Bringing together Education and Science
The University of Cumbria draws on the significant outcomes of educational training, research and pedagogy from its legacy institutions, St Martin’s College and Charlotte Mason College, across campuses in Lancaster, Carlisle, Ambleside and London. A cohesive physical and virtual research environment is facilitated by the Learning Education and Development (LED) research centre and the Centre for National Parks and Protected Areas (CNPPA).
By bringing this educational research community together, our research mission is “to dismantle disadvantage and promote social justice by engaging in purposeful educational research grounded in practice”.
Research Themes
Research and Practice in Higher Education
Working with Diverse Communities
Outdoor Learning
Human-Nature Relations
Results
4% of our research outputs are ‘world leading’ (4*) and 32% are ‘internationally excellent’ (3*)
25% of our research impact is ‘internationally excellent’ (3*)
75% of our research environment is recognised internationally’ (2*)
Impact Case Studies
Underpinned by the university’s clear strategic intent to, “contribute to the social, cultural and economic well-being and prosperity of our communities”, impact is integral to research activity. This is evident across our work in professional learning and international teacher training, philosophies of outdoor activity and living, and nature engagement with young people. Our research has resulted in us working with the Institute for Outdoor Learning, Outward Bound Singapore, Paul Hamlyn Foundation, Ocean Youth Trust, Plantlife, housing associations and directly with a number of schools on adult-dialogue, diversity and inclusion, ‘Prevent’ strategy, learner response systems, and school leadership.
Two ‘impact case studies’ were submitted to REF2021, with details below.
Professor Sally Elton-Chalcraft has undertaken research on 'Fundamental British Values' and 'Prevent Strategy', leading to more equitable practice in school settings and improving understanding amongst teachers.
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Professors Heather Prince and Chris Loynes researched the impact of residential experiences, leading to international policy changes and new interventions in practice.
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Our Staff
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Emeritus Professor Pete Boyd, PhD
Emeritus Professor of Professional Learning, Institute of Education
Dr Amanda Chapman, PhD
Senior Lecturer in Academic Practice, Centre for Academic Practice Enhancement SFHEA
Professor Sally Elton-Chalcraft, PhD
Professor of Social Justice in Education, Institute of Education
Dr Alison Jackson, EdD
PhD Supervisor, Institute of Education
Karen Lockney
Senior Lecturer and Programme Lead Working with Children and Families, Institute of Health
Dr Jamie Mcphie, PhD
Course Leader MA Outdoor and Experiential Learning, Institute of Science and Environment
Dr Tracy Hayes, PhD
Lecturer in Institute of Health (IoH) and Deputy Theme Lead for Outdoor Learning in Learning, Education and Development (LED) Research Centre.
Professor Heather Prince, PhD
Professor of Outdoor and Environmental Education, Institute of Science and Environment
Our Staff Continued
| Dr Lisa Fenton, PhD - Lecturer in Outdoor Studies | Dr Liz Mallabon, PhD - Principal Lecturer | |
| Graham Hallett - Senior Lecturer (SEND/Inclusion) | Hugh Moore - Senior Lecturer (History) | |
| Professor Chris Loynes, PhD - Professor in Human Nature Relations |
Education Research Networks and Centres
Learning, Education and Development (LED) Research Centre
The Learning, Education and Development (LED) research centre is the Institute of Education's research group. The LED focuses on supporting practitioners to develop a research-informed practice that impacts policy.
Teacher Education Advancement Network (TEAN)
The Teacher Education Advancement Network (TEAN) is an initiative, supporting teacher education providers and associated organisations. From collecting resources to holding education events, TEAN improves the quality of training across the UK.