Understanding educational theory, philosophy and practice

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About us

The Centre for Philosophy of Education generates, facilitates and promotes research carried out in the disciplines of philosophy and education, and at their various intersections. In nurturing an interdisciplinary approach rooted in educational and philosophical values, the Centre draws together the work of researchers interested in a diverse but complementary range of philosophical and educational positions, questions and issues.

Embedded in a culture that values intellectual freedom, the Centre supports staff, postgraduate and undergraduate students in a variety of ways through its range of activities.

Whilst the nexus of the Centre's activity resides in its theoretical work, it also encourages the application of philosophical and theoretical ideas to educational practice, and uses both formal and informal means to encourage research across the fields of education and philosophy.

Furthermore, the Centre fosters engagement with general audiences through public lectures and debates, and with professional audiences, particularly teachers, teacher trainers and professional corporate and non-corporate educators.

Conveners

Dr Alexis Gibbs, Senior Lecturer in Education and Chair of the South Coast Branch of the Philosophy of Education Society of Great Britain

Dr Adrian Skilbeck, Lecturer in Education

Members

Research, Knowledge Exchange and Public Engagement

Research

Drawn from across the University with a focus on early childhood education, The Centre's Early Childhood  Research Cluster explores young children’s lived experiences from philosophical, theoretical and applied perspectives. Critical engagement with diverse areas affecting early childhood is what unites an array of research strands from policy, pedagog and practice.

Through the early childhood cluster we forged links in 2018-19 with Western University in Ontario, Canada, and we aim to continue this relationship, developing an outdoor education project together.

Knowledge Exchange, Partnerships and Public Engagement

The Centre works in collaboration with the South Coast Branch of the Philosophy of Education Society of Great Britain, which provides funding to host talks and events throughout the year. 

We organise research seminars open to interested individuals beyond the University as well as staff and students. For information on our latest events, see 'What's Happening - Events' below.

Postgraduate research

The Centre supports a growing number of research students exploring a wide range range of topics across a wide range of disciplines and their intersections, including philosophy, education, politics and the arts.

PGR research highlight

Laura Watson: Rethinking Holocaust Education: What can be learnt from the Holocaust about the human condition?’, supervised by Dr Marie Morgan

Supervision 

The Centre welcomes enquiries about postgraduate research. Explore our members' profiles pages above to find out more about their individual research strengths, and identify academics who can supervise you.

Find out more about Postgraduate Research Degrees at Winchester

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