The recent creation (2012) of a new School of Psychology in the Faculty of Social Sciences heralds a stimulating period of strategic growth for psychology at UEA. The establishment of the new school builds on an established and highly rated undergraduate programme, expanding postgraduate provision and a growing research culture.

The BSc Psychology originally developed out of a psychosocial degree programme set up in 1997, which built upon UEA's international reputation for the application of psychological theory and research in the field of social work and social policy. Through targeted recruitment, the teaching of psychology was provided by a small but committed team of psychologists, who maintained excellent student progression, proactive student support and high quality teaching. Following the increased contribution of psychology in this programme, it was resolved to apply for British Psychological Society (BPS) accreditation of a single honours degree in Psychology, and accreditation was achieved in 2008.

The excellence of the undergraduate programme has been the central focus of the strategic development of psychology within the Faculty of Social Sciences. In all National Student Surveys the degree has been highly ranked for student satisfaction, coming third for overall satisfaction in 2011, and in the 2012 survey 95% of students reported that they were satisfied with the quality of teaching on their course.

The formation of the new School of Psychology reflects UEA's commitment to the further development of psychology. The successful performance of the psychology team, supported by the Faculty, has created the foundation for new opportunities to take psychology through the next phase of development at UEA, led by the appointment of the inaugural Head of the new School, Professor Kenny Coventry.