It was a privilege to lead such a forward-thinking department. Our success reflects the dedication of our staff, students and collaborators, and I’m excited to see where the next chapter takes us.
Professor Rona Moss-Morris, former Head of Department of Psychology
13 August 2025
Department of Psychology celebrates 75 years
This summer, the Department of Psychology brought together staff and students to mark a series of major milestones at their summer celebration.
This year marks 75 years since the founding of the Department of Psychology at the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience (IoPPN), which was set up in 1950.
Over the decades, the Department has grown into one of the world’s leading centres for psychological research and education. Its work spans a wide range of disciplines, from neuropsychology and clinical psychology to health psychology and developmental science. Researchers are internationally recognised for their contributions to understanding and improving mental health, and for their close collaborations with clinical services, policymakers and local communities.
This growth was further strengthened in 2004, when the Department merged with the psychology sections of Guy’s, King’s and St Thomas’ School of Medicine, creating one of the largest groups of clinical and health psychologists in the world.
The celebration on 10 July 2025 also recognised the 10th anniversary of the Department’s undergraduate Psychology BSc programme. Since its launch in 2015, the programme has become one of the most highly regarded in the UK and globally. It has consistently ranked second or third in the UK in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings for Psychology since its debut in 2021, and in 2025 was ranked ninth in the world.
This year, the Department has broadened its undergraduate portfolio with its new BSc in Psychology and Criminology, which will start in September 2025.
The Department is also home to the IoPPN’s Health Psychology MSc, psychology postgraduate research programmes, and 10 specialist educational courses funded by NHS England, including the Doctorate in Clinical Psychology - the UK's oldest training programme for Clinical Psychology.
The event was also an opportunity to acknowledge the leadership of Professor Rona Moss-Morris, who served as Head of Department from 2018 to 2024. Her contributions have shaped the Department’s strategic direction, fostered a culture of collaboration and inclusion, and strengthened its global reputation.
As the Department enters a new chapter, the community welcomed Professor Michael Aitken-Deakin as the new Head of Department. He is joined by Professors Sam Norton, Joseph Chilcot and Claire Lomax as Deputy Heads of Department.
July’s summer celebration was a wonderful opportunity to recognise the contribution of staff members who have held longstanding roles within the Department, some of whom have been associated with the Department for a large proportion of its 75-years. Looking back at the history and achievements of the Department make it humbling to be stepping into this role, but also a thrill when looking forward to our new programmes, new partnerships, and continued innovation in psychological science.
Professor Michael Aitken-Deakin, Head of Department of Psychology
To learn more about the Department of Psychology, visit kcl.ac.uk/psychology.
In this story
Professor of Psychology as Applied to Medicine
Professor of Clinical Psychology and Rehabilitation
Professor of Experimental Psychology