About the department
The Department of Learning and Leadership (LL) specialises in early years and primary education, educational leadership and education policy. The breadth of our work includes internationally renowned research, outstanding teaching and teacher training, and cutting-edge consultancy and enterprise work.
Some examples of our areas of research are: early learning, early years and global childhoods, primary education, national and international education policy, school systems, early literacy, educational leadership and education policy.
Research
Our main aim is to contribute new ideas and knowledge that have the widest possible impact in order to enhance education as an academic discipline, and as a field of practice and policy.
Consultancy
Our department provides advice and consultancy on a range of areas related to Learning and teaching, and Leadership.
Early Career Framework
UCL IOE leads a partnership of 21 Delivery Partners across England providing robust professional learning for early career teachers and mentors based on the Early Career Framework.
Our vision
Our vision is to lead the way in Research and Teaching Excellence, with the integration of Enterprise and Innovation to deliver transformative, sustainable impact for present and future generations.
Our goal is to catalyse our world-leading expertise in all aspects of Early Years and Primary Education, Leadership and Education Policy to benefit:
- children
- students
- teachers
- and wider society.
Expertise
- Early Years and Primary Education
- Educational Leadership
- Literacy
- Teacher training and professional development
- Evaluation and experimental trials
- Inspection and accountability
- Education improvement science
- Education Policy.
What we offer
- A vibrant teaching programme of full time and part time courses including PhDs and other doctoral qualifications, master’s courses, and one of the largest and most highly regarded set of teacher training routes
- Influential national and international research and consultancy
- Events including research seminar programmes, conferences, short courses, and bespoke consultancies.
Centres in the department
Centre for Education Policy and Equalising Opportunities
We create cutting-edge research focused on equalising opportunities across the life course. Our work seeks ways to improve education policy and wider practices to achieve this goal.
Helen Hamlyn Centre for Pedagogy (0–11 years)
Researchers, educators and policy makers working together to transform children's lives through evidence and exemplary pedagogy.
International Literacy Centre
Fostering cutting-edge research and critical scholarship on literacy, pedagogy, policy and practice.
UCL Centre for Educational Leadership
The UK’s largest university-based centre for research, teaching, development and innovation in educational leadership.
News
UCL Professor to advise Government Skills in new College of Experts
Professor Qing Gu OBE has been appointed to the Government Skills College of Experts to provide evidence-backed advice that will strengthen UK government and public service systems.
28 May 2026
Disinformation, misinformation and conspiracy theories
In an increasingly digital landscape, what can teachers do to guide, safeguard and support their students?
27 Mar 2026
UCL Institute of Education is world-leading for Education for 13th year
UCL Institute of Education is the number one place to study Education for the 13th year running in the 2026 QS World University Rankings by Subject.
25 Mar 2026
What's on
View all department events10 Jun
in person
Education in conflict: Bridging past and present in preparing educators in era of conflicts17:00 - 19:00
Got questions? Get in touch
Contact us if you have any questions about our research or studying with us.
