About CIE
The Centre for International Education (CIE) was established in 1989 and is one of the University of Sussex Centres of Excellence.
About CIE
CIE is recognised as a leading actor in the field of international education and development. Its cutting-edge research is interdisciplinary, theoretically rich and methodologically nuanced. In keeping with its distinctively critical, decolonial approach, CIE works in collaboration with partners around the world to address the part that education plays in society, both in social transformation and in the reproduction of social inequalities.
The Centre is located within the University of Sussex’s Faculty of Social Sciences and is a constitutive part of a cross-university consortium on Development Studies, a group which has been ranked best in the world for the last eight years (2017-24) by the QS World University Rankings.
Our focus
Since its inception in 1989, CIE's critical focus has been on Education and International Development within the Global South and its diaspora. As a University of Sussex Centre of Excellence, CIE contributes to international and national debates about policy, practice and global relations through research, teaching and publications. Collectively, its research themes reflect a broad concern for the work of education in society. These themes address contemporary concerns related to coloniality, race and gender; conflict and migration; global education and development policy; learning quality and pedagogies; sustainability and climate justice.
Overall, our work is driven by a philosophy that differences in educational opportunities have important implications for human flourishing, sustainability, social justice, social and civic participation, citizenship and democracy.
The impact of our research
CIE has made major contributions to policy and practice in the field of international development. Continuing in this vein, CIE is delighted that our research impact was judged to be 100% ‘outstanding’ in the Research Excellence Framework 2021. Our three case studies (see links below) were judged to be 4*, placing us tied first in the UK for Education research impact. Defined as research which delivers ‘real-world benefits’, these research impact ratings demonstrate how CIE research is making a tangible and positive difference to policy, practice and lived experiences around 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 positive benefits to people’s lives, 88% of the Department of Education’s research was judged to be either world leading or internationally excellent.
Our teaching-research nexus
Our substantial research experience informs our teaching at doctoral, master’s and undergraduate levels. Around 180 CIE researchers have gained doctorates with us through the International Education and Development PhD, and well over 600 students have completed our flagship MA in International Education and Development. CIE also delivers a suite of elective modules for first and second year undergraduates from across the University.
Our graduates come from a wide range of countries. Many have gone on to occupy key positions in the field of education and development at local, regional, national and international levels. They are an integral part of our extensive and influential network of alumni and contacts working across the globe, in national governments, INGOs, international agencies, universities and research institutes, as well as other formal and non-formal education and policy organisations.
Our partners
In collaboration with partners from around the world, CIE faculty produce internationally renowned research using a wide range of approaches, theoretical perspectives and methodologies. With our partners, we 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, British Academy, British Council, DFiD/FCDO, Teacher Task Force for Education 2030, FAO, IFAD, UNESCO, 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