Dr Heather Branigan

Biography

I received my BSc and PhD in Psychology at the University of Stirling. After brief stints at the University of Dundee and RGU, I joined the University of Aberdeen in 2019 where I am now a lecturer in Psychology.

My primary research and teaching interests are in developmental and educational psychology. Much of my past research explored how learners think about and manage their thinking (a process known as ‘metacognition’) in the classroom.

I am passionate about supporting learners in Higher Education, particularly in relation to widening participation, educational transitions, and academic resilience. More broadly, I am interested in understanding the transition from theory to practice, and qualitative methods in psychology.

I am very happy to be contacted in relation to potential collaborations.

Research Overview

My current research interests lie primarily in the fields of educational and developmental psychology, as well as pedagogical research applicable to Higher Education. 

I'm particularly interested in the following areas:

• Systematic transitions
• (Academic) Resilience
• Metacognition and cognitive development
• Qualitative research methods

During my PhD, I explored the transition of ideas from cognitive developmental theory into the applied school setting. Specifically, I explored how children think about and manage their own thinking (AKA metacognition), and the role that teachers play in this process. More widely, I’m interested in exploring systems of collaboration between academic researchers, policy and practice.

Teaching Responsibilities

I am course co-ordinator of:

• Developmental Psychology: Current Issues in Education (PS5053)
• Developmental Psychology: Childhood Health and Wellbeing (PS5554)
• Advanced Paychology A: Concepts and Theory (PS2017)
• Advanced Psychology B: Concepts and Theory (PS2517)

I lecture on the following courses:

• Level 1: Developmental Psychology (PS1509)
• Level 2: Developmental Psychology (PS2517), Methods & Applications (PS2518)
• Level 5: Qualitative Methods & Research Design (PS5519)

I am a tutor on the following courses:

• Level 2: Concepts & Theory (PS2017, PS2517), Methods & Applications (PS2018, PS2518)
• Level 3: Methodology (PS3015 & PS3522), Developmental Psychology (PS3518)