Our Research and Professional Enquiry Partnerships
Here at Nottingham Institute of Education, we focus on participatory and collaborative research carried out with the communities and organisations that we serve – schools, colleges, educational settings, businesses, local authorities, government agencies and more.
Our research
A number of thriving research and development communities are active in Nottingham Institute of Education, and individual members of staff are engaged in a wide variety of activities. We also have an active research seminar programme with a range of visiting speakers, providing research staff and postgraduate research students with the opportunity to share knowledge and ideas.
Our staff possess a diverse range of research expertise and experience, with a broad and evolving focus on professional and vocationally related issues within an educational context. All of our research is enriched by connections with visiting fellows and professors, and by thriving links with international partners.
Research is seen as an important activity to ensure the vitality and health of academic subjects. It underpins and enriches the teaching that takes place on our undergraduate, postgraduate and professional courses. Our academics are available to provide bespoke training in a wide range of research methods. We work with teachers on the design and delivery of educational-based research projects and can help to develop and secure funding for research proposals.
Our research centre
Centre for Research in Language, Education and Developmental Inequalities
The Centre is an interdisciplinary research centre which aims to understand different perspectives of language and education at child, family and community levels, including those which contribute to inequalities in developmental and educational outcomes across the lifespan.
Our research groups
The following research groups are part of the Centre for Research in Language, Education and Development Inequalities.
Language, Literacy and Psycholinguistics
Lead: Professor Gary Jones
Education, Policy and Practice
Lead: Professor Phil Wood
Education, Motivation and Learning (EDMAL)
Lead: Dr Richard Remidios
Autism and Neurodiversity
Lead: Dr Lai-Sang (Linda) Iao
Our research degrees
Research Degrees in Education (MPhil / PhD)
In education the PhD opens significant possibilities for research and research-based development work in higher education and within a multiplicity of associated institutions. In addition to undertaking further research,
Professional Doctorate in Education
This programme looks at the interdependence of theory and method across the sector, from a social perspective - taught modules lead up to a dissertation, when students will introduce and illuminate an exciting new area of academic enquiry. NTU’s Professional Doctorate in Education explores the nexus of understanding the world and changing it.
Our projects
The Nottingham Institute of Education (NIoE) Close to Practice (CtP) scheme supports the development of research that begins with the priorities, questions, and interests of schools and practitioners. CtP projects are co‑designed with settings and practitioners and grounded in authentic workplace challenges, ensuring that the evidence generated is directly relevant to children, practitioners, and the wider sector.
Our approach is informed by BERA’s definition of CtP research (See BERA 2019), which emphasises practitioner‑defined issues and collaboration between those whose primary expertise lies in research, practice, or both. Through this model, we promote ethical, participatory methodologies and recognise practitioner expertise as a vital form of knowledge.
The NIoE has a strong track record of facilitating CtP partnerships across early years, primary, secondary including wider educational contexts. This work strengthens research capacity by fostering reflective cultures and producing insights that meaningfully connect research and practice. Each project is individually funded to support the school setting to release practitioners to conduct the research and work in collaboration with their university partner.
The CtP scheme is open to colleagues across the School of Social Sciences and to schools within our partnership who wish to pursue research rooted in school priorities, everyday practice, and the interests of practitioners. For more details, please contact rebekah.gear@ntu.ac.uk.
Register your interest
We welcome expressions of interest and research proposals from practitioners and settings, who would like to explore a potential CtP project. Please use the following form to register your research proposal:
Close-to-Practice Research Partnerships- Expressions of interest form
Applications are reviewed every half term, and we will contact you following the review point to discuss next steps.
Archer Exchange brings together design and technology experts from across NTU to provide expertise that will support and shape D&T education through consultancy, bespoke training, research and evaluation.
We support the development of D&T across all sectors and age phases of education, as well as leading curriculum developments through our consultancy and advisory work with government agencies and national organisations. Our services include:
- Consultancy
- Bespoke training
- Continuing professional development
- Research and evaluation
Get in touch
If you are interested in either starting a PhD programme, bespoke training in a range of research methods or have an opportunity for the Institute to engage in a research activity at your setting, then please do contact us.