Research areas
As a large School of Education in a research-led University, we have developed a thriving research culture that offers a stimulating and productive environment for staff and students alike. Our aim is to ensure that our research is at the cutting edge of theory and practice, and that it contributes to improvements in the overall quality of education for students, their families and communities in educational settings throughout the world.
2008 RAE
The Research Assessment Exercise (RAE) results underline the strength and depth of research activities within the School of Education. Education is one of the largest units of assessment in the sector, with 81 universities making returns to the research assessment panel. Which ever approach is used, the two most important determinants of performance are research quality and research volume. In terms of quality, the School ranks 5th equal for work of the highest quality 4* ('world leading') work, and 9th if this definition is extended to embrace 3* (work of international quality) with 20% and 55% respectively of research falling into these categories. In those tables which combine research quality and volume- often referred to as 'research power'- the School of Education is typically ranked 8th or 9th, depending on the way tables are constructed.
Research Activity
Staff in the School of Education are active in securing external funding to support large scale research projects. Since January 2001 the school has been awarded 72 research grants and contracts, the majority of which are from Government organisations, for example, the DfES, the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority, the Teacher Training Agency, and the National College of School Leadership. Five have been funded by the ESRC and another six by prestigious charities, including Nuffield and Joseph Rowntree.
Research activity coalesces around three broad themes:
- Inclusion and Educational Diversity
- Teaching, Learning and Assessment
- Education Policy, Leadership and Management
Groups of researchers work in areas which complement and contribute to the overall strength of each theme. Some of these groups are well established, while others are just emerging.