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Research

Our department was ranked first nationwide in the 2014 Research Excellence Framework.  We have over 20 groups performing ground-breaking basic and translational research.


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Teaching

As one of the leading psychology departments worldwide, our taught and research-based programmes provide exceptional educational opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students.

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Our Community

Find out what we are doing to support the well-being of our staff and students, create a welcoming and inclusive environment, and celebrate the successes of our alumni.


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From our Head of Department

Matthew Rushworth FRC


At the Oxford Department of Experimental Psychology, our mission is to conduct world-leading experimental research to understand the psychological and neural mechanisms relevant to human behaviour. Wherever appropriate, we translate our findings into evidence-based public benefits in mental health and wellbeing, education, industry, and policy. We aim to provide our students with an inspiring and immersive scientific education, and to train the next generation of outstanding researchers with theoretical rigour and cutting-edge methodologies in an inclusive, diverse, and international environment. We are committed to helping individuals thrive in a community that is free from discrimination, harassment, and bullying; and in which people treat one another with respect and dignity in a mutually supportive manner.

Professor Matthew Rushworth

Recent News

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Daniel Freeman reappointed as an NIHR Senior Investigator

The National Institute for Health and Care Research has announced its latest cohort of Senior Investigators, including leaders from the NHS, social care, methodology, public health, dentistry and pharmacy. Professor Daniel Freeman is one of 19 researchers reappointed to this prestigious post.

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Balancing Reward with Threat Highlights the Interplay between Brain, Behaviour, and Individual Traits

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New study reveals how the brain stores information on how people interact

Marco Wittmann and colleagues studied how our brains don't just remember who people are; they also use basic building blocks ("basis functions") to store information about how people interact – how they work together or compete.

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New research reveals psychological ‘booster shots’ can strengthen resistance to misinformation

A new study led by Rakoen Maertens has found that targeted psychological interventions can significantly enhance long-term resistance to misinformation. Dubbed “psychological booster shots,” these interventions improve memory retention and help individuals recognize and resist misleading information more effectively over time.

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