology Section of Portsmouth Polytechnic offered the first CNAA Honours degree in Psychology. Since that time, there has been a substantial period of growth and development through the establishment of a separate department as part of the Faculty of Science in 1982 and the move to specially designed, larger premises in 1996.

Location

Since 1996 the Department has been based in the King Henry Building, an attractive and convenient location located on the University's Guildhall Campus, close to the City Centre and the Portsmouth & Southsea main-line railway station. Within ten minutes walk from the department are Southsea and the Gunwharf Quays, a seafront development including restaurants, shops, cinemas and other entertainment facilities. The proximity to the city centre and seafront is a unique feature of life in Portsmouth and a large attraction for the students who choose to study with us.