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.
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.
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.
Our ‘Spotlight on’ feature showcases the work of our world-leading academics. Professor Fuschia Sirois, in our Department of Psychology, is pioneering a more compassionate approach to understanding the risk and resilience factors that shape health and wellbeing.
You’ve probably seen the word “narcissist” thrown around online in headlines, on dating apps or in therapy-themed TikToks. But the label that people often unthinkingly slap on toxic bosses or reality TV villains hides a much more complicated psychological picture. Here our Assistant Professor of Educational Psychology, Sarah Walker, explores the evolution of our knowledge of narcissism over the last three decades.
A unique study of brain activity in children born with upper limb difference has revealed the brain’s remarkable adaptability to compensate and to support daily life.
One of our department highlights is the dedicated laboratory space with equipment linked to teaching on our programmes.
At Durham we focus on you. We are energised teachers, who love our subject and want to share that passion with you.
Head of Department
'What I think makes Durham's Psychology course truly excellent is the contagious passion and excitement each of the staff have for Psychology.'
See what our staff and students get up to during their time at Durham University.
Durham University
Contact us to find out more about our courses and research. For current student enquiries please use "All other enquiries" button below
Durham University South Road Durham DH1 3LE
Phone: +44 (0) 191 334 3240
Fax: +44 (0) 191 334 3241
Check out our list of FAQs or submit an enquiry form.
Order your personalised prospectus and College guide here.
