More than half of our research publications are rated as internationally excellent or world-leading

The University of Bedfordshire's strategic education research improves educational environments and curricula, enables and encourages the adoption of new and emerging technologies, and supports governments across the world in policy creation and development.

Specialist knowledge

Combining specialist knowledge in diversity, special needs, social justice and new learning technologies, our research makes significant contributions to education at all levels – from early years to Higher Education - nationally and internationally.

The Institute for Research in Education (IREd) has a successful track record in running government-funded specialist programmes on Maths and the co-ordination of Special Educational Needs (SEN) provision that are based on the findings of our research.

We conduct research into topics that have the potential to make a systemic difference, and our findings are turned into practical applications that improve education for all stakeholders.

Benefiting the economy

Our research is designed to directly benefit the economy through the export of UK ideas as well as income and job generation as businesses have created products needed to meet pedagogy needs.

We have received funding from the British Council, Nuffield Foundation, Higher Education Academy, European Union (funded collaboration meetings), professional associations (e.g. iTTE, New Zealand and Australian teacher education associations), Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), and the Bedford Charity as well as many other businesses, educational institutions, local authorities and charities.

University researchers have national and international recognition for their research on the digital learning technology applications to education, educational change, system improvement, semantic web, diversity and inclusion, pedagogy, teacher development and leadership and management.

We advise on policy panels such as the EUN (European Union Network), British Council, (OECD) and the Standards and Testing Agency.

Our research excellence

• Shapes the future of learning
• Improves equality of opportunity in education

Working with our students

We have students at all levels - from undergraduate to doctoral – working with us to ensure that education remains a priority and continues to develop future generations.

Our home and international doctoral students come from a range of educational sectors, have diverse educational experiences, and are conducting research into topics that reflect trends and shifts in education globally.

Our students often enter into collaborations with other educational institutions and also benefit from consultancy placements and internships with businesses locally and internationally.

We publish high quality research and develop the research and publication skills of both early career and senior researchers.

Join our research team as a postgraduate student

Apply to our Research Graduate School