Research at Westminster Institute of Education
Research at Westminster Institute of Education takes place within a unique multi-disciplinary environment comprising teacher education, educational studies, philosophy, communication, media and culture, religious studies and theology.
Research in philosophy focuses on the investigation of human nature through a critical examination of the nature, origins and acquisition of phenomena that have traditionally been conceived as central to what makes humans distinctively human.
Research in education focuses on the ways in which policy and practice in curriculum design, pedagogy and assessment address questions of well-being, equality, inclusion and achievement in different educational settings, within a broader policy context of ‘social justice’.
Research in theology and religious studies explores the relationship between religion, culture and ethics, with particular attention to different constructions of human identity. This involves engaging with contemporary and historical concerns, and the Oxford Centre for Methodism and Church Study, housed at the Westminster Institute, provides an important resource centre for this work.
Research in communication, media and culture explores various forms of representation through the application of critical and cultural theory to both visual and written texts, including how we engage with language and the media in identity construction and formation.
Our research relates closely to teaching at all levels, including undergraduate
and post-graduate courses, doctoral research
and teacher education.
Research activity within the Institute is organised around six
substantive themes. In addition to a number of funded research projects
within these themes, we provide opportunities for researchers and research
students to meet and discuss their ongoing research to develop future projects.
There is overlap between research areas and many individual members of staff
research across more than one theme.
There is a varied programme of research events. There are research seminar series involving academic staff, postgraduate students at the Institute, and individuals outside the Institute with shared interests. An annual Research and Knowledge Transfer Conference provides an Institute-wide forum for staff to present and discuss their research. A series of public lectures engage critically with academic, policy and professional debates.
