Uniting the scientific study of psychology and language to transform lives
The Division of Psychology and Language Sciences at UCL brings together a diverse community of academics, clinicians, and students dedicated to advancing understanding of the mind, behaviour and language.
Our work spans the full breadth of psychology and language sciences—including behavioural and cognitive neuroscience, language and cognition, learning and memory, and therapeutic interventions—and is underpinned by a strong commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration. Through our research and teaching, we aim to address some of the most pressing challenges facing individuals and societies today, such as climate change, mental health, inequality and social conflict.
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Our research-embedded approach to learning will enable you to excel in whatever field you choose.
Our research
We are ranked first for psychology and neuroscience by the UK’s Research Excellence Framework.
About us
We undertake world-leading research and teaching across the areas of mind, behaviour and language.
UK #1
for Psychology, Psychiatry and Neuroscience research.
Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021Featured course - Psychology and Trauma
Psychology and Trauma MSc/PG Dip/PG Cert
Explore the latest research evidence and applied practice related to the psychological impact of trauma in adults or children in our new online course.
Discover our featured research
UCL PALS helps shape global collaboration at Davos 2025
UCL experts, including Professor Tali Sharot from UCL PALS, joined global leaders taking part in the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland this month.
UCL PALS mental health experts partner with YouTube to boost quality content for young people
Mental health experts from UCL PALS launch partnership with YouTube to address the shortage of high-quality mental health content available for children and young people.
Understanding the link between politics and mental health
New research led by UCL researchers explores how political stressors affect mental health over time – a gap in knowledge compared to what's known about political engagement and mental illness.
Published by UCL News
Antidepressants improve core depressive symptoms early on
One of the most common antidepressants, sertraline, contributes to a modest improvement in core depression and anxiety symptoms, including low mood, within two weeks, finds a new analysis of a major clinical trial led by UCL researchers.
30 Oct 2025
Emotional strain of fitness and calorie counting apps revealed
Some users of popular fitness and calorie counting apps experience shame, disappointment and demotivation, potentially undermining their health and wellbeing, according to a new study led by researchers at UCL and Loughborough University.
22 Oct 2025
Analysis: Criminal psychologists are profiling a different kind of killer – environmental offenders
Dr Julia Shaw (UCL Psychology and Language Sciences) explores the often overlooked but significant 'green crimes' that take place globally. Writing in The Conversation, she describes what constitutes as a green crime, how they are investigated and what motivates the perpetrators.
15 Oct 2025
News from the division
16 UCL Brain Sciences academics recognised in 2025 annual global list of influential researchers
A total of 16 academics from the UCL Faculty of Brain Sciences have been identified in Clarivate’s annual ‘Highly Cited Researchers List’ 2025.
13 Nov 2025
UCL academic appointed Chair of £6 million NHS Commission for National Autism Peer Programme
Dr Georgia Pavlopoulou has been appointed Chair of the NHS Commission for the National Autism Peer Programme, Autism Central, after leading a successful £6 million bid.
12 Nov 2025
UCL PALS academic wins prestigious award for inclusive research innovation
A research team involving Dr Georgia Pavlopoulou (from UCL PALS) has been awarded the 2025 Lionel Hersov Memorial Award from the Association for Child and Adolescent Mental Health (ACAMH).
07 Nov 2025
