Northumbria Psychology Department

30/04/2025

Smelly Research - An Unexpected Journey 21st May 2025 3-4 pm
Professor Mark Moss' research journey spans thirty years and has taken him down a number of paths, many of which were as unexpected as they were fascinating. He has often delighted in the observation that he spends his time on research that delivers knowledge that his grandmother could have told him!

The golden thread of his research since the turn of the millennium has been wound around the potential for the aromas of essential oils to beneficially impact on the lives of healthy individuals.

As you can imagine, given that the use of plant extracts and oils predates written history, the idea was not exactly his own. Even within the timeframe of his research journey he must offer gratitude to many people for nudging him in the right direction, particularly with regard to which aromas to focus on and what outcomes to measure.

In Professor Moss' inaugural lecture, he will cover six thousand years of history in a couple of minutes before near grinding to a halt to spend the rest of the lecture covering the aims, methods and findings of his research, diverging occasionally to wander down alternative avenues that his gregarious academic nature has led him. His lecture will pull together the threads to end with an indication of why his research barely scratches the surface of this fascinating field, and some suggestions for those who may follow this line of enquiry in the future.

About the Speaker

Professor Mark Moss is head of the Department of Psychology at Northumbria.

He is responsible for the strategic direction of the Division and oversees staffing and budgeting for all programmes of study. He teaches on the second year undergraduate Psychobiology Sensation and Perception module, undergraduate and Masters level research methods modules, and a final year alcoholism option.

Professor Moss was a founding member of the Human Cognitive Neuroscience Unit (now the Brain Performance and Nutrition Research Centre) at Northumbria University. His main research interests relate to the modulation of cognitive function and mood through natural interventions, with a current focus on phyto-aromatics.

Inaugural Lecture Professor Mark Moss

28/02/2025

Neurodiversity Celebration Week is taking place from 17th – 23rd March. Find out how we are taking part and how you can get involved!

Neurodiversity Celebration Week aims to bring about worldwide neurodiversity acceptance, equality and inclusion in schools and workplaces.

28/02/2025

On Wednesday 5th March 2025 the Department will host the Psychology Undergraduate Conference. This annual event brings together psychology students and researchers for a day of presentations and networking opportunities.

It is open to anyone at Northumbria University with an interest in psychology. Attendance is completely free. The conference will be a hybrid event: you can participate in person or online.

​Our goal is to create a supportive environment where undergraduate students can present their work, explore the latest psychological research at Northumbria, gain insights into diverse topics, and connect with peers and researchers.

We especially encourage Level 6 students to present their research projects via a poster or a short talk (10min), offering a unique opportunity to receive feedback and develop their presentation skills in a friendly environment.

Level 4 and 5 students - the conference is an excellent opportunity for you to get ideas for your final year project.

More details can be found on the conference website including the link to register.
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There will be opportunities to win prizes (including £50 vouchers) for everyone, and all participants can look forward to complimentary lunch, coffee, and tea throughout the day.

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Whether you are presenting or simply attending, the conference promises a day filled with discussions, networking, and a chance to deepen your knowledge and passion for psychology. Join us to celebrate Psychological Research at Northumbria University!

NU UG Conference in Psychology: Information and registration

19/02/2025

Cally Taylor, Northumbria Psychology graduate and nine-time Sunday Times bestselling crime author will be delivering a talk on Monday, 3 March 2025, 10.00 - 11.30, Lecture Theatre 252, Northumberland Building. This talk to open to staff and students.

Cally or C.L. Taylor as she is more widely known is fascinated by abnormal and criminal psychology and is renowned for her gripping psychological thrillers: The Accident, The Lie, The Missing, The Escape, The Fear, Sleep, Strangers, Her Last Holiday, The Guilty Couple, Every Move You Make and her newest book, It’s Always the Husband will be available in June. Her books have collectively sold over two million copies in the UK alone and been translated into more than 30 languages.

She started writing as a hobby, completing her first novel whilst working as a web developer and finishing the first draft in just four months. In this talk, Cally will share her journey from Northumbria psychology student to successful author, offering valuable insights into her writing process. She will discuss the challenges and triumphs she has faced, how her degree has helped her approach and providing examples to illustrate her journey. Expect to gain an understanding of her unique writing techniques, as well as practical advice for aspiring authors looking to make their mark in the world of writing.

To register, please sign up here

25/10/2024

Here is the Careers' Festival Programme with link to register for online tickets

25/10/2024

Don't forget to register for the British Psychological Society's Career Festival. There is a great programme of speakers and lots of information to support your career planning.

22/09/2024

BREAKING NEWS: We’re excited to announce that Northumbria University has been named Modern University of the Year by The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide! 🥳

Northumbria has had an impressive and sustained run of national recognition in the last few years, including being named University of the Year in 2022 by Times Higher Education and winning both the Research University of the Year and Modern University of the Year titles in the 2023 Daily Mail University Guide.

This latest award of Modern University of the Year in the prestigious Good University Guide is in recognition of Northumbria’s performance in their research quality index, increasing student satisfaction and the University’s overall rise in the table – Northumbria is ranked 43rd overall in the Good University Guide 2025, an improvement of six places from last year – as well as its leading work to improve social mobility and create opportunities in the North East.

Professor Andy Long, Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive, said: “Northumbria’s achievements in recent years have been truly remarkable and this award marks another exciting chapter in our success story.”

Read more on our website https://bit.ly/3TC4wGB

You can also visit thetimes.com/gooduniversityguide

04/09/2024

Welcome to new students who will be joining us this academic year. Please follow guidance about enrolling that will have been sent to you so that you have access to university systems and student finance (if applicable) on arrival.

One point to note is that if you are considering purchasing a laptop for university, a Windows or Mac based system is the best. Chromebooks cannot run some of the software that you may use but do note that ALL software that you need to use can be accessed from university computers.

We look forward to seeing you all soon.

03/09/2024

Registration for the online BPS Careers Festival 2024 is now open. £7 for five days of talks (student rate) and £20 for non-students. Everything from traditional psychology career routes and new workforce roles to psychology-inspired occupations giving budding psychologists new insights into the wonderful and diverse careers in psychology research and practice.

We'll have talks from a number of individuals at different stages of their career from a variety of different backgrounds, including the world of 'hidden psychology' - the occupations where psychology is applied.

Our speakers will be sharing hints and tips about how you can best prepare for a career in psychology, and our workshop-style sessions will help you practice some of those key employability skills when transitioning through your career journey.

The BPS Psychology Careers Festival is returning for its third year, giving budding psychologists new insights into the wonderful and diverse careers in research and practice.

20/08/2024

Graduates from 2023 . . .

20/08/2024

Have you graduated this year, 2024? Don't forget that the University's Graduate Futures Career Service can offer support for up to FIVE years after you graduate. Register with the Graduate Careers Club to take advantage of what is on offer.

20/08/2024