About the School of Education
We are a leading School of Education, with an international reputation for the impact and quality of our research and the excellence of our teaching.
The School of Education combines expertise from three areas of the University: education, the Sheffield Methods Institute (SMI) and lifelong learning.
As Head of School, I am privileged to work with a talented and diverse group of academic colleagues and students, with all aspects of our work supported by dedicated professional service staff. We aim to make your time with us challenging, memorable and transforming, with new connections, knowledge and friendships that will last a lifetime.
Professor Rebecca Lawthom
Head of the School of Education
Education
We are proud that 86% of our research is rated in the highest two categories in the Research Excellence Framework 2021, meaning it is classed as 'world-leading' or 'internationally excellent'. We are rated joint top nationally for our impact submission.
Education touches everyone’s life at some stage, which is why debates about education – values, policies, theories and practice – are of global concern. Education is seen as a right and an entitlement but is increasingly caught up in economic and policy debates about its effects and effectiveness.
In the School of Education, our research and teaching sit at the forefront of these debates, focusing on concerns about equity, access, inclusion and social justice.
- Studying and researching
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When you choose to study with us, you will engage with a range of modules that encourage critical thinking and evaluation of contemporary issues that affect children, families and communities in local, national and global contexts.
You'll understand the inter-disciplinary nature of education, incorporating sociology, psychology, disability studies, philosophy, politics; history and anthropology, along with a range of theories and methods for carrying out your own research.
Our students participate in a community of scholarship, with access to research seminars, and opportunities to engage with leading international researchers. You'll connect with recent research, with contrasting ways of thinking about education that may challenge your preconceptions and experiences.
- A community of research and scholarship
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We offer a diverse and multi-disciplinary environment for research and teaching, with consistent feedback in the National Student Survey (NSS) about the quality of our academic and pastoral support for undergraduate students.
Our international community of masters and doctoral students receive rigorous research methods training as well as pursuing their own research.
Our doctoral students conduct interdisciplinary research that often helps them to address educational problems and challenges in their home communities. They develop international perspectives through attending conferences and seminars, as well as publishing their research in books, journals and blogs.
Sheffield Methods Institute
The Sheffield Methods Institute (SMI) is an interdisciplinary department set up as a response to how changes in contemporary society have impacted the social sciences.
The SMI was set up via funding as part of a £20 million programme to promote change in social science graduates - more graduates are needed who can use data and other forms of information such as social media, and can communicate clearly what it tells us.
We are a unique organisation created to promote innovation in research methods that can be applied to the social sciences to ultimately help solve the big challenges facing today’s society.
We do this by:
- delivering teaching and training in cutting edge qualitative and quantitative research methods.
- providing opportunities to manage and analyse data sets, including Big Data.
- leading the methodological innovation at the University of Sheffield through events such as seminar series, workshops, study schools and conferences.
- building working relationships with businesses to promote best practice research methods and deliver work experience opportunities.
- working with international partners with our teaching and research.
The Sheffield Methods Institute
Lifelong learning
We act as the University’s gateway for mature students who don’t currently have the qualifications to allow them to enter Higher Education. By offering a wide range of degrees with a foundation year we support students to develop the study skills, subject knowledge and confidence to succeed at degree-level study.
Adult education in Sheffield has a rich history stretching back to the formation of the University of Sheffield. Penny donations given by the city's workers helped create an institution dedicated to the further development of the local area and its communities, and many of the University's first students were working-class Sheffielders attending part-time classes.
Lifelong learning plays a central role in the University's continued commitment to mature learners. We offer courses to students aged 21 or over, who don't have the standard entry qualifications needed to apply for most degree courses.
Our staff have many years experience teaching and advising mature students, and are passionate about seeing them succeed whatever their background and educational journey. We understand what it’s like to be a mature student. We know that you might have work, family and other commitments and we provide the support you need to succeed on your chosen course.
We are always happy to discuss your situation with you and advise on the right pathway back into education, so get in touch with us if you would like to find out more.
Lifelong Learning is part of Student and Academic Services (S&AS) within the University.