Dr Alison Cocks
Divisional Lead / Senior Lecturer (Education) in Social Work

Summary

With 30 years of experience of working within social care Alison has a range of experiences and knowledge which informs her teaching and research activity.  Beginning as a night care assistant in a holiday centre for adults with disabilities, she soon learnt the importance of good communication, listening and care.  This has provided a foundation for her work ethic and value base when working alongside service users, students and colleagues.  Gradually drawn into academic life, undertaking a MSc Disabilty Studies, then a PhD, she has been in working in HEIs since 2004.  Interests lie in how to support students achieve their best whilst enjoying the process of developing as a professional.  Alison is a Senior Lecturer (Education) in the Brunel Social Work team, delivering teaching around the lifecourse and human growth and development.

Qualifications

2007  - Post Graduate Certificate in Academic Practice.  University of Reading

2003 - PhD Awarded.  Department of Sociology, University of Surrey.

     Research Title – ‘Peer Culture : Disabled Children and Segregation’.

1999 -  Masters Degree in Disability Studies.  King Alfred’s College, Winchester.

     Dissertation: ‘Experiences of Disabled Children in Local Authority Respite Care’.

 1995 - Diploma in Social Work.  Oxford Brookes University, Oxford.