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  Character and Citizenship Education


   School of Education

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Prof J Arthur  Applications accepted all year round  Self-Funded PhD Students Only

About the Project

This research project revolves around the origins of character formation in school children and the aspirations and character formation of young people in deprived areas. This research can include issues surrounding character development and looking at the future-mindedness of young people, and how it can be developed using social media. At the School of Education our ground breaking research and evaluation of education is used to inform policy-makers, assist practitioners and enhance opportunities for all learners. The work from this project has the potential to be fed directly into policy decision making at national government level.

About Prof. James Arthur
Prof. James Arthur is a world leading expert on the Character and Values of young people. He is Director of CitizED – an organisation in higher education promoting citizenship (see CitizED – www.citized.info). He was a member of the National Forum for Values in Education and the Community. He has participated in various consultations with QCA about values education, and was a member of the History Task Group of the National Curriculum Council to revise the National Curriculum, and has since been a member of a sub-group of the Citizenship Working Party as well as a member of groups on citizenship and personal and social education in the DCSF and in the Teacher Development Agency. He is soon to present the findings of his recent research on Character and Citizenship to the Riots Panel, convened by the government following the recent riots in England.

Education PhD
A PhD requires a minimum period of study as a registered student of normally three years full-time or six years part-time. The PhD is by thesis only, and is examined by a work of 80,000 words maximum and an oral examination. Postgraduate researchers are required to complete the research training programme, normally in the first two years of registration. One to one supervision is provided throughout the length of the formal registration. Postgraduate researchers who are involved in similar areas may also have some group supervision.
To find out more details and to apply online view the Education PhD webpage

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Project supervisors

Career overview

Professor James Arthur OBE is an Emeritus Professor of Education at the University of Birmingham, where he has had a distinguished career. He served as the Director of the Jubilee Centre for Character and Virtues from 2012 to 2023, and was Head of the School of Education from 2010 to 2015. Additionally, he held the position of Deputy Pro-Vice-Chancellor from 2015 to 2019. His editorial experience includes a decade as Editor of the British Journal of Educational Studies. Professor Arthur has received numerous honorary titles and Fellowships, including Honorary Professor at the University of Glasgow, Faculty Affiliate at Harvard University, Senior Fellow of Boston College, Senior Fellow of the University of Virginia, and Honorary Research Fellow at the University of Oxford. In recognition of his contributions, he was appointed Officer of the British Empire by the Queen in 2018 and received the Expanded Reason Award from the Ratzinger Foundation in the Vatican in 2020. Professor Arthur graduated with a BA from the University of Birmingham in 1979, followed by an MSc in 1989 and a D.Phil in 1992, both from the University of Oxford. He currently holds an appointment at Harvard University, further solidifying his international academic presence.


Research interests

Professor James Arthur''s research focuses on the relationship between theory and practice in education, with particular emphasis on character, virtues, citizenship, religion, and education. He has written extensively on character education and has served as the Director of the Jubilee Centre for Character and Virtues. His interests include the ethical dimensions of education, the role of character in professional domains, and the impact of social justice on educational practices. Professor Arthur has also been involved in various governmental education committees and advises international charities, particularly in the context of character education.

View Professor James Arthur's profile