Launched in 2007, the University of Cumbria is founded on the experience and tradition of well over 150 years of higher education. The university is a growing, multi-campus university that is home to over 10,000 students. The university offers high quality research-informed academic studies, professionally focused programmes and technical skills. By creating knowledge with our research, sharing information through our courses and making business connections with our placement opportunities, we help enable our students to realise their potential and achieve life-changing outcomes.
A sense of place is very important to the University and this influences the research that is undertaken here in terms of the local, national and international perspectives. The University of Cumbria is committed to creating high quality research with academic impact and real world benefits for communities, practitioners, society and policy through people, place and partnerships. Our research is grounded in the real world with an emphasis on place and applied research linking with industry. We aim to deliver research of national and international importance that addresses the challenges of our time and provide research-connected programmes of study https://www.cumbria.ac.uk/research/.
Our key areas of recognised research are as follows:
- Active Ageing, sport and physical activity
- Allied Health including medical imaging, occupational therapy, physiotherapy and radiography
- The Arts
- Sustainable business, ecotourism
- Forestry, conservation and landscape
- Wildlife Conservation
- National parks and protected areas
- Regional economic development
- Educational Research
- Outdoor learning and environment
- Social sciences
Research Lead: Professor Diane Cox
Diane is the Director of Research & Head of the Graduate School for the University. As Director of Research, Diane is responsible for the strategic development of research across the University; as Head of the Graduate School, Diane is responsible for the effective and efficient operation of the Graduate School, and the quality of the postgraduate student experience. Diane has worked at the University of Cumbria (formerly St. Martin’s College) since 2000. She has previously held a number of academic posts; Senior Lecturer, Reader, Principal Lecturer and Research Coordinator. She gained a personal chair in 2011, and is a Professor of Occupational Therapy. Diane currently has four PhD students who are Occupational Therapists. She has published numerous papers. Prior to working in Higher Education, Diane worked for 15 years in the NHS, and is a member of a number of national committees about research. She collaborates with other Universities, NHS and Social sector about research and practice. She is and has been a member of a number of National Consultancy and Reference groups.