The social psychology research group at Kent is a leading centre for social psychological research in Europe. The group is comprised of internationally renowned researchers who have established a worldwide reputation for their research.
Our Social Psychology Group is a dynamic hub for cutting-edge research and teaching, with a global reputation for excellence. Our academics conduct some of the most-cited and influential research in the field, have received prestigious editorial appointments, and hold numerous national and international awards.
Our work is supported by a diverse range of esteemed funding bodies, including:
- British Sources: Economic and Social Research Council, British Academy, Leverhulme Trust, Home Office, Department of Trade and Industry, Joseph Rowntree Foundation, and the Nuffield Foundation.
- International Sources: European Research Council, European Commission, and the National Science Foundation.
Beyond academic research, our experts regularly engage in consultancy work for businesses, non-profits, and government agencies, ensuring that our insights have real-world impact.
Our research encompasses a wide array of topics, addressing some of the most pressing social issues of our time. Key areas of focus include:
- Prejudice and Discrimination: Understanding and combating bias in its many forms.
- Equality, Identity, Diversity, and Change: Investigating the dynamics of social inclusion and societal transformation.
- Attitudes and Decision-Making: Examining how opinions are formed and decisions are made.
- Political Ideology: Analyzing the psychological underpinnings of political beliefs and behaviors.
- Status, Leadership, and Power: Investigating social hierarchies and influence dynamics.
- Conspiracies and Social Movements: Unpacking the psychology behind group behavior and collective action.
- Human-Animal Relations: Studying how people think about and treat animals, and the commonalities with human intergroup relations
- Morality and Ethics: Exploring the psychological underpinnings of the principles that guide human behavior.
- Trust in Artificial Intelligence. Understanding what happens when human psychology meets artificial agents.
- Social Influence: Exploring how individuals and groups affect each other’s thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
- Personality: Understanding individual differences and their role in social contexts.
- Culture and Social Interaction: Examining how cultural factors shape social behaviour.
Our teaching is closely integrated with our research, providing students with the opportunity to learn directly from world-leading experts. We offer a vibrant and inclusive environment where students are encouraged to think critically, engage deeply, and contribute meaningfully to the field of social psychology. We offer two Masters Degrees:
- Social Psychology: A deep dive into the theoretical and applied aspects of social psychology.
- Organisational and Business Psychology: Bridging the gap between psychological science and organizational practice.
We also actively recruit strong and motivated PhD students to join our team of researchers. Our PhD candidates benefit from personalized mentorship, access to cutting-edge resources, and one of the largest and most supportive community of scholars in social psychology in Europe.
The Social Psychology Group at the University of Kent stands out for its:
- Global Reputation: A proven track record of influential research and impactful teaching.
- Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Partnerships across disciplines, sectors, and countries.
- Real-World Impact: Research that informs policies, practices, and societal progress.
- Supportive Community: A collaborative and inclusive environment for students, researchers, and academics alike.