We work closely with schools and colleges across the Northwest and beyond to support teaching, enrich the curriculum, and help pupils make confident, informed transitions into university-level psychology. Our programme is built on collaboration, evidence-based practice, and a commitment to widening participation.
What we offer
“We collaborate with schools and colleges in many different ways. It’s incredibly valuable to spend time with teachers, understand their needs, and help them prepare students for their time at Lancaster University. We’re always keen to build new partnerships with more colleges,” explains Dr Calum Hartley, Senior Lecturer in Psychology.
Workshop for A-level psychology teachers (spring)
Each January we welcome A-level teachers to campus for a bespoke workshop designed to bridge the gap between A-level and degree-level psychology. The workshop was developed through conversations between university academics, college teachers and first-year undergraduates.
What the workshop generally includes
- A deep dive into Lancaster University’s first-year psychology curriculum
- Discussion of A-level schemes of work and transition challenges
- An overview of first-year statistics teaching, including R coding.
- A Q&A with student ambassadors
- Guidance on AI literacy and academic integrity
- Networking with academics, ambassadors, and other teachers
Impact of our most recent workshop
- 100% of attendees found the workshop “extremely useful”
- 100% felt “much more confident” preparing pupils for university
- 100% planned to incorporate ideas into their teaching
- 100% would recommend the workshop to other A-level teachers
Psychology Summer College Conference
Each June, Year 12 students join us for a research-focused conference designed to deepen their understanding of psychological science and support their transition to university.
Over four weeks prior to the conference, pupils work with Lancaster PhD student mentors to design a hypothetical study and create a research poster. They then present their work at the conference, alongside experiencing a keynote lecture, Q&A with current undergraduates, and an awards ceremony.
Impact of the Psychology Summer College Conference
- 100% of pupils improved their understanding of research
- 98% of pupils found the conference educational
- 96% felt more prepared for university study.
Participation has grown rapidly- from around 30 pupils in 2024 to around 90 in 2025.
Talks, lectures and campus visits
We welcome school and college groups throughout the year for talks, taster sessions, and campus visits. Our academics also deliver invited lectures at college conferences, supporting curriculum enrichment and raising awareness of psychology as a degree pathway.
If you want to arrange for an academic from the Psychology Department to speak to your pupils, contact senior lecturer Dr Calum Hartley: c.hartley@lancaster.ac.uk
Visit Lancaster University and explore our campus with a campus tour
Student-led webinars
Our undergraduate ambassadors deliver webinars offering insights into student life, study skills, and what it’s really like to study psychology at Lancaster. These sessions help pupils build confidence and ask questions in a supportive and friendly environment.
