Postgraduate research community

About our community

Researchers within the Education and Social Research Institute (ESRI) offer innovative approaches to educational research in the UK and internationally, across disciplines and in partnership with a broad range of stakeholders.

Underpinning all of our research themes is the application of theory to research and practice, and testing theory through real-world evidence.

Our programmes provide a unique opportunity to work closely with internationally distinguished researchers.

All of our research students are members of ESRI and belong to one or more of our research groups.

We provide high-quality supervision and a range of training and development opportunities designed to support the next generation of leaders in education research.

My supervisors are generous, caring and insightful. They are invested in me as a researcher and send opportunities my way that sit around the edges of doctoral study - helping guide me through my first experiences of publishing papers, presenting work and facilitating research.

Ruthie Boycott-Garnett, ESRI Doctoral student

Training and development opportunities

Student seminars

Professor Kate Pahl and Dr Abi Hackett run a weekly seminar that is at the heart of the postgraduate research community. Everyone is welcome and the programme includes research presentations, guest speakers and focused discussions on key topics.

Our postgraduate research student community also regularly organise socials, support sessions, reading groups and writing groups.

Annual Postgraduate Research Conference and Early Career Research Showcase

This full-day conference provides postgraduate and early career researchers with an opportunity to share their research and is attended by academics and researchers across the Faculty of Education and beyond.

Participating as a part-time student

Many of our postgraduate research students study part-time and balance their study with busy work lives or caring commitments.

We provide online access to our activities and record our seminars for those who cannot attend. Regular newsletters and meetings with supervisors also help to keep you connected.

As part-time students, we are encouraged and supported to participate in research and reading groups, present at postgraduate research conferences and to form our own communities. It has been incredibly helpful for the development of our own work.

Yvonne Sinclair, ESRI Doctoral student

Groups of ESRI researchers in conversation at a seminar event

ESRI seminar series

Our annual seminar series brings together researchers from around the world to explore some of the biggest contemporary debates within education.

Go to seminar series

Four researchers collaborate on a mathematical craft project

ESRI research group activities

All postgraduate research students are welcome to attend the regular meetings, workshops, reading groups and other activities hosted by our eight research groups and the Manifold Lab.

Go to research groups

Join our community

ESRI provides opportunities to undertake doctoral study through the White Rose Doctoral Training Programme, which offers a range of studentships funded through the Economic and Social Research Council.