At York, researchers collaborate across the University's seven interdisciplinary research themes to address the great scientific, social and environmental challenges of our times.

Our department has particularly strong partnerships within four themes: Justice and Equality, Health and Wellbeing, Risk Evidence and Decision Making, Culture and Communication. 

Justice and Equality

Through our specialist Centre for Research on Education and Social Justice we explore social justice in education in the UK and internationally. Research topics include access to and outcomes of higher education, race and gender equality, and narratives in literature and social studies teaching and learning, including development and citizenship education.

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Health and Wellbeing

We aim to develop world-leading research and impact in the field of mental health and wellbeing in education.

Collaboration with other departments is integral to our work. We’re developing wide networks of researchers in this field.

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Risk, Evidence and Decision Making

We have substantial expertise in evaluating and synthesising research evidence: summarising what is known about a topic for educators and policymakers and presenting it in an accessible way. We apply our expertise to engage in targeted knowledge exchange with schools and educators to achieve significant and far-reaching impact.

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Culture and Communication

Our research considers language use and language learning part of and as resources for social interaction. We lead cutting edge interdisciplinary research that improves second language education and the learning of English and other languages.

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Explore these research themes