Our Research Hub

Our excellent agriculture and farm facilities support a range of research, from crop efficiency to livestock production systems. You'll have access to our commercial farm, Centre for Precision Agriculture and laboratories to help you with practical research using land, livestock and data.

Our industry-experienced staff are on-hand to support you with dissertation projects. Their specialisms include crop production, carbon sequestration and precision farming.

Research and publications that we have been involved with include:

• Impact of precision farming systems on GHG emissions (Trimble)
• Effect of beef production systems on GHG emissions (Stabiliser Cattle Co)
• Effect of non-inversion cultivation on carbon sequestration (SOS – UK)
• The use of miscanthus as a biofuel (Aberystwyth University)
• Farming practices in relation to health and air quality (Riccardo, Rothamsted Research and Institute of Medicine)

Our excellent animal sciences facilities support a range of research, from the efficiency of training techniques to enrichment methods for domestic and zoo animals.

We can help you to facilitate practical research using zoo, domestic and production animals.

Many of our lecturers continue to work in the industry and can offer specialist support on topics such as animal behaviour.

UCBB's excellent equine facilities support a breadth of research aimed at exploring aspects of both the horse and rider to inform improved welfare and performance. You will have access to laboratories, a Rider Fitness and Performance Suite, Rebabilitation and Therapy Centre, plus broader facilities including a variety of surfaces, competitions and events for exploration into equine science and sport performance.

Our experienced equine staff will provide inspiration and support for you to develop confident research skills throughout your degree programme before undertaking an independent project.

Our alumni have chosen a wide range of topics:

• Static postural differences between male and female equestrian riders on a riding simulator
• Noseband and poll pressures underneath bitted and bitless bridles and the effects on equine locomotion

With the environment becoming an increasing focus, the demand for those with knowledge of ecology and wildlife conservation is growing. Learning alongside our expert staff and with access to extensive facilities, you will have all the support you need to acquire the theoretical understanding and practical field skills needed to develop your research interests.

You will benefit greatly in your research from our established links with a range of local sites, from Humber Estuary to the North York Moors, working alongside external colleagues who manage them.

Research on our programmes reflects the broad nature of the subject area. Students have previously undertaken projects on:

• Freshwater invertebrates in chalk stream habitats
• Changes to Lincolnshire’s grasslands
• Habitat connectivity in urban gardens
• Impacts of habitat change on breeding bird populations
• The influence of media and conservation photography on driving human behavioural change
• Links between green spaces and conservation work and mental health outcomes

Our extensive facilities, established sporting academies and professional links support a breadth of research in all aspects of sport and exercise science.

Our alumni have focused on a range of topics, including human performance, exercise and physical activity. For instance:

• The perceptions and reporting behaviours of athletes in relation to concussive injuries
• The impact of recovery strategies for improved performance and an exploration into shared leadership within youth sports coaches
• The impact of gender on physical activity rates and enjoyment
• The change in physical activity rates during the first UK lockdown during the COVID-19 pandemic

You will be able to apply your research to answer real-world issues by working with our high performance sports and equine academies, which support student athletes in football, rugby, netball and equestrianism at high standards of competition.

You will also be able to collaborate with our Equine Performance research team to explore rider fitness and performance, applying sport and exercise science principles to equestrian athletes to inform coaching practice and athletic development.

Research lies at the core of criminological theory, influencing social policy change, as well as informing criminal justice practice. Our fluid approach gives you the opportunity to conduct detailed research in a multitude of crime typologies; encompassing a range of approaches to crime, punishment and rehabilitation.

You will have the opportunity to gain experience in industry to underpin your research, for instance as a Police Special Constable, prison support worker, with the Citizens Advice Bureau and victim support.

Should all Police Constables have to experience a period as a Special Constable before applying full-time? Does rehabilitation practice work in the UK? Do language barriers in the court impact outcomes for witnesses and victims? Whatever topic you want to explore, our experienced academic staff can help you.

Our Creative and Design Research Centre aims to explore creative opportunities, develop ideas and undertake problem-solving activities. Focused on Design and Floristry, our research processes allow for idea generation, risk taking and lateral thinking.

Throughout your work, you will be encouraged to be mindful that the end result should be forward-thinking, responsive to the client and the environment, sustainable and accessible to all.

Within our design discipline contexts, creative projects respond to industry led trends and influences, exploring the fundamentals of the design process and the benefits of participating in creative activity and its related benefits. This approach allows you to gain a deeper understanding of the potential of the creative industries and explore the use of technological advances within projects, focussing on the future of the creative industries.

Our creative methodology focuses on environmental impact and sustainable innovation, whilst a human-centred design approach to problem-solving places the end-user at the forefront of our research projects.