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Professor Stephen Newstead BA, PhD, FBPsS, AcSS, CPsychol

Steve took (slightly) early retirement from his post as Deputy Vice-Chancellor at the University of Plymouth in spring 2009. He spent most of his career at the University, initially as a Lecturer in Psychology, and subsequently as Head of Department, Dean of Faculty, Pro-Vice-Chancellor and, for a period, Acting Vice-Chancellor.

Steve has a long-standing interest in research. His main areas are cognitive psychology (thinking and problem-solving) and educational psychology (particularly methods of assessment). He carried out the first European study of academic dishonesty, an area which has since become a major focus for teachers and researchers. He has published more than 100 books, book chapters and journal articles.

He has held a number of national roles. In the British Psychological Society he has chaired several committees and served as President from 1995-1996. He chaired the group which drew up the benchmark statement for UK degrees in Psychology for the Quality Assurance Agency, and also the group convened by the Economic and Social Research Council which drew up the guidelines for postgraduate degrees in psychology. He was a member of the national Research Assessment Exercise Panel for Psychology in 1992 and 1996, and served for many years on the Research Committee of the Higher Education Funding Council for England.

Steve’s first degree was in Psychology and Philosophy (PPP) at Keble College, Oxford. His PhD was awarded by the University of Nottingham. In 1999 he was awarded the British Psychological Society’s Award for Distinguished contributions to Teaching.

Steve became a Trustee in October 2009 and is Chair of the HR Committee