Research

We pride ourselves on our diverse portfolio of research, grounded in commitments to improving teaching and learning and promoting equality across educational settings.

Our research takes in long-established areas of international renown such as inclusive practice, creativity and dialogic approaches, as well as emerging areas like environmental education and mental health. We work with colleagues from across the University in transdisciplinary spaces and benefit from strong partnerships with local schools and colleges.

We are recognised for emphasising research with ‘real world’ impact. We develop and evaluate new practices in schools, advise governments and collaborate with practitioners to promote fairer access to higher education.

We have a rich and supportive community of over 40 researchers. Many are in the early stages of their careers and benefit from peer networks and advice from experienced colleagues. We welcome approaches from researchers who wish to join us on funded fellowships or as visiting scholars.

Our research structure

Centres

The School of Education hosts four research centres that represent our areas of established expertise and international reputation. They are led by senior academics and built around long-term collaborative programmes of research spanning multiple studies. Research centres act as a focal point for sharing knowledge and developing new thinking through regular events and networking opportunities, underpinning a vibrant and supportive community for staff and doctoral students.

Groups

We also host several research groups that capture focused areas of specialism and interest. These include the exciting interdisciplinary spaces that exist between our research centres, as well as bridging out to other departments across the University. Research groups offer a more informal forum for staff and doctoral students to discuss their current work and their ideas for the future, potentially leading to collaborative research projects.

Creativity and Emergent Educational-futures Network (CEEN)
STEM Education Research Network
Religion, Spirituality and Education Network
Language and Education Network (LEN)
Educational Policy, Societies and Change
Environmental Justice Educational Research Network

Across the University

The Centre for Social Mobility is a ground breaking cross-university initiative that brings together academic staff, doctoral students and professional services staff to take an evidence-based approach to social mobility policies and practices within the University, across the South West region and beyond.

Our staff and doctoral students are also active members of several of the University’s research networks, including:

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82% of our Education research is internationally excellent

_{Based on research rated 4* + 3* in REF 2021}

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Four vibrant research centres representing significant areas of research focus and expertise

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Focus on research with ‘real world’ impact on policy and practice – local, national and global

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A stimulating and supportive research environment for doctoral and postdoctoral researchers

Latest news

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Top 150 in the world for Education Studies

_{The Times Higher World University Rankings by Subject 2026}