Alison Milner

Senior Lecturer in Education

Department of Education

01752 636700 Ext:5002

amilner@marjon.ac.uk

Role Summary

Dr Alison Milner is a qualitative education researcher specialising in creative methodologies and the study of professional and academic identity in higher education. Her work investigates how identity shapes teaching practices, with particular attention to the lived, embodied and often hidden dimensions of academic life.

Alison’s methodological approach is rooted in a reflexive feminist perspective and centres on creative forms of inquiry. She uses the bead collage technique to surface and represent participants’ identities, enabling nuanced, non-linear explorations of how individuals understand the worlds they inhabit. Her broader interests span epistemological and ontological questions, particularly within humanist, feminist, and reflective paradigms.

Committed to research that challenges traditional boundaries and amplifies participant voice, Dr Milner’s work seeks to deepen understanding of identity, meaning-making, and the professional experiences of those working in higher education.

Tweets by Alison Milner

Qualifications

PhD in Education

MA (Education)

BTh.Hons

QTLS

PGCE

SFHEA

Teaching

MA Education Programme Lead and Module Lead Research Design, Dissertation, Independent Study and Leadership Strategic Leadership and Governance

Research

A 'Creative' Exploration of Academic Identity in College Higher Education.

Alison’s current research contributes to the Brian Simon Project: Far Away from the Ivory Tower (BERA), where she explores how Simon’s commitment to socially engaged, democratic research connects with contemporary questions of academic identity and professional practice. Her involvement includes examining the relationship between research, teaching, and the wider communities they serve, and supporting activities that foreground inclusive, collaborative knowledge production.

Publications

Luke, I., Ovenden-Hope, T. and Milner, A. (2018) Policy, Professionals and Professionalism in Luke, I. et al (eds) Thriving as a Professional Teacher. London, Routledge.

Expert Membership of professional bodies

Member of BERA

Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy

Roles on external bodies

External Examiner for Roehampton University

Trustee for The Creative Centre Educational Trust - https://www.creativityjournal.net/about/ccet

Other Interests

Walking my dog

Crochet

Knitting

Reading