Pathway available at Bath, Bath Spa, Bristol, Exeter, Plymouth Marjon and UWE

Doctoral research in Education is creative, participatory, critical and interdisciplinary. Ranging from practice-relevant and practitioner-led research at different levels, to research into policy, theory and social justice, there are many topics that might be supervised in varied contexts and via different methodological approaches. Topics could include, but are not limited to: teacher education, pedagogy, curriculum and schooling, assessment, outdoor education, social justice and citizenship, inclusive education and SEND, comparative education and international development, decolonisation, education leadership and management, early childhood education, youth studies, digital/postdigital education or digital disadvantage, Artificial Intelligence and learning, educational psychology and wellbeing, Higher, Further and Post Compulsory Education, Vocational Education, teaching, learning and creativity, philosophy of education, language education, educational policy and practice.

There are many methodological approaches through which to explore your topic and to gather and analyse data. This includes quantitative, qualitative and mixed methods approaches, content analysis, grounded theory, linguistic analysis, case studies, ethnographic and autoethnographic methods, different forms of participatory research, arts-based and transformative research practices, research using different technologies, and many others. 

Within the SWDTP we have strengths across Education and opportunities for exciting interdisciplinary supervision of your chosen research area. Studying for a PhD in Education within the SWDTP enables you to work with globally recognised experts who publish in leading journals and win international research funding. You will gain the skills and knowledge to shape your own cutting edge research to contribute to a better understanding of local or global educational challenges and make a difference in the world.

Pathway available at Bath, Bournemouth, Bristol, Exeter, Plymouth Marjon and UWE

The Climate Change, Sustainability and Society pathway focuses on the development and application of social science expertise to complex problems of climate change and sustainability. It brings together internationally recognised social and interdisciplinary scientists with expertise in the broad area of sustainability and climate change at six Universities: Bristol, Exeter, UWE, Bath, Bournemouth and Plymouth Marjon. Our research spans a wide range of social science disciplines, including psychology, geography, politics, business, education, health and the creative arts, with students benefiting from complementary and distinctive expertise at each institution. Researchers in this pathway are driven by a common goal: to conduct research with impact that influences policy and practice in the area of sustainability and climate change. This involves  addressing the complex and multifaceted challenges in this critical area, and working towards  solutions with real-world implications. Research across the six institutions encompasses issues including the politics of sustainable transitions, resilience and adaptation, climate justice, energy and innovation, climate change communication, local sustainability governance, food systems, and the circular/green economy. Our students actively engage in interdisciplinary research groups, helping  break through disciplinary silos to build the skills, knowledge, and experiences to address these societal challenges. A wide range of qualitative and quantitative research approaches are welcomed, including innovative and creative approaches to data collection and analysis. This pathway will equip PhD students to develop the skills required for a wide range of careers in local and international contexts. 

BRISTOL ONLY: Please apply via Global Development and Environment, Environmental Policy and Management or Climate Change, Sustainability & Society

Wednesday 10 November 2021, We the Curious, Bristol

After what has been a very challenging year and a half for all research disciplines where research students had to deal with unprecedented circumstances and find ways to show resilience in “getting through” with their research; this year’s conference theme is adaptation in the face of uncertainty.

The SWDTP held its 10th annual conference at the We the Curious Museum, Bristol. Amidst 18 months of pandemic related uncertainty, it seemed fitting that this year event encouraged the SWDTP postgraduate researchers (PGRs) to reflect upon the nature of uncertainty in research, and from these reflections, share their wisdom and insight. The event kicked off with a warm welcome from Professor Deborah Wilson, who reminded the students of their strength for completing research in such a difficult time, and that in the post-covid world, with increased funding, the social sciences had arguably become more important than ever. Our PGRs then spent the morning presenting, discussing, and exploring ways of embracing uncertainty when researching young people, the dangers of striving for too much certainty in professional education and healthcare environments and how the PGRs adapted their projects in response to the Pandemic.

Lunch provided a well-needed chance for everybody to gather, enjoy some food, network, and check out the excellent selection of posters submitted for the research poster competition. Dr Lindsey Horner then provided the keynote speech, calling for the embracing of uncertain outcomes in research. This talk set the students up nicely for an afternoon of exploring how their research participants adapted to uncertainty and how creative methods can mitigate against covid-based research restrictions. Further panels also considered the relationship between AI, music, and inequality to uncertainty. The discussions were fruitful, and students enjoyed the opportunity to spend time collectively sharing and searching for new insight, in a friendly and supportive environment.
Throughout the day there was also the opportunity to get involved in several workshops. Two of these workshops, run by the mental health charity ‘mind’, facilitated a discussion on wellbeing, and how research students can protect it through their postgraduate life. Dr the Collaboration Facilitator Conisbee’s Collaboration workshop also reminded researchers of the excellent opportunities the SWDTP provides for collaborative activities and PGRs of the key principles for effective collaboration.

Ending the day on a high, Dr Nasrul Ismail shared his inspiring and deeply personal story about the last 6 months of his PhD. A journey from feeling overwhelmed by uncertainty, during the covid-19 lockdown, to publishing several papers and finding a full-time position at the University of Bristol. Finally, after some comedic closing remarks from the SWDTP director Rich Harris, who also awarded Sarah McLoughlin a prize for best poster, everybody joined together a final time We the Curious’ roof terrace. A scenic spot overlooking Bristol, for a few well-deserved drinks!