Invisible Professional Learning in Prison Education: Recognising and Evidencing the Hidden Curriculum of Educator Development (VC2658)

About the Project

University of the West of Scotland (UWS) is seeking to attract a PhD candidate of outstanding ability and commitment to join its vibrant and growing programme of internationally excellent research.

This innovative PhD project explores the hidden world of professional learning in prison education, uncovering how knowledge, skills, and pedagogies are developed through everyday practice but often go unrecognised.

This research will examine how educators and imprisoned learners collaboratively shape trauma-informed, relational, and transformative educational experiences. The project addresses critical global challenges aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, including quality education, reduced inequalities, and peaceful, inclusive institutions.

The successful candidate will investigate how professional learning unfolds in real-world prison contexts, how institutional systems support (or constrain) this learning, and how imprisoned learners themselves contribute as active pedagogical partners. Using qualitative and participatory research methods, the project will seek to co-produce new practical tools, such as micro-credentialing models and reflective learning systems, to make this “invisible” learning visible, valued, and impactful.

This is a unique opportunity to conduct meaningful, applied research with direct access to practitioners and policymakers, contributing to real-world change in education, justice, and social inclusion. The project will generate academic publications, policy briefings, and practical resources for the Scottish Prison Service and beyond.

The successful candidate will join a supportive and interdisciplinary research environment, working closely with an experienced supervisory team across criminology and education. The studentship offers opportunities to develop advanced qualitative research skills, engage in collaborative and participatory methodologies, and contribute to high-impact publications and policy-relevant outputs. The candidate will also benefit from professional development opportunities, including conference participation, networking with academic and practitioner communities, and involvement in knowledge exchange activities. This PhD provides an excellent foundation for careers in academia, policy, or practice, particularly for those interested in education, justice, and social change.

Candidate eligibility criteria:

We are seeking a motivated and socially engaged candidate with an interest in education, criminology, or social policy, who is excited to undertake research that makes a tangible difference.

Applicants should hold, or be expected to achieve, a first-class or upper second-class honours degree (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline such as education, criminology, sociology, social policy, or a related field. A master’s degree in a relevant area is desirable but not essential.

Candidates should demonstrate an interest in qualitative and/or participatory research methodologies. Excellent communication skills, reflexivity, and the ability to work ethically and sensitively within complex research environments are essential.

Applications are encouraged from candidates with a wide range of academic and professional backgrounds. Relevant lived experience, such as experience of prison education or direct experience of the justice system, including time spent in custody, is recognised as valuable, but is not a requirement for this role.

The successful candidate must meet the following criteria:

• be a UK National (meeting residency requirements),
• or have settled status,
• or have pre-settled status (meeting residency requirements),
• or have indefinite leave to remain

For more information, or to discuss the project informally, please contact (via email) Dr Sarah McKean: sarah.mckean@uws.ac.uk, Dr Maria Sapouna maria.sapouna@uws.ac.uk or Dr Julie Ovington julie.ovington@uws.ac.uk.

Applications must be submitted via the UWS Online System.

Application Deadline: 15th June 2026

Programme Start Date: 1st October 2026

Funding Notes

This is a fully funded PhD Studentship and includes payment of tuition fees for 36 months at the home/UK rate and an annual maintenance stipend equivalent to UKRI minimum stipend rate (£21,805pa from 01/10/2026).

The successful candidate must meet the following criteria:

• be a UK National (meeting residency requirements),
• or have settled status,
• or have pre-settled status (meeting residency requirements),
• or have indefinite leave to remain