Dr. Beatrice Hayes

I am a Lecturer in Psychology and Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy at Royal Holloway, University of London, where I combine teaching and curriculum leadership with departmental and university-level education leadership.

My academic career has been shaped by a longstanding interest in how people learn, develop and engage with education. Before moving into higher education, I worked as a primary school teacher, and I now teach and lead curriculum development across undergraduate and postgraduate Psychology. My work has included module coordination, curriculum and assessment redesign, the development of applied and gamified learning approaches, student co-production, and initiatives designed to strengthen belonging, engagement and wellbeing.

Alongside my teaching role, I am Head of Recruitment and Global within the Department of Psychology, with responsibility for leading recruitment activity, managing colleagues and supporting the department’s wider external engagement. I also contribute to university-level education and student-experience activity and have led or contributed to funded projects focused on peer mentoring, student engagement, widening participation and translating pedagogic research into practice.

My research sits at the intersection of developmental psychology, cyberpsychology and education. I am particularly interested in children’s, adolescents’ and young adults’ digital experiences, including social media use, online communication and self-disclosure, and how these relate to wellbeing, relationships and educational experiences.

Across my work, I am particularly interested in developing innovative and evidence-informed education, creating meaningful partnerships with students, and taking greater leadership of programmes and curriculum. I am especially keen to contribute to the development of psychology education and specialist provision in areas such as developmental, educational and cyberpsychology.

I run a consultancy business: Beatrice Hayes Consultancy. Drawing upon my expertise across the education sector, as well as my scientific research skills, I support schools, charities and organisations in a range of education-focused projects.

I am an Academic Coach working with university students to overcome education-based anxiety and stress, whilst strengthening confidence, a love of learning, and important academic skills.