We’re delighted to welcome Dr Will Lo as the new Director for our Intercultural Communication and Education (ICE) programme who also serves as the Deputy Director of Research in the School.
My research primarily focuses on higher education policy and governance issues, particularly within East Asian societies. This interest began during my doctoral research, where I explored how global university rankings shape the international landscape of higher education and influence specific systems. Over time, my research on global rankings expanded into a broader investigation of the changes happening in higher education across East Asia, especially in the contexts of globalisation and internationalisation.
In recent years, I have also explored university governance, examining how cultural elements and contemporary ideas intersect to influence governance in East Asia, particularly within Chinese societies. My work aims to shed light on how the roles and functions of universities are understood through their unique cultural and socio-political lenses.
Building on this cultural perspective, I am looking ahead to research how stakeholders perceive research evaluation in different cultural contexts. This work will focus on how cultural approaches can inform our understanding of research evaluation, with the goal of providing cross-cultural insights into higher education governance and policy.
In your first few weeks in the School of Education, you will experience the dynamic and diverse environment of the MA ICE programme and Durham more broadly. Through a range of orientation activities, you will have the opportunity to develop friendships with classmates from a variety of cultural backgrounds. This aligns closely with the ICE programme’s vision which promotes intercultural communication and fosters an inclusive, global learning experience. Although the first few weeks will be busy, they are a vital time for building connections and setting the stage for your academic journey. You will not only develop friendships that transcend cultural boundaries but also engage in collaborations that can enrich your learning experience, both at Durham and beyond.
The School of Education at Durham is distinguished by its strong commitment to research-led teaching as reflected in our 1st rankings in the Research Excellence Framework 2021. Our students benefit from being taught by world-renowned scholars who actively contribute to educational research, bringing both expertise and passion into the classroom. Building on the School’s overall strengths, the MA ICE programme is particularly known for its emphasis on small-group teaching and the critical, in-depth discussions it fosters. Students are encouraged to engage with diverse perspectives, enriching their learning experience and aligning with the programme’s focus on intercultural communication.
My advice for anyone considering studying at the School of Education is to embrace the wealth of opportunities available. Engage deeply with your studies and don’t hesitate to share your ideas or explore topics in education that spark your interest. By actively participating in your studies and connecting with your peers, you’ll not only gain new perspectives but also forge lasting friendships that will stay with you long after your time at Durham.
Our MA ICE graduates have gone on to work in various sectors. A few memorable examples include graduates becoming university lecturers in their home countries, pursuing PhDs at prestigious institutions, and starting or advancing their careers in the teaching profession within the school sector.
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