About CIE
About CIE
Our research is interdisciplinary and reflective of a membership drawn from across the University and its wider network of associates and friends, locally, nationally and internationally. The Centre is located within the School of Education & Social Work and is a constitutive part of a cross-university focus on International Development Studies, a group which has been ranked best in the world for the last six years (2017-22) by the QS World University Rankings.
Our focus
CIE's central focus is on Education and International Development within the Global South and its diaspora. Our aim is to contribute to international and national debates about policy, practice and global relations through research, teaching and publications. Our work is driven by a philosophy that improved educational opportunities have important implications for social justice and equality, social and civic participation, improved wellbeing, health and economic growth. CIE is a centre of excellence, and recognised internationally as a leading actor in the field of International Development and Education, with many of our members contributing to key global debates.
The impact of our research
CIE is delighted that our research impact was judged to be 100% ‘outstanding’ in the Research Excellence Framework 2021. Our three case studies were judged to be 4*, placing us tied first in the UK for Education research impact. Defined as research which delivers ‘real-world benefits’ research impact demonstrates how CIE research is making a real and positive difference to policy, practice and lived experience in the world.
Our research has brought significant changes to:
- Education outcomes and practice for migrants and refugees in the UK
- United Nations’ peacebuilding programmes in countries ravaged by conflicts
- Learning programmes to improve educational inequalities in some of the world’s poorest countries
Alongside bringing tangible benefits to people’s lives, 88% of the Department of Education’s research was judged to be ‘world leading’ (57%) or internationally excellent (31%).
Our teaching
Our substantial research experience is used to inform our teaching at doctoral, masters and undergraduate levels. More than 150 CIE doctoral researchers have gained their doctorates with us. Another 450 + students have completed the International Education and Development MA. CIE also delivers a suite of modules for first and second year undergraduates from across the University that may be undertaken as individual 'electives', or as part of the International Education and Development 'pathway'. Our graduates come from a wide range of countries and many have gone on to occupy key positions in the field of education and development at local, national and international levels. They provide us with an extensive and influential network of alumni and contacts across the globe.
Our partners
Members of CIE produce internationally renowned research through a wide range of approaches and a variety of methodologies. They have engaged in research and consultancy for research councils, international NGOs, national governments, philanthropic organizations, development agencies, trade unions and social movements. These include the ESRC, AHRC, GCRF, the EU, the British Council, DFID, UNESCO, Teacher Task Force for Education 2030, UNICEF, the World Bank, the Rockefeller Foundation, Concern Worldwide, Norwegian Aid, Geneva Global, OXFAM, Save the Children, Sightsavers, Education International, the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation and the Open Society Foundations among many others.
Our newsletters
CIE Spring Newsletter 2024 [PDF 391KB]
Our annual reports
CIE Annual Report 2023/24 [PDF 3.37MB]
See previous annual reports:
We encourage institutions, potential research partners and students to contact CIE for more information about our work