Theme 2: Policy, Economy and Society
The Policy, Economy and Society theme provides a focal point for research relating learning to political, social and economic contexts, within the UK, in Europe, and globally.
Research draws on theoretical and methodological resources from anthropology, economics, philosophy and sociology, uses qualitative and quantitative approaches, and is undertaken from a variety of policy-relevant perspectives. Our research strengths include policy developments in the field of assessment or skills development, education in the developing world, and interdisciplinary work on higher education.
Group leader: Alis Oancea

Related Groups & Centres

Comparative and International Education
The Comparative and International Education (CIE) Research Group is an internationally-recognised interdisciplinary group dedicated to the study of educational systems, practices, and policies across the world.
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Philosophy, Religion and Education
The Philosophy, Religion and Education Research Group provides a unique interdisciplinary contribution to the research culture of the Department of Education at the University of Oxford.
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Higher Education
The Centre for Global Higher Education is the Department’s Higher Education Research group.
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Centre for Skills, Knowledge, and Organisational Performance (SKOPE)
SKOPE focuses on policy and practice at the intersection of education, skills, and employment.
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Centre for Educational Assessment
The Oxford University Centre for Educational Assessment (OUCEA) conducts research in a wide range of assessment issues, in different sectors and educational levels.
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Related Research Projects
Project
From Policy to Practice: Understanding Teachers’ Experiences with Student Learning Outcomes-Based Education
Start date: May 2025
End date: April 2026
Project
Developing a Socially Sensitive Research Approach to Higher Education Aspirations: Exploring the Hopes and Aspirations of British Sixth Form Students of Pakistani and Bangladeshi Heritage
Start date: May 2025
End date: April 2026
Project
Teacher and community perspectives: missing links in language planning and policy in multilingual settings
Start date: January 2025
End date: December 2025
Project
Diverse Contributions to Educational Research
Start date: March 2024
End date: March 2025
Project
System-Thinking Approaches to Tertiary Education Policymaking in England
Start date: 2024
End date: 2025