PhD in Social Sciences - Knowledge, Learning and Pedagogy

Cardiff University

Our PhD programme is characterised by a strong focus on research training leading to theoretically-informed research that advances academic and policy debates.We have an extensive expertise in exploring the cultural, political and organisational dimensions of knowledge, learning and pedagogy - from the early years to higher and professional education. Research in this area involves investigating the background, development and consequences of curriculum reform, feeding into the Welsh Government’s reform of the curriculum in Wales. We are also interested in exploring young people’s engagement with school knowledge – and what happens when they are excluded from mainstream classrooms and educational settings. In relation to the school curriculum, we have also undertaken ground-breaking and influential work in sex and relationships education. Beyond school, we are investigating how best to facilitate different kinds of professional learning – not only for teachers, but for social workers, medical and dental educators. We are also committed to exploring how to develop research capacity for the next generation of social science researchers.

School of Social Sciences