Research Areas

All of our academic schools carry out research in their dedicated areas, making for a varied and interesting body of work.

Architecture and Product Design

A state of the art Visualisation Centre provides full-size 3D architectural visualisations and an Advanced Prototyping Laboratory which uses the latest technology for product testing and development are just two of the reasons our research into architecture and product design enjoys an international reputation.

Art and Design

Our art and design research actively promotes the development and application of creative knowledge. It has four main areas of focus: analysing art's contribution to social change; how we relate to digital technology; new ways of thinking through making art; and the role of art in teaching and education.

Biomedical Sciences

Life-enhancing research is taking place within biomedical sciences, with research teams investigating the role of the human body's biology in cancer treatment, diabetes, immunity to diseases and preventing sickness from food contamination, among others.

Business

Incorporating everything from the entrepreneurial dynamic of family businesses to modernising the fire service our business research is providing important insights into working environments of all types.

Computing and IT

At the forefront of e-learning and new applications in IT, our research into computing and IT has included collaborating on Europe-wide projects to create a games development network and systems to support local democracy.

Construction and Infrastructure

Currently the leading university in the West Midlands for architecture, construction and infrastructure research, the University's research in this area has a clear focus on construction management, surveying and property, civil engineering and built environment and training.

Engineering and Technology

In the top three universities in the region for engineering research, cutting-edge technology is being used for medical advances such as an artificial larynx that complements the dialect and speech patterns of its recipient. Other research teams are using leading laser technology to create highly complex 3D forms - both functional as precision tools or aesthetically pleasing as art.

Health and Nursing

Continuously improving health and social care is the aim of our health and nursing research teams - preventing disease, prolonging life, promoting health and social wellbeing and informing policies on both a national and international level.

Humanities, Language and Culture

Several research centres engage in exciting work in the fields of humanities, languages and culture, taking in everything from shopping and marketing in the 1800s, to our internationally recognised work in natural language processing.

Law and Legal Studies

Financial activities, human rights and forensic science are just some of the topics being interrogated by our researchers in law and legal studies. All provide important insights to inform current legal practice and to provide legal advice and assistance to governments, regulators and major law firms.

Performing Arts and Music

With a growing strategic importance to the West Midlands region, our research into performing arts and music explores the relationship between drama, dance and music and society. Two new major projects include investigations into dance and ageing and collaborative processes in performance-making.

Psychology

Our psychology research is extremely varied, encompassing the impact of the internet on people's everyday lives, wellbeing at work, using psychologcal techniques to deal with chronic illnesses, and the causes and effects of the way different people think.

Sport

Sports researchers from the University have worked with national and commercial organisations such as the Virgin London Marathon, Wolverhampton Wanderers football club, the British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences and the British Basketball Association, to help maximise the performance of people taking part in sports and exercise.

Teaching and Education

Education research seeks to continuously improve learning and teaching at all stages of life, as well as contributing to social inclusionand social justice through education.