Linda Corlett MEd, FHEA
Social Psychologist and Lecturer
Professional biography
I joined the Psychology Department at The Open University in 1991, following earlier roles as a lecturer in social psychology at the University of Southampton, a research associate in mental health at the University of Birmingham, and a lecturer in Art in Bulawayo (formerly Rhodesia).
As an activist-academic, I believe that social psychological research should not remain abstract, but be actively applied to address urgent social issues such as injustice, conflict, and climate change. A lifelong biophile, I am passionate about supporting human and ecological flourishing. Much of my career has focused on helping university students manage stress during their studies—enabling them to maintain well-being while achieving academic success.
Over the past three decades, I have worked with more than 30,000 students worldwide. Many have travelled from across Europe and the USA to attend my residential weekends at Peterhouse, Cambridge.
I have also mentored numerous tutors and PhD researchers. My contributions were recognised by The Open University with the Social Science Award for Outstanding Teaching and Innovative Student Support.
In recent years, my work has expanded into the field of artificial intelligence. I have served as a consultant on generative AI, with a particular focus on ethics and on exploring innovative applications to support older people. This new direction builds on my longstanding commitment to applying research and technology in ways that promote equity, resilience, and human well-being.
Qualifications
Post graduate: Doctorate in Education (Part A); Masters in Education; Postgraduate Advanced Diploma in Child Development; HH851 Teaching in Higher Education; Online Course Design (University of Oxford); Accessible Academic Writing (University of Cambridge); Fellow of the Higher Education Academy.
Undergraduate: Bachelor of Arts (Psychology); Bachelor of Science (Psychology, First Class Honours);
Diploma Analytical Hypnotherapy; Higher Diploma Fine Art.
Teaching, examining and course production
I currently teach DD210 Living Psychology: From the Everyday to the Extraordinary, DE300 Investigating Psychology 3 and DD317 Advancing Social psychology.
As a member of various course teams, I write course materials, study guides, TMA questions and associated notes for students and tutors. I work on radio and TV documentaries with the BBC, collate tutor feedback and propose annual improvements to modules. I also design and co-ordinate day schools, mentor new tutors, collate student feedback and present seminars at staff development events.
I have also served on various Examination and Award Boards, where my responsibilities have included writing exam questions and marking guidelines, monitoring script markers, applying quality control measures, and setting standards for examination results.
My closest involvement has been with the development, teaching and assessment of D307, D317 Social Psychology and DD307 Critical Perspectives on Self and Others, also DSE202, DSE212 Exploring Psychology and the project modules, DRX222 and DZX222. I was an author and critical reader on Y183 Starting With Psychology, a critical reader for ED209 Child Development and examiner for E362 Cognitive Development from Birth to Adolescence. I examined the Master’s module ED840 Child Development in Families, Schools and Society and wrote, taught and examined PY626 Social Psychology at Southampton University.
Academic consultancies & research
My on-going reflexive action research for the past three decades has focused on incorporating research findings from psychology to support mature students during times of pressure. I designed an online pilot study ‘Exam Stress Busters’ with 100 volunteer students recruited with Dr. Anna Kilmartin at Foxcombe Hall, Oxford. The findings were promising and were subsequently shared in staff development events as well as incorporated in student support materials.
In collaboration with Professor / Sir John Oates on the ESRC funded project “Cognitive and Social Aspects of Infants’ Behaviour in Person Perspectives Tasks”, I explored postnatal depression, maternal states of mind and intersubjectivity. The diagnostic materials have since been developed and used by health practitioners in UK hospitals.
In association with The Centre for Excellence in Teaching and Learning, my research explored the experience of associate lecturers, subsequently proposing how the Open University could move towards towards a more integrated psychology community using websites & interactive forums. These innovations are now in place across the University.
As a Consultant Psychologist and Programme Designer for the BBC Big Challenge Health Campaign, I worked alongside Dr. Richard Stevens and Dr Jane Henry to co-design and deliver positive psychology training for 50 participants in the documentary series Making Slough Happy. The techniques developed were widely publicised and later adopted by organisations and governments in the UK and abroad.
As Director of The Milton Keynes Family Learning Project (funded by the Department of Education and Learning Skills Agency), I designed and implemented learning projects around Milton Keynes in collaboration with several schools and local welfare communities. These included bringing parents and children together in creative learning environments; the rehabilitation of young offenders in an animal sanctuary and the use of art therapy to help refugees from Somali.
In partnership with Thames Valley Police and fellow psychologists, I co-piloted The Milton Keynes Youth Crime Reduction Project funded by the Home Office. Our project introduced restorative justice principles from the USA, and our findings contributed to the establishment of the Restorative Justice Council, now a national UK organisation influencing government crime policy.
Other projects include working as a Visualiser for DS286 Biology, Brain and Behaviour in the Enhanced Access Project at the Media Knowledge Institute, where I helped make course materials accessible to blind and visually impaired students. Earlier, I also contributed to the Adult Stress Project at the University of Birmingham, which explored the role of stress and depression in the immune system of teachers.
Beyond Academia
I enjoy reading, especially books and political podcasts that deepen my understanding of people and society. I love travelling in search of restorative environments that inspire reflection and creativity. I also write music and produce videos as creative outlets. I am a lifelong animal lover — especially fond of cats!
