Education research and PhD programmes

The academic members of staff in the Department of Education conduct research on a range of topics covering school education, vocational, professional and higher education, and adult education and lifelong learning. Informed by a range of disciplinary and theoretical perspectives, including philosophy, sociology and educational theory, the research contributes to national and international discussions and developments in educational research, and makes a significant impact on education policy and practice, in the UK and further afield. Our research focuses education in science, technology, engineering and mathematics; and pedagogy, policy and professional education, including the education of teachers. 

Research opportunities for students 

Research students are welcomed to Brunel as valued members of our thriving, research-intensive community. Browse PhD opportunities below and find out about the funding available for students.

Research in Education

Find people, projects, groups and publications in Education and read more about related research to this area. 

Research groups

The Department of Education are proud to lead four departmental research groups: Education, Identities and Society; Interculturality for Diversity and Global Learning; Pedagogy, Policy and Professional Education; and STEM Education. Furthermore we have members in a number of interdisciplinary groups, bringing their education expertise to tackle wider societal challenges. Learn more about the groups below. 

Brunel Education Research and Guidance Hub

Focusing on investigating current issues in higher education including leadership and management, knowledge-behaviour gap, student and staff information literacy, building inclusive pedagogies, coaching and mentoring, community building, E-learning in Accounting Education and curriculum development.

Education, Identities and Society

Research at the intersection of Education, Sociology, Human Geography, Youth Studies and Digital Presence.

Embodiment in Academic and Professional Practice

Development of an enhanced awareness of bodies as sensors of crucial information about ourselves and our reality; Enhancing our performance as human beings, practitioners, researchers and educators.

Human Geography: space, place and society

A space in which to encounter and deepen engagement with cutting edge spatial, urban and geographical research and theory.

Institute of Communities and Society

The Institute focuses on the social, community, and cultural aspects of pressing contemporary issues including migration and movement, social unrest, intersectional inequalities, and institutionalised poverty.

Interculturality for Diversity and Global Learning

Challenging conventional attitudes and practices and promoting respectful and effective intercultural communication, cross-cultural intelligence, diversity and inclusion, within a world that is increasingly interconnected digitally.

Kidspace: Key skills and participation in childhood

Research on key skills and participation in childhood

Pedagogy, Policy and Professional Education

Focusing on pedagogy, policy and professional education, including the education of teachers.

STEM Education

Research about education in science, technology, engineering and mathematics