Profile
Annie Pye
-
About Me:
I live with my partner and two young children in Manchester. I love music and play the classical guitar. My research is in auditory perception and stems from my love of music. When I am not busy working or chasing small children around, I like to draw mandalas.
-
Read more
When I get a little time to myself, I love to draw and colour mandalas. Here are two of my favourite creations…
-
My Work:
I am the deputy Programme Director for the BSc Psychology degree at the University of Manchester. I lecture Research Methods, Brain and Behaviour and the Psychology of Music.
-
Read more
My research background is in auditory perception- how we hear things. I have tried to understand how we hear emotions in the human voice, and whether this is similar to how we hear emotion in music. I have also worked on a project looking at how we can detect dementia more accurately in people with hearing loss.
I teach a range of subjects across the undergraduate psychology degree. I deliver lectures in sleep, substance abuse, experimental design, ethics, music and emotion and musical development.
-
My Typical Day:
I wake up very early (thanks to my children), and usually get to work at around 8:30. My days vary hugely but some of the tasks I am currently working on are:
- supervising student projects in music and mood regulation- how do people use music to regulate their mood?
- reviewing the BSc Psychology programme- we are currently updating and improving our degree, guided by the latest research in what makes teaching inclusive, accessible and helps students to learn
- student support- I advise students in relation to their university work, career goals and offer support with mental health and wellbeing
At about 4 or 5, I head home, eat dinner with my family and enjoy some time with my children before they go to bed.
-
Education:
I went to school at a Technology College in Bath. I studied my GCSE’s and A levels here and when I finished them, I had no idea what I wanted to do next. I took 2 years out of education to work in catering. It was interactions with so many interesting people whilst working behind the bar in my local pub, that prompted my interest in pursuing Psychology at University.
I studied Psychology at Bangor in North Wales. I completed my undergraduate degree there and stayed to complete a Masters in Foundations of Clinical Psychology. After this, I stayed another 3 years to complete a PhD in Cognitive Neuroscience.
I hold a Senior Fellowship with the Higher Education Academy – this is a qualification that recognises attainment in teaching and learning support in higher education.
-
Current Job:
Deputy Programme Director of the undergraduate Psychology degree at the University of Manchester
-
Employer:
The University of Manchester
-
My Interview
-
How would you describe yourself in 3 words?
Music-loving psychologist
What did you want to be after you left school?
Honestly, I had no idea what I wanted to be at that age!
Were you ever in trouble at school?
No, but I caused my parents a fair amount of grief
If you weren't doing this job, what would you choose instead?
Something creative and practical- I would love to be good at woodwork
Who is your favourite singer or band?
Leonard Cohen
What's your favourite food?
Pasta
If you had 3 wishes for yourself what would they be? - be honest!
That I could live near the sea. That I had more time in my week to devote to my children. That I had travelled more when I was younger.
-