Research in education

We have a vibrant research culture driven by students working towards postgraduate qualifications, staff pursuing their own research interests, and contracts for funding agencies and other partners.

In this section:

Research degrees

Our professors Nesta Devine Professor of Philosophy of Education Spanning education policy and theory, prison education, Pasifika teachers, and school exclusion, Professor Devine’s research challenges the conventional ways of thinking. Spanning education policy and theory, prison education, Pasifika teachers, and school exclusion, Professor Devine’s research challenges the conventional ways of thinking that can lead to inequities for different groups of learners. To tackle underachievement in education and address skills gaps, the focus is often placed on the groups who are underachieving but, drawing on her own research, Professor Devine challenges this as flawed thinking.

Our professors Jane Gilbert Professor of Education Education helps to create the society of the future, says Professor Jane Gilbert who is sought after for her expertise on the future of knowledge in the school curriculum. Education helps to create the society and economy of the future, says Professor Jane Gilbert. In education circles, Professor Gilbert is sought after for her expertise on the future of knowledge in the school curriculum. The ideas in her 2005 book ‘Catching the Knowledge Wave? The knowledge society and the future of education in New Zealand’ captured the imaginations of many in the sector. The book still fuels discussion and debate on the best way forward for the education system.

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News

62% increase in AUT researchers

30 Apr, 2019

Growing expertise to help New Zealand and the world

Doctoral student’s research recognised

06 Jul, 2018

Doctor of Education candidate Jacoba Matapo has been awarded the 2018 Philosophy of Education Society of Australasia (PESA) Doctoral Scholarship.

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Great graduatesKevin ZhongDoctor of PhilosophyHis research will be the first New Zealand study investigating Chinese migrants’ experiences of school transition, says Kevin Zhong who came to AUT from China.His PhD research will be the first New Zealand study investigating Chinese migrants’ experiences of school transition, says Kevin Zhong who came to AUT from China to study a PhD in education. He came to AUT based on a recommendation from other students, Kevin says. Enrolling in a PhD was the logical next step in Kevin’s career.

Great graduatesClare CurticeDoctor of EducationAn interest in education policies attracted her to the Doctor of Education, says AUT education student Clare Curtice who has been a teacher for 25 years.An interest in education policies attracted her to the Doctor of Education, says Clare Curtice who has been a teacher for 25 years. For her doctoral research, Clare is focusing on the Communities of Learning/Kahui Ako initiative. Her research is supervised by Professor Nesta Devine and Associate Professor Georgina Stewart.

Great graduatesCushla ShepherdYear 8 Teacher / Lower Middle School Dean, Orewa CollegeMaster of Educational LeadershipMaster of Educational Leadership student Cushla Shepherd is researching how to enable teachers and leaders to adjust to changes in the curriculum and society.Cushla Shepherd’s research aims to enable teachers and leaders to adjust successfully to changes in the curriculum and society in general. She came to AUT based on a recommendation from a teacher friend, Cushla says. As a Year 8 teacher, Cushla was used to leading the class, rather than being a pupil. As a master’s student, she has been reminded of what it takes to study.

Great graduatesJeanne TeisinaManager, Akoteu Kato Kakala Early Childhood Education CentreMaster of Education
Master of Educational Leadership
Doctor of EducationEnrolling in the Doctor of Education felt like the natural next step, says Jeanne Teisina who is passionate about Tongan early childhood education in NZ.Enrolling in the Doctor of Education felt like the natural next step, says Jeanne Teisina who is passionate about Tongan early childhood education in New Zealand. For her doctoral research, Jeanne is drawing on her experience as a manager of a Tongan language nest. She loves that AUT has created a space to share her voice through her research, and she feels a strong of sense of belonging at AUT.

Great graduatesMarina FoxHead of the Chiropractic Academic Programme, New Zealand College of ChiropracticMaster of EducationIt sounds challenging, but Marina Fox says that AUT has made it possible to combine postgraduate study with working full-time and bringing up a family.It sounds challenging, but Marina Fox says that AUT has made it possible to combine postgraduate study with working full-time and bringing up a family.

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