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John Colwell completed his undergraduate degree in Psychology, followed by a PhD, at the University of Aberdeen. He then taught at Middlesex University and De Montfort University, prior to joining the University of Westminster in 2004. His main area of teaching has been in research methods. He has been heavily involved in research ethics, and he has chaired Departmental, Faculty, and University Ethics Committees. He is now a fractional member of staff. After joining Westminster, he suggested, and with support from the Department, he developed an optional full year placement for all Psychology undergraduate degrees, where students convert to a four year sandwich degree course. It began in 2007, and this is currently his main commitment. He is also involved in ongoing research which looks at the effects of video game play.