PEDAGOGY
The Pedagogy Research and Innovation Group (PedRIG) supports internationally recognised research focused on learning and teaching.
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We champion evidence-informed approaches that enrich student experiences, influence educational policy, and strengthen USW’s scholarly reputation.
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EXPERTISE AND MEMBERS
Our diverse membership includes academics, researchers, and practitioners working across education and subject disciplines. Together, we focus on three strategic themes:
• People, Cultures, and Environment – designing equitable curricula, addressing differential outcomes, and fostering student belonging.
• Future-Focused Pedagogies – advancing curriculum and assessment transformation, fostering sustainability, adaptability, and global citizenship to prepare graduates for complex societal and educational challenges.
• Digital Innovation and Pedagogic Transformation – shaping the impactful and ethical use of digital tools, AI, and emerging technologies in Higher Education.
Through these themes, PedRIG creates a collaborative space for innovation, impact, and excellence in teaching and learning.
RESEARCH FOCUS AREAS
Our research is organised around three interconnected themes that reflect our commitment to inclusivity, innovation, and societal impact. Each theme supports collaboration across disciplines and responds to the challenges and opportunities facing higher education today.
The themes are interconnected and mutually reinforcing. Together, they highlight RIG’s ambition to create equitable, sustainable, and digitally-enabled learning environments that prepare students for the future.
Themes and Sub-Themes:
People, Cultures, and Environment
- Equity and Differential Outcomes - Promoting equity by tackling awarding gaps, widening access, and fostering inclusive institutional cultures that create fair opportunities for students and staff.
- Educational Change - Investigating how cultures, communities, and structures shape teaching and learning, enabling educational development and impactful change across contexts.
- Student Belonging and Community - Enhancing peer networks, fostering belonging and identity, and supporting social and academic transitions.
Future-Focused Pedagogies
- Inclusive Curriculum and Pedagogy - Decolonising curricula, embedding accessibility, and developing culturally responsive teaching practices.
- Curriculum Transformation in Higher Education - Designing flexible curricula, challenge-based learning, and adapting Higher Education delivery models to evolving contexts (e.g Block Teaching).
- Education for Sustainable Development and Global Citizenship - Embedding sustainability, critical environmental literacy, and social responsibility in curricula to prepare graduates for global challenges, ethical engagement, and interdisciplinary problem-solving.
Digital Innovation and Pedagogic Transformation
- Digital Pedagogies and Digital Learning - Advancing blended, online, and block delivery models; rethinking synchronous/asynchronous learning; and applying learning analytics.
- Digital Equity and Access - Ensuring fair access to digital tools, building digital confidence, and designing inclusive digital experiences.
- AI and Emerging Technologies in Education - Leading critical engagement with generative AI, exploring ethics in digital assessment, and future-proofing learning and teaching.
KEY PROJECTS
Integrated Programme Assessment Network UK (IPA Network UK)
This strategic partnership, led by USW, created between the Integrated Programme Assessment (IPA) Network (IPA Net UK) and the QAA seeks to establish a UK-wide community of practice focused on integrated programme assessment strategies.Strengthening the Vision: Advancing Inclusive Education Initiatives in Wales
The project aims to develop a shared understanding of what an inclusive education system should look like in Wales, and to provide resources which will facilitate knowledge development and mobilisation about inclusive education across the sector.Embedding Research and Enquiry in Schools (EREiS)
The EREiS project aims to help Welsh schools make better use of existing educational research.The Lived Experiences of Disabled Music Therapists and Music Therapy Students in the UK
This research study sought to understand the lived experiences of disabled music therapists and music therapy students in the UK, providing evidence of both the successes and injustices experienced, as well as the vital assets disabled music therapists bring to the profession./prod01/channel_2/media/university-of-south-wales/site-assets/images/04-profiles/45-university-staff/university-staff-celt-team-52288-600X600.jpg)
Work with us
We welcome collaboration with industry, government, and academic partners to drive innovation and tackle real-world challenges. Whether you’re interested in co-developing solutions, exploring funding opportunities, or partnering on research projects, we are open to discussing how we can work together to achieve impactful outcomes.
To learn more or discuss potential collaborations, please contact Karl Luke at [email protected].
POSTGRADUATE RESEARCH
Whether you’re pursuing a PhD, MPhil, or Masters by Research, you’ll be guided by passionate, leading experts, making a positive impact on individuals, communities, charities, businesses, and governments worldwide. We welcome UK and international applications for research degrees. Study full-time or part-time, on campus or remotely, depending on your area. Professionals with an existing body of work may also be eligible for a PhD by Portfolio.
Our research students are integral to our team. They benefit from excellent research facilities, dedicated study areas, and opportunities to present their work at national and international conferences.
Research students
Dr Joe Cudd, Headteacher of Ysgol Pen Rhos, achieved his Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA) at USW, a qualification he pursued to enhance his leadership capabilities.
Joe applied DBA insights directly to his role, particularly in building trust, fostering optimism, and driving organisational change. He credits USW’s supportive tutors and practical teaching for equipping him with advanced skills like statistical analysis and thematic research, which have transformed his approach to decision-making.
“Studying at USW has been challenging but life-changing,” Joe said. “It’s empowered me to create real, positive change in schools.”
Read Dr Joe Cudd's Graduation story