Research opportunities in education are available for either full-time or part-time study.
Range and Scope
With more than 40 academic staff in education, the Institute of Education and Public Services, is able to supervise across a broad range of topics. There are particular strengths in curriculum studies, early years, leadership and diversity in education and professional development. We may also be able to offer you effective supervision for cross-disciplinary projects that link to management and health.
The Institute provides a stimulating and supportive environment with a blend of extensive professional expertise in learning environments covering schools to higher education.
As a research degree candidate, you are supported by a supervisory team with expertise in your subject or research approach. A research degree will open the door to work in full-time research, work in further and higher education and, if you are a teacher, to a greater understanding of professional practice.
Research environment
Our overall rating for research in education was ‘intentionally excellent’ (3.7: RAE, 2008); over 10% of our research outputs were rated as ‘world-leading’. The research environment was seen as having strong national and international links. This active backdrop means that research students — whether full or part-time — join a group of engaged researchers involved in pushing forward both new knowledge and professional practice.
Awards and Programmes
The Faculty of Business, Education and Professional Studies offers supervision for three routes to doctoral qualification in education.
- PhD (direct entry) - available to holders of cognate Masters degrees (or equivalent) only
- MRes (+ PhD) - available to holders of Bachelors degrees (or equivalent), please see separate web page for details of the MRes
- EdD - available to executives able to engage in major projects inside their employing organisations, please see separate web page for details of the EdD
Current Topics
Current and recently completed candidates have investigated issues including: pedagogy approaches to enhance teaching and learning in science and environmental education; improving learning outcomes of primary school children engaged in homework; developing leadership skills through the application of psychometric tools; meeting the needs of children with physical and multiple disabilities; how can undergraduate programmes in higher education enhance student employability.
Training in Research Methods
A key element for success in doctoral work is effective training in research methods. Candidates applying for direct entry to PhD will undertake, as part of their doctoral programme, instruction in: ‘Philosophy and Approaches to Research’ and ‘Methodologies and Methods’. Candidates applying for MRes follow a programme of 4 modules in research methods as part of their award.
Entry requirements
To join the PhD programme directly, you will normally need a UK Masters, or an equivalent qualification, in a subject area relevant to the proposed research topic.
To join the MRes programme, you will need an UK Bachelors of upper second class or above, or an equivalent qualification. On successful completion of the MRes (approximately 12 months full-time), you can normally move on to the PhD programme.
However, the University will consider applications from candidates from different backgrounds who demonstrate appropriate research experience and achievement.
Please contact Sabina Fiebig to discuss any queries you have on entry requirements.
Staff offering supervision
Dr Barbara Brown AdDip MA PhD
Senior Lecturer in Primary Education
Primary professional education, physical education, special educational needs
Dr Alison Scott-Baumann BA, BSc, MSc, PhD
Doctoral Supervisor and Reader Emeritus
Modern continental philosophy, feminism, applied psychology, Islamic Studies, pedagogy
Dr Ray Chatwin MSc MA FCMI FIBC PhD
Senior Lecturer
Leadership and management teams, performance management, organisational theory, organisational behaviour, change management, school improvement
Dr Shirley Cobbold BEd MA (Education) PhD
Senior Lecturer in Primary Education
Primary professional education, early years' education, special education needs, selection and recruitment of trainee teachers, primary teacher training
Dr Colin Forster, BEd MA (Ed) PGCFHE EdD
Principal Lecturer
Primary education, primary science education, application of learning theory to educational practice, action research
Dr Jenny Fryman BA MA PhD
Research Degrees Supervisor
art and design in education (primary and secondary), student voice and developing the curriculum, school governance, gender and education, creative curriculum teaching and learning, art and cultural history
Professor Mary Fuller BSc PhD
Professor of Education
Inclusion (disability, gender) in education settings, evaluation of professional practice in ITT, doctoral (PGR) education
Dr John Hockey BA PhD CQSW DASS
Research Fellow
Ethnography, sociology of work and occupations
Dr Amanda Pill BEd MA EdD
Head of Continuing Professional Development and Associate Head of the Department of Education
Professional development, teaching and learning in higher education
Dr Janet Rose BA PGCE MA (Education) PhD
Senior Lecturer in Education
Early years, action research, adult development, child development