News Archive

Beyond the Bystander ‘She called me a name that I didn't like’

The Kitty Genovese case is famous for bystander effect research and media exaggeration. However, analyzing her killer, Winston Moseley, offers key insights into parole, remorse, and accountability. This matters for understanding early release in the UK as the Ministry of Justice grapples with overcrowding. A study by Dr. Hall and colleagues examines 17 parole hearings involving her killer, Winston Moseley, to address a key question: how do we decide whether someone has genuinely changed?

Having a laugh? Scientists question inherited joke telling skills

Scientists are starting to question whether being able to crack a good joke runs in the family, according to new research.

Can Britain be a nation of tea growers? Scientists say yes – and it could even be good for your health

Writing in The Conversation Dr Amanda Lloyd and Professor Nigel Holt discuss the potential for a homegrown UK tea industry by using metabolomics and machine learning to analyse the chemical diversity and health benefits of tea cultivated in Devon and Wales.

The DIY guide to checking how well you’re ageing

Writing in The Conversation, Dr Marco Arkesteijn and Dr Alexander Taylor discuss how standing on one leg while brushing your teeth isn’t a full ageing check-up, and explain why walking speed, brain flexibility and overall wellbeing score matter more.

Aberystwyth academics selected for prestigious Welsh Crucible programme

A marine ecologist, an authority on theatre and performance spaces, and a clinical psychologist have been selected for a prestigious programme to develop the future research leaders of Wales.

Kids celebrate Science Week in Aberystwyth

Over 1,500 school pupils took part in lively hands-on activities at the University’s annual interactive science exhibition.

Aberystwyth Prof gains top fellowship

An Aberystwyth University professor has received an esteemed fellowship from the Academy of Social Sciences

Are nasty jokes causing problems for elderly couples? New research begins

From classic knock-knock jokes to mother-in-law puns, researchers are looking at how humour affects older couples’ relationships.

Festival of fermented foods at Aberystwyth University

From kombucha to kefir and sauerkraut, the benefits of fermented foods for our minds and bodies will be explored at a Festival of Fermentation at Aberystwyth University in April. 

Powys and Monmouthshire transport projects awarded Aberystwyth University grants

Two community transport projects in Powys and Monmouthshire have received grants from Aberystwyth University.

Can green tea prevent age-related disease? Research project

Aberystwyth University scientists are testing how nutrients in green tea can affect age-related diseases by monitoring people’s brain activity.

Festive fraud - not always the season of goodwill

In this article, academics from the Psychology Department highlight the dangers of fraud during the holiday period.

Embracing Togetherness to Combat Loneliness this Winter

Loneliness is a universal and subjective experience that can be particularly challenging during the winter months. While this time of year is often associated with celebration and togetherness, many people find themselves feeling isolated and alone.

Creative minds are vulnerable to mental illness – but magicians escape the curse

In an article for The Conversation, Psychology lecturer Dr Gil Greengross describes his research which found that creative people such as comedians and artists are more likely to face challenges with their mental health, but the same does not apply to magicians.

Magicians less prone to mental health problems than other performers – study

Magicians are less likely to suffer from the mental health challenges faced by other creative people, like musicians and comedians, according to a new study.

New smart home to support Powys care initiative

Researchers at Aberystwyth University have partnered with Powys County Council as one of 10 teams taking part in an exciting new £2m innovative technology care programme.

Wales’ residential speed limit is dropping to 20mph – here’s how it should affect accidents and journey times

Writing in The Conversation, Professor of Psychology Charles Musselwhite and Professor of Human Geography Peter Merriman discuss the drop in Wales’ residential speed limit to 20mph and how it should affect accidents and journey times.

Female students in Pakistan given mopeds through Aberystwyth University project

Young female students in Pakistan are learning to ride mopeds to give them more independence and help them get to their place of education, as part of an Aberystwyth University transport project.

Transport research boost with Aberystwyth’s South Korea partnership

Aberystwyth University has hailed a new partnership with Konkuk University in South Korea as a big boost for its transport and mobilities research.

Why the super-rich may take more risks than the rest of us

Writing in The Conversation, Nigel Holt, Professor of Psychology suggests that if we want fewer accidents, we may want to consider safety regulations and how we as a society value risk-taking, rather than blaming individuals.

Leading expert on twin studies presents research at Aberystwyth

A world-leading expert on the relationship between twins will speak about her latest research at Aberystwyth University in June 2023.

Researchers seek volunteers to tackle rural loneliness

Aberystwyth University academics are asking for people to share their experiences as part of research about how to overcome loneliness in rural areas.

Looking forward to things is good for you, so plan for your next treat

Moving from a city to the beautiful Welsh countryside a few years ago made me acutely aware of the seasons and how they change. Most recently signs of spring have appeared in my garden over here on the Ceredigion coast. This mindfulness and awareness of the environment is difficult to explain to those whose comparable experience is confined to the bus stop and a park.

Psychology in top 3 in UK student satisfaction poll

Aberystwyth University has been ranked one of the top three places in the UK for overall satisfaction by final-year undergraduates studying Psychology.

The results of the 2017 National Student Survey show overall student satisfaction in the Department of Psychology at 96%, placing it in third place across a total of 109 similar departments in the UK.

AU Exemplary Course Award Winner

Congratulations to our own Gareth Norris for being ‘Highly Commended’ for his design of the module PS21220 Forensic Psychology on Blackboard! The Aberystwyth University Exemplary Course Award showcases the best ways staff have enhanced their presence on Blackboard, with their innovations encouraging good practice on Blackboard throughout the university. 

Exciting Opportunity To Visit Yasano in Japan

Would you like to visit Yasano Japan in January 2017? Watch your emails for information about this exciting opportunity.

Exceptional NSS Results for Psychology

Aber’s Psychology team knows what makes students happy: Department of Psychology 95% student satisfaction

New Centre for Excellence in Rural Health Research launched

The new Research Centre will see Aberystwyth University work closely with the Mid Wales Healthcare Collaborative and Hywel Dda University Health.

The Bridge detective Saga Norén name-checks Aberystwyth University academic

A book by Aberystwyth University psychologist Dr Nigel Holt is the reading of choice for Nordic Noir detective Saga Norén, star of The Bridge currently being screened on BBC4.

In Episode 6, aired on Saturday 5 December, when asked what she was reading, Norén replied ““Psychology – The Science of the Mind & Behaviour” by Nigel Holt”.

Summer University 2015

Have you ever wondered why some witnesses and bystanders do not intervene in emergency situations?  Did you know that it is possible to ‘implant’ memories for things that never happen?  The Bystander effect and memory illusions are just two examples of the content students have been learning about in this year’s Summer University introductory psychology module. 

Graduation 2015

The Department would like to congratulate all those who graduated this year!

It was a beautiful Aberystwyth day sure to be a proud and long standing memory for all students and family involved!

Aberystwyth University graduate joins Ice Warrior Project

Aberystwyth University graduate Lee Edgington has been selected to take part in an ambitious polar expedition to be the first to reach the Northern Pole of Inaccessibility.

Lee, from Newtown in Powys, graduated in Psychology in July 2015 and is joining the Ice Warrior Project which is led by explorer Jim McNeill.

Also known as the Arctic Pole, the expedition will set off for the Northern Pole of Inaccessibility in February 2016.

Dr Chris Beedie co-authored a report by ukactive

A report by ukactive which has been co-authored by Dr Chris Beedie from Aberystwyth University shows that 29% of people in England are classed as physically inactive.

Sarah Riley's book published

Congratulations to for her recently published book, which has been championed as ‘bold’ ‘rigorous’ and a ‘blueprint for social science’ (Hammack, 2014).

Dr Antonia Ivaldi receives Fellowship

Many cogratulations to Dr Antonia Ivaldi who was awarded a Fellowship this year by the Vice Chancellor at graduation for Teaching and Learning for her exceptional work in the department of Psychology. 

Both students and staff recognise her hard work and are delighted that the University has rewarded her.

The Art and Science of Wellbeing

Ceredigion has at its heart two key elements that support and enhance well-being, a supportive community and a landscape of outstanding beauty.

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY PHOTOGRAPHY COMPETITION

As part of Aberystwyth University’s 2014 celebrations of International Women’s Day (IWD), the Athena Swan Team is launching an exciting photography competition for the most inspiring and evocative image related to the broad theme of ‘Women in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics & Medicine (STEMM)’.

Sarah Riley spends week in Westminster with Equalities office

Sarah Riley spends week in Westminster with Equalities office to contribute to the government's Campaign for Body Confidence. Body image is an issue for government because it reduces girls' aspirations, impacting on their economic participation.

Catherine O'Hanlon to facilitate workshop at Hywel Dda Health Board's conference for World Autism Awareness Day

Catherine O'Hanlon has been invited to facilitate workshop at the Hywel Dda Health Board's upcoming conference on sensory perception in autism, to take place on World Autism Awareness day, Wednesday, 2nd April, 2014.

UCAS Clearing and UCAS Adjustment 2013

If you're looking for excellent facilities, a unique environment, good employment prospects on graduation and one of the best value lifestyles in the UK, choosing to study at Aberystwyth University in 2013 will be one of the best decisions you ever make. Watch our clearing videos for more information about what to do

British Psychological Society Give Seal of Approval at Aberystwyth

The Department of Psychology at Aberystwyth University has been awarded national accreditation by the British Psychological Society, the internationally recognized UK learned society responsible for ensuring standards of quality within the subject.

Aberystwyth Psychology Students at the Welsh BPS Conference

Psychology Students present at BPS Welsh Annual conference

2012 Academic Session Starts With a Bang: Number 1 in the UK

Psychology has been named joint UK 1^st alongside Oxford and Stirling Universities, and Newman University College, in the NSS 2012 student ratings.

Psychology Department Celebrate Their First Single Honours Students

In 2009, Psychology introduced its long awaited Single Honours course and 2012 saw the first cohort of single honours students graduate.

Five New Members of Staff to Boost Department From September

From September, Psychology will get an added boost with four new members of academic staff and one member of technical staff.

Psychology Department Celebrate Their First Postgraduate Student

Psychology can now add its first postgraduate to its list of achievements since it became an independent department in 2008, previously being a centre within International Politics. Tamsin Williams qualified for her doctorate in Psychology this July.

Aberystwyth Psychology Student Features in New Textbook

Jade Norris will feature in a new pedagogically ground breaking social psychology textbook by Robbie Sutton and Karen Douglas from the University of Kent.