About the department
The Department of Psychology and Human Development (PHD) brings together staff with research and teaching interests that encompass psychological approaches to learning, development and teaching from early childhood to adulthood.
We are the only university department within the discipline in the UK devoted to work in developmental psychology, particularly as regards its application to education and other real-world settings.
Our courses
Our department runs a range of courses, including courses accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS).
Centres in the department
Centre for Research in Autism and Education
Enhancing the lives of autistic people and their families through ground-breaking scientific research.
Centre for Education and Criminal Justice
A knowledge hub for practitioners, policymakers and researchers to collaborate and deliver best practice and evidence in the field.
Centre for Educational Neuroscience
Promoting applications of cognitive neuroscience within educational research and build professional partnerships to translate findings into new practice.
Centre for Language, Literacy and Numeracy: Research and Practice
Supporting basic and applied research in language, literacy and numeracy, and facilitating links between research and practice.
UCL Centre for Inclusive Education
The UCL Centre for Inclusive Education focuses on access and full participation in education. Children and young people with protected characteristics are at the heart of our research.
News
UCL Institute of Education is world-leading for Education for 13th year
UCL Institute of Education is the number one place to study Education for the 13th year running in the 2026 QS World University Rankings by Subject.
25 Mar 2026
Children's sleep routines: bedtimes, dreams and how sleep affects mood and school
10-year-old Sofia hosts a friendly conversation with her guest Shania, a 9-year-old from Mumbai, about what sleep looks like in their day-to-day lives.
16 Mar 2026
Sleep, memory and academic performance
Practical routines for school students.
13 Mar 2026
What's on
View all department events27 Apr
online
Well-being in heritage language education: Borrowing a page from transformative positive psychology18:00 - 19:30
11 May
online
Building enriched learning environments for bilingual language and literacy development18:00 - 19:30
12 May
hybrid
Reading at the transition from primary to secondary school: What do we know and what can we do?17:30 - 19:30
Got questions? Get in touch.
Contact us if you have any questions about our research or studying with us.
