One studentship will be available under the scheme to applicants who through their research proposal can clearly demonstrate academic excellence in areas relevant to the strategic interests of the School of Education and Lifelong Learning (see research domains below).
Applications are welcome from suitably qualified candidates worldwide with an original and high-quality research proposal.
Research Domains and Supervisory Expertise
Research in the School is organised around three key educational domains. Each domain contains a number of specialist foci as well as active research groups. Research students will draw on the expertise of staff in these domains. Applicants are encouraged to consult the research expertise and interests page to find a possible primary supervisor for their area of research and then to approach individual supervisors, and to copy in Prof Nalini Boodhoo (PhD Admissions Director).
1.Pedagogy, Curriculum and Professional Learning (PCPL)
This domain has a focus on the research-led development and delivery of key curriculum areas across all sectors of educational activity and the development of school leadership and knowledge transfer. A key theme across this domain is the development and support of applied and practice-based research.
Our specific research foci are: childhood/youth cultures and identities; English, curriculum and pedagogy; futures education; mathematics education; public pedagogies; popular culture; sport, health, physical education and wellbeing; teacher education; TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages); speculative and digital research methodologies.
2. International Education and Social Change (IESC)
The domain, with its focus on education policies and practices in the Global South hosts the prestigious UNESCO Chair in Adult Literacy and Learning for Social Transformation. As well as extensive work with higher education in international contexts, this domain has an international focus.
Both methodologically and theoretically driven proposals are considered in relation to the work undertaken by members.
Our specific research foci are: adult literacy and international development; community learning; decolonisation; internationalisation and higher education policy; lifelong and informal learning; minority groups and mobility; widening participation, inclusion and equity of access in HE.
3. Lifelong Learning Cultures (LLC)
Focusing on the broader contexts in which young people learn, develop and practise identities in coming to comprehend the worlds in which they live and will live, this domain brings together a range of methodological and theoretical expertise that explores the broader cultural contexts in which education, both formal and informal, takes place.
Our specific research foci are: digital technology, social media and digital resilience; gender and sexuality.
See here for further information on our research domains.
You can find further information on our research domains on our Education and Life-long learning webpages.