Postgraduate Education Research Conference

Our Postgraduate Education Research Conference, which usually takes place at campus, went virtual this year and proved to be quite the success.

The annual event, which was attended by over 70 students studying our Education MA, Education MRes and Doctorate of Education (EdD) was based on the theme of ‘Adventures in Methodology’ providing a stimulating and inclusive opportunity for everyone to share their research and experiences.

The event was opened by the School Dean, Cathy Gower, who said “it was a fantastic success, with a varied programme of activities. The levels of engagement were high throughout the day and it was lovely to have many of our international colleagues and students attending because of the online format – from challenge comes opportunity”.

The programme line up this year included keynotes from Professor Peter Clough, and Dr Peter Hemming as well as student led poster presentations, an alumni panel and virtual networking and discussion rooms.

Tutors agreed that the event achieved a really high level of engagement and interaction comparable to, and in some cases exceeding, the interaction and engagement of a physical conference.

Course leader, Dr Soo Sturrock said “This was an exciting and successful event. Common to all the sessions was the sense of community and collegiality; the friendliness and kindness of colleagues and the positive tenor of the questions and conversations. I was proud to convene this conference and to hear from so many students and colleagues – past and present – and to challenge my own thinking and perspectives”.

Comments from one delegate included; “Thank you very much for organising such a useful conference. The day really helped to develop my own thinking within my research, but also within my day to day work as a teacher. Excellent!