Department of Psychosocial and Psychoanalytic Studies

Our research

A row of old looking library books

Researching mental health, culture and society

Our researchers are recognised internationally for their work in the role of the unconscious mind in mental health, culture and society. We belong to a thriving research community at the University of Essex, where 90.4% of our research impact is world-leading or internationally excellent (Grade Point Average, Research Excellence Framework REF 2021).


Our department houses three research centres and two research groups. We nurture strong interdisciplinary links with the Departments of Sociology, Literature, Film and Theatre Studies, the Schools of Philosophy and Art History and Health and Social Care and Essex Business School.

Our research covers a broad range of research areas. Each year we focus our work around a theme, currently we are collaborating around the theme of image, fantasy and memory. Our academics are open to research supervision in these areas.

Use the links below to visit our research structures and learn more about the exciting work taking place within the department:

Our research areas

Our research covers a broad range of topics. The list below is not exhaustive so if you are looking for an area of research which is not included please contact the Departmental Director of Research.

Our research centres

 Our research centres focus on specific areas of interest. They work hard to foster collaborative research within the University of Essex, nationally and internationally, whilst providing a forum for debate beyond the world of academia:

Our research groups

 Our research encompasses multiple themes, with dedicated academics open to research supervision. Use the links below to view our list of group members and find research supervision:

A row of old looking library books
Explore our research

Discover cutting edge research from the University of Essex. Browse our site to find relevant publications, projects, groups, centres, postgraduate opportunities for research supervision and wider areas of interest. Simply search our site to find information relating to your subject.

Search our research

Highlights of our research

The logo for the Department of Psychosocial and Psychoanalytic Studies, a Rorschach inkblot test.
Contact us
Departmental Director of Research Dr Matt Fytche
University of Essex
Department of Psychosocial and Psychoanalytic Studies University of Essex
Wivenhoe Park, Colchester, CO4 3SQ
Telephone: 01206 873640