Hideki Shimamune is researching creating schools as learning communities in Japan, on the MPhil/PhD programme.

"Headteachers, local authority staff, and DfES employees – all are my classmates. In addition, doctoral students come from a large number of countries, such as the UK, USA, Greek, Iran, Mexico, India, China and Papua New Guinea.

"They help to increase not only my knowledge but also the perspectives from which I can view my area of study.”

"Institute people are diverse, but simultaneously there is a strong sense of community. I have many opportunities to talk with lecturers, researchers, classmates and other staff and they provide me with suggestions and information to help me in my work.

"The Institute’s Newsam Library is really wonderful. In a search for upwards of two hundred items of literature, I found all the books and articles in our library – including e-journals and e-books – except for three. The library staff were able to acquire two of these, and introduced me to the nearby British Library, where I could read the third." 


Lubabatu Ammani is an MPhil/PhD student undertaking research into women’s access to higher education in Nigeria.

"Coming from an educationally disadvantaged region of my country, I feel at a great advantage to have been admitted to such a reputable institution.

"The high-quality academic standard and excellence in research have helped me to change my way of thinking and I am now much more critical in my approach.

"The support, library and computing facilities available to students are unique. I have never before seen a library as well equipped with educational books and facilities as the Newsam Library.

"The environment is highly conducive to progressing with learning and research. The supervisors and facilitators are very friendly and supportive. I also appreciate the Institute’s commitments to equality of opportunity and non-discrimination on grounds of gender, religion, disability or race.

"I am proud to be a doctoral research student at the Institute of Education." 


Sophia Hosang is currently in the second year of the MA Literacy and Learning Difficulties programme. She is combining part-time study with her work in early literacy.

"I am so glad that I came to the Institute to study for my master’s degree. I was aware of the good reputation that the Institute holds, and I am pleased that it has turned out to be well founded. I feel supported in my studies, which means a lot to me. Our lecturers are approachable, supportive, down-to-earth people. The course is well organised and run, which is a particular reason for my satisfaction.”

“We have access to a variety of useful resources and facilities. I have studied in places where the opposite is true and know how it feels to be disappointed, but this has not been the case here.

"Student life is good. There always seems to be a positive feeling around and something going on. The Institute is very cosmopolitan. The location is great, too! It is close to many of the most interesting places in London. In my opinion, the Institute is a positive environment to be a part of, and I am proud to be studying here." 



Stephanie Charmail came to the Institute from France in January 2003 as an Erasmus student. She enjoyed her studies so much that she decided to stay on to complete the MA Media, Culture and Communication.

"I was pleasantly surprised at how helpful the members of the administration staff were in answering my queries. Thanks to them, the transfer from my old university happened quickly and without any fuss.

"The teachers delighted me as well, not only through their obvious passion for their subject but also for their genuine interest in their students. They did not hesitate to stop for a chat if I met them in the corridors. The lessons were very engaging and stimulating, and the regular late afternoon seminars were useful in widening our field of study.

"Being the MA student representative allowed me to see different sides of the course and involved me more in life at the Institute. My overall experience at the Institute was excellent, and I would happily start again!" 


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