Engagement and Impact
CfLaT aims to act as an intellectual and organisational focus for postgraduates.
Overview
Research expertise
We have developed our scope, expertise and capacity in research methods.
Several members of the CfLaT contribute to the HASS Research Training Programme and the NINEDTP Advanced research training options.
Encouraging students
We have targeted increased student membership to further develop our research culture.
Events and activities organised by CfLaT (such as our Research Teas) are open to our PGR students. This has provided the opportunity for them to expand their research horizons.
Learning programmes
Alongside increased student membership, CfLaT has an increasing role in the School's programmes. We have influential roles related to PGT and PGR provision and this is having an impact.
CfLaT has been instrumental in supporting the introduction of an Master's Level PGCE. This leads into the Practitioner Enquiry Masters and Professional Doctorate of Education programmes.
Research informing courses
Our research projects have formed the course for the MEd Practitioner Enquiry and EdD. They feed into the Primary and Secondary PGCE courses.
Within Education and CfLaT there is a strong overlap of theory, policy and practice.
MA in Education Research (full and part-time)
CfLaT provides a base for students studying on the MA in Education Research. This is a course recognised by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC).
It draws on expertise within the Centre, School and Faculty. We support students to generic and subject-specific skills, giving them a firm basis for doctorate level.
Research experience
We give students real life educational research experience. We support them in acquiring knowledge of research techniques and issues relevant to the subject in action.
Events
Students on the course can take part in research events held in the Centre, including:
- seminars
- research teas
- research project dissemination
We encourage students to integrate into the education research culture. We want them to talk to us about their research interests and experiences.
It means if they come to our events, their supervisor and personal tutor are often there.
Part-time Master's level courses
Members of CfLaT lead and teach a range of part-time courses. They draw on our research and contextualise it in a wider policy, practice and research base.
These courses are popular with teachers, lecturers and other educators. These courses draw on effective and transformative professional learning.
Practise-based learning
They locate the learning in the workplaces of our students, who develop:
- case studies
- action research
- reflective practice
We encourage students to undertake:
- systematic enquiries
- to develop innovative practice
- to investigate the outcomes of professional practice development
By doing so, they are able to make practical sense of theory, policy and underlying research. That enables them to:
- understand and develop their own practice
- support professional development of colleagues
- create a capacity for improvement through enhanced leadership
Supervision of dissertations
Completion of all Master's courses is through a research dissertation or research portfolio. Many CfLaT members supervise these dissertations.
Dissertations consolidate and integrate professional and academic learning fostered by taught stages. They support developing teaching and leadership practices that are evidence-based and research-informed.
Themes
Themes explored through CfLaT research are often explored through the dissertation such as:
- teacher coaching and mentoring
- innovative curriculum and pedagogy development
- supporting school improvement
Professional Doctorate of Education (EdD)
The Doctorate of Education (EdD) provides a thorough grounding in educational research. Taking practitioners’ professional knowledge and experience, it supports the developing of new thinking.
Professional appeal
The Doctorate of Education appeals to experienced professionals, those in:
- formal education
- community learning
- general education-based activities more generally
who wish to undertake doctoral level study linked to this practice.
Taught phase
A taught phase combines core research with optional modules that reflect students' interests. There are three specific EdD modules:
- EDU8010: Practices of Inquiry
- EDU8011: Practices of Enquiry
- EDU8207: Critical Thinking about Research Methodology
designed based on CfLaT’s research. These courses aim to support EdD students in developing their skills and understandings.
Other modules may introduce concepts related to epistemology and ontological approaches.
Student CfLaT membership
We encourage students on the EdD to become student members of the Centre. This means they can come to Centre events and use CfLaT as a work space and resource to support their studies.
EdD support groups are all held in the Centre base to encourage familiarity with our offer.
Education MPhil and PhD degrees
CfLaT provides a base for students studying the MPhil and PhD degrees. These are “by research” only. They are awarded on the basis of satisfactory theses.
Thesis
For the MPhil degree, candidates must submit a thesis of 40-60,000 words. For the PhD, candidates submit a thesis of 80-100,000 words.
Candidates also take research methods modules.
Clear ideas
These degrees are for candidates with a clear idea of what they wish to research in depth
Applied Educational Psychology Doctor of (DAppEdPsy)
CfLaT provides a base for students studying the D.App. Ed.Psy. This provides professional training for work as qualified educational psychologists.
Professional standard
You can work in local authorities and other educational and community settings. This is for people who want to become qualified to work as educational psychologists.
It welcomes psychology graduates who are teachers or have had jobs working with children.