Dr. Josh Patel
I am a historian and interdisciplinary researcher specialising in higher and vocational education in the past and present. I am currently a Senior Researcher at the Edge Foundation, where I undertake qualitative research to inform post-16 education policy. Prior to joining Edge I completed my PhD in History at the University of Warwick in 2021, and was subsequently an Early Career Teaching and Research Fellow at the Institute for Advanced Teaching and Learning for 2021-22.
My research is interested with the relationship of education with liberal societies and its role as an institution in conducting the conduct of citizens. My first monograph, Universities and the Purpose of Higher Education: Expansion and Development in Post-War Britain, is forthcoming with SRHE/Routledge. I have also published on areas including liberal and general studies in further education, tertiary collaboration, and have contributed to research on Degree Apprenticeships, T Levels, and New Higher Education Institutions, led by colleagues at Edge.
I maintain an interest in early career and postgraduate pedagogies and teaching, masculinities and anti-sexism, homophobia, and transphobia interventions at universities, and philosophical pragmatism. Outside of my research, I am chief swimming coach at Otter Swimming Club, London (and formerly head swimming coach at University of Warwick Swimming and Water Polo).
I intend to keep this website up to date with my publications and research activities.
Josh
August 2025
