Research
Research in the Department of Learning and Leadership (LL).
About our research
As a large department our research is wide-ranging and varied, united by an aim of making rigorous contributions of new knowledge and ideas with the widest possible impact in order to enhance education practice and policy, as well as an academic discipline.
Major areas of focus include:
1. Early Years and Primary Education
2. Educational leadership
3. Inspection and accountability
4. Literacy
5. Teacher training and professional development
6. Educational inequalities and social mobility
7. (Quasi)-experimental impact evaluation
8. Education policy.
Within these areas we carry out research supported by a range of funders including research councils, charitable foundations, governments and non-government organisations.
Examples of our work include work on early years education, how evidence informs policy and practice, literacy teaching and learning, whole curriculum study, and large-scale evaluations of education policy and programmes.
Research projects
Writing and identity in the age of AI: a global higher education perspective
The project investigates the relationship between AI and writing practices, self-representation, and pedagogical expectations.
22 Dec 2025
Examining the challenges and benefits of childminding in England
This project investigates the English childminding workforce.
01 May 2025
Power of Play (PoP): Role and value of play in supporting early learning and development
This project examines the role of play and play-based learning in early childhood development.
01 Jan 2025
Centres in the department
Much of DLL’s research happens in the four research centres based in the department. Each of their websites provides further detail of their research areas, projects, and other activities:
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.
Research groups
Research seminars
DLL hosts multiple research seminar series where invited speakers present work relevant to the department’s areas of expertise:
Contact us
UCL Institute of Education
University College London
20 Bedford Way
London WC1H 0AL
