Research
There are over 40 academic staff in the School of Education, who have a range of research interests in the fields of early years, primary, special, secondary, further and higher education, and in professional learning in a range of public and private sector organisations. Research in professional and work-related learning underpins post-graduate MA programmes and is a key theme in the School’s Doctorate in Education (EdD). Action or practice-based research is a distinctive feature of the research culture and also forms a basis for postgraduate study.
A significant amount of research and development activity relates to national agendas and initiatives with funding from the DfES, the Teacher Development Agency (TDA, previously the Teacher Training Agency, TTA) and the Royal National Institute for the Deaf. Staff also have expertise in carrying out commissioned evaluations of projects and research activities in local, national and international contexts. In the international arena there are active research links with Australia, Canada, Malaysia and the USA.
Action or practice-based research is a distinctive feature of the research culture. This research engages with fundamental questions concerning the way research impacts on practice; how practitioners in the fields of education and training develop their expertise; and how research supports such development. The School has a strong track record in collaborative research with local authority partners, with schools, colleges and other organisations. Staff have expertise and offer consultancy in action or practice-based research in a range of educational settings.
The School has a programme of research seminars, public lectures and conferences. There are also research seminars organised within the Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities Research Institute .