Erik Cownie

Dr Erik Cownie is a Lecturer in Community Development at Ulster University's School of Applied Social and Policy Sciences. He is affiliated with the Faculty of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences and the Institute for Research in Social Sciences. His research focuses on educational disadvantage in socio-economic deprivation and adult/community-based learning.

His research outputs highlight expertise in educational inequality, working-class identity, and Freirian pedagogical approaches. He has contributed to projects addressing gender gaps in higher education participation and post-conflict educational policy in Northern Ireland.

• Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy (HEA)

He teaches on the BSc Community Development course and Ulster's Accredited Prior Learning (APL) and Unblocking Potential (UP) programmes. His work aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals for quality education and reduced inequalities.