Education and Learning

Our research strengths lie in curriculum studies, early years, leadership and diversity in education, learning for sustainability and professional development. We also have expertise in education policy, extremism and education and values in education.

Our School of Education and Applied Sciences provides a stimulating and supportive environment with a blend of extensive professional expertise in different learning contexts – spanning early years to higher education.

You’ll join a strong education research community of over 30 academic staff with different supervisory specialisms. Progress your knowledge and skills with engaged researchers who are pushing forward new knowledge and professional practice. Explore strengths in curriculum studies, early years, leadership and diversity in education, and professional development.

Research environment Our research environment has strong national and international links. This active background means that research students, whether studying full-time or part-time, join a group of engaged researchers involved in pushing forward both new knowledge and professional practice.

Research areas

Some of our recent research includes:

the application of constructivist learning theory to homework practice

how coursework and exam-based study affect the learning of pupils in secondary science education

primary trainee teachers’ choice of mathematical examples for learning and the relationship with mathematics subject knowledge

pedagogy to enhance teaching and learning in science and environmental education within Initial Teacher Education

the role of support workers in the learning of students with disabilities in higher education.

This research contributes to the research priority area Society and Learning.