Dr Ben Seyd

Ben’s research focuses on public opinion, particularly mass orientations towards government, political or institutional trust (on which he is currently writing a book) and attitudes towards democracy and democratic processes. He has also conducted research on the nature, design and effects of political institutions, and on citizen opinion towards electoral reform and devolution in Britain. Ben’s teaching focuses on public opinion and political behaviour at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels.

Ben's research is concerned with people’s attitudes towards democratic processes, and studies on how people evaluate different political institutions. 

See Ben's website for further details about his research, publications and working papers.  

Ben teaches core Politics modules, as well as contributing to teaching on the Masters in Political Psychology.

Undergraduate

• POLI6550: Public Opinion and Polling
• POLI6380: Political Behaviour in Britain 

Postgraduate

• POLI9560: Public Opinion: Nature and Measurement

Ben is available to supervise PhD students in the fields of public opinion and political behaviour (political participation and electoral choice). He can also supervise students interested in other aspects of British and comparative politics, particularly the nature and effects of different political institutions.

Current research students

• Carles Ferreira, 'Why Independence? Uses and Effects of Secessionist Parties' Discourse'
• Luke Perry, 'How moral intuitions and judgements shape public attitudes to politics and policy in the context of Brexit'

Past PhD students

• James Downes, Chinese University of Hong Kong
• Ana Lobos, Multiverse and University of Kent
• Linus Peitz, Marburg University
• Joshua Townsley, University of Warwick
• Kieran Wright, University of Sheffield
• Bizuneh Yimenu, University of Kent