Biography and interests

Since graduating from the University of Westminster in 2005, Karen has been working as a Visiting Lecturer in Psychology on a variety of modules at levels 4, 5 & 6 including Social Psychology, Advanced Social Psychology, Developmental Psychology, The History and Philosophy of Psychology and Advanced Research Methods in Psychology.

Karen co-wrote and is joint Module Leader for the summer school module “The Psychology of City Life”.  Karen has also been an Associate Lecturer for the Open University. 

In addition to teaching, Karen has been involved with a number of projects with the Learning and Teaching Research Group, including first year student experiences, the transition to university, study skills and learning styles. She is also involved in a project with Westminster Exchange, investigating the benefits of work placements on future study.

Karen’s interests include developmental psychology, critical social psychology and qualitative methodologies.

Conference papers

Ryder, K., Borrill, J., Powell-Williams K., Colwell, J. (2011). Not 'just a student'; A qualitative exploration of business, psychology and law students' accounts of their placement experience. Presentation at The Journal of Vocational Education and Training Ninth International Conference, Worcester College, Oxford, 8-10th July

Pearson, C., Reed, C. & Ryder, K. (2008). A Qualitative exploration of British first year psychology undergraduates’ experience of the transition into Higher Education. The International Conference on Educational Sciences, Cyprus, June