Britta Osthaus

Dr Britta Osthaus serves as a Senior Lecturer in Psychology at Canterbury Christ Church University (CCCU), holding this position since autumn 2007 within the School of Sciences, Psychology, Arts and Humanities, Computing, Engineering and Sports. She currently acts as First Year Tutor, providing academic oversight for incoming students.

Her educational foundation includes a PhD from the University of Exeter, completed during her tenure as a teaching fellow there, with dissertation research focused on canine problem-solving abilities.

Research centers on comparative animal cognition across domestic species, examining problem-solving mechanisms in dogs, horses, mules, donkeys, goats, and sheep through experimental paradigms that bridge evolutionary psychology and behavioral neuroscience. Her work emphasizes cross-species cognitive comparisons and adaptive learning strategies in controlled environments.

Teaching responsibilities include core Research Methods instruction for Year 1 students, alongside specialized seminars in Evolutionary Psychology (Year 2) and Psychology of Design (Year 3). As First Year Tutor, she provides comprehensive academic guidance and pastoral support to new undergraduates.