Social Psychology Group

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Impact

Making A Difference

The Social Psychology group uses research to make a difference and has a strong history of collaborations with industry, government agencies and other organisations, through links with local, national and international partners.

  • Dominic Abrams works with the Government Office of Science to inform our understanding of the long term effects of COVID.
  • Dominic Abrams and Katie Goodbun have worked with the Anne Frank Trust to evaluates the impact of the Anne Frank Trust education programme in tackling rising antisemitism. Their report, “Educating Against Prejudice – Our Impact Report” is available to access here.
  • Aleksandra Cichocka was part of a Nuffield Foundation project looking at perceptions of bureaucratic justice within the Universal Credit system.
  • Roger Giner-Sorolla has previously worked with the Defence Human Capability Science & Technology Centre on the technology of apology.

Dr. Benjamin Ruisch is Research Director of Analysis at the National Centre for Social Research (NatCen), the UK’s leading social research institute. In this role, he leads high-impact research projects for government departments and third-sector organizations, helping shape policies that address some of society’s most pressing challenges. His work has influenced decision-making at the Department for Transport, Department for Work and Pensions, DEFRA, DESNZ, MHCLG, and organizations such as Natural England and the Centre for Ageing Better. His research tackles real-world problems, including combating violence against women on public transport, reducing ethnic and economic disparities in access to natural spaces, improving employment support for disabled individuals, boosting engagement with green finance and sustainability initiatives, and fighting misinformation.

Alumni

Graduates of our Social Psychology MSc programme have gone on to make impact in a wide range of fields. Equipped with a deep understanding of human behaviour, group dynamics, and societal influences, our alumni have applied their expertise to drive change in areas such as social justice, public policy, corporate responsibility, mental health, and beyond.

Here’s how some of our graduates are using their education to shape the future and create positive change:

  • Aaron Isiminger (MSc Political Psychology, 2022): Senior Research Analyst for The Institute for Innovation and Implementation at the University of Maryland, Baltimore, USA
  • Lauren Spinner (MSc Research Methods in Psychology, 2015): completed a PhD in parenting and stereotypes, now Senior Evaluation Manager at the Education Endowment Foundation (EEF)
  • Ella Stacey (MSc Social and Applied Psychology, 2015): Director of AnotherWay Now CIC, an international advocacy organisation focused on human rights engagement, communication, and impact   Read more

  • Bjarki Þór Grönfeld (MSc Political Psychology): Completed a PhD in social psychology, former Political Advisor to the Minister of Social Affairs and Labour in Iceland, and currently Expert in Social Research and Policy at the National Power Company in Iceland

It’s always great to hear about your experiences after graduation which could help prospective and current students make decisions about their own future.  If you are interested in getting involved through sharing your story, attending one of our career events or offering advice to students we would love to hear from you.

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