About the School of Education
With a long history of working in the education and training of teachers and other professionals in the education sector, we are an established and dynamic Department committed to developing excellence and confidence in teaching, learning and professional practice for individuals in a variety of contexts.
Our underpinning values are:
- the importance of scholarship, research and critical reflection
- respect and challenge for all learners including ourselves
- the significance of personal and professional development
- a shared commitment to quality.
These values enable us to:
- challenge students to realise their potential in a positive and supportive environment
- provide leadership in the process of academic and professional growth.
Programmes are cutting-edge, reflecting the many social, political and technological changes taking place in education.
Sharing our expertise with local authorities and other educational settings enhances professional practice across the sector.
We maintain high professional training standards through excellence in scholarship and research, alongside an emphasis on reflective practice. Innovative work in research and consultancy adds to our local, national and international credentials.
Valuing all: Athena SWAN Bronze award
As a School we are committed to eliminating gender bias and to continuing to develop an organisational culture which values all staff and students. We hold an Athena SWAN Bronze award recognising our commitment to gender equality and career progression in higher education.
In addition to an institution-wide focus on gender equality issues, the Department of Education is seeking to address challenges particular to us, for example, to consider the current gender balance of our staff and student population, and the implications of national and local changes in the education landscape.
We wish to remain a friendly, energetic School where the voices of all are heard, whilst aspiring to become sector leaders in attracting, training and developing male students and staff.
Learning environment
The School is based at the University's de Havilland Campus.
Over 70 academic staff, administrative and technical support staff are involved in delivering programmes to around 2000 students.
We are a friendly and diverse community and share a keen interest in learning and teaching best practice for a range of educational settings.
Our comprehensive portfolio of full and part-time courses covers:
- courses for professionals in a range of educational settings
- foundation and undergraduate degrees
- postgraduate and doctoral qualifications.
Working with the community
Partnership with schools
The Department of Education is in partnership with several hundred early years, primary and secondary settings in eleven different local authorities.
For initial teacher education students our strong partnership links allow us to offer a range of features, in addition to teaching placements, that enrich trainees' knowledge, experience and opportunities.
We share knowledge and resources with teaching practitioners and the wider community in a number of ways - from research and consultancy to delivering specialist training in schools.
We work with our partners to:
- develop bespoke activities that will meet their needs
- enable accreditation for individuals at Master's level
- support the learning experience of everyone involved.
Research
Research is an important element in in the School's success.
Our academic staff are currently involved in projects at all levels of education and in professional learning in public and private sector organisations.
Our work has contributed to developments at local, regional and national levels.
Research interests in education range across:
- early years
- primary
- secondary
- post-compulsory
- higher education.
A strong feature of the research ethos is the link between research and development of practice for teachers, lecturers and other professional groups with an interest in education and training.
International focus
Both teaching and research benefit from our international perspective. We are involved in projects of international scope, and have active links with institutions in Malaysia, Egypt and China.
Find out more about our work with International education partners
Powering potential
We drive economic growth and influence industry through research, innovative thinking and bespoke training that helps businesses achieve their potential.