PhD in Education
Oxford Brookes University
Doctoral research into how higher education student behaviours are influenced by state policies and physical spaces.
Education Leader · Social Activist · Founder
Academic, educator, and civil society leader dedicated to improving educational quality, equity, and global advocacy.
About Dr Adam Tate
Dr Adam Tate is a distinguished academic, education leader, social advocate, and health ambassador based in the United Kingdom. As Senior Lecturer in Curriculum and Assessment at Arden University and Director of Education for International Performing Arts and Theatre, Adam brings more than fifteen years of experience shaping the futures of students across higher education. He is committed to providing more opportunities for disadvantaged and under-represented communities, such as those living with Fahr's Disease.
His work spans curriculum design, assessment strategy, inclusive pedagogy, and educational quality assurance. Previously Senior Lecturer in Academic Practice at Nottingham Trent University — where he led the UK's largest Academic Professional Apprenticeship provision with the highest Distinction rate in the country — and Associate Lecturer in Educational Development at Oxford Brookes University, Adam has built a career at the intersection of rigorous scholarship and compassionate teaching.
Holding a PhD in Education from Oxford Brookes University, an MSc in Nature, Society and Environmental Policy from the University of Oxford, a PGCE from the University of Roehampton, and a First-Class BSc in Geography from Aberystwyth University, Adam combines elite academic preparation with a genuine commitment to student success, equity, and lifelong learning. He is also the founder of Fahr Beyond — the world's only registered charity dedicated to Fahr's Disease, transforming the lives of those living with the condition.
Academic Qualifications
Oxford Brookes University
Doctoral research into how higher education student behaviours are influenced by state policies and physical spaces.
University of Oxford
Postgraduate study at one of the world's most prestigious universities, providing a robust research skill set and policy engagement for geographic and environmental issues.
Oxford Brookes University
Postgraduate qualification in learning and teaching in higher education, mapped to Associate Fellow of Advance HE, developing the evidence-based academic practice.
University of Roehampton
Postgraduate qualification in education leading to Qualified Teacher Status, awarded a Distinction with best Professional Studies for evidence-based pedagogy.
Aberystwyth University
First-Class Honours degree in Geography, the foundation of a career built on analytical rigour, environmental understanding, and academic excellence.
Milestone
PhD Graduation — the culmination of years of dedicated research and scholarship.
Research & Educational Leadership
Adam's research and leadership span a range of key focus areas and issues in education, from inclusive assessment to navigating complex regulatory systems. His work in education has called for greater efforts for access and participation, to build a more equitable sector. Furthermore, Adam has shaped a raft of research into Fahr's Disease.
Designing inclusive, rigorous curricula that meet diverse learner needs across higher education contexts.
Championing access, participation, and success for students from all backgrounds, abilities, and life experiences.
Leading academic teams, quality frameworks, and institutional strategy with clarity, courage, and purpose.
Research and practice focused on student behaviour, retention, mental health, and holistic academic achievement.
Ensuring rigorous academic standards through institutional review, regulatory frameworks, and continuous improvement.
Advocating for systemic change in education policy and practice to close inequity gaps at national and international scale.
Public Leadership & Civil Society
Adam's impact extends far beyond academia. As a recognised public leader, he has represented his country, supported youth development, and contributed to global conversations on education, equity, and governance. His work with the world's most respected civil society organisations speaks to a lifelong commitment to service and change.
Mentor & Associate Fellow
Leader, Manager & Trainer
Representative for the UK
Representative for WOSM European Region
Mentor
Research Shaper
Fahr Beyond
Having received a diagnosis of Fahr's Disease in 2014, Adam recognised a critical gap in specific support for people living with Fahr's Disease and their caregivers. So, in 2016, he founded Fahr Beyond, which is currently the world's only registered charity dedicated to Fahr's Disease. Since the charity was established, it has supported, empowered, and provided better outcomes for over 400 people with Fahr's and their families.
Working with the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, Fahr Beyond has helped develop a new diagnostic and management framework, established a medical team to create a national specialist Fahr's Disease clinic, and campaigned for Fahr's to be recognised in NICE guidance and the UK's Rare Disease Strategy. The charity has also supported the investment of over £1.5 million into Fahr's research, with its educational resources viewed more than 200,000 times.
As a global advocate for the Fahr's community, Adam works with clinicians and the pharmaceutical sector to advance diagnosis, management, and treatment possibilities — work that has led to two international studies. Fahr Beyond represents the intersection of his personal journey, his commitment to social justice, and his belief that every person deserves exceptional care, community, and hope.
In the Field
Publications & Insights
Research articles, academic updates, and personal reflections — exploring inclusive education, higher education leadership, and the realities of patient advocacy.
Tate & Glazzard — published in Equity in Education & Society. An analysis of how language is used to describe social mobility in the Access and Participation Plans of English universities.
View PublicationTate & Glazzard — published in Higher Education Research & Development. Addressing the gap in research on the experiences of LGBTQ+ early career academics in UK higher education.
View PublicationTate & Glazzard — published in the International Journal of Educational and Life Transitions. How the marketisation of UK higher education creates multiple transitions for staff and students.
View PublicationTate — published in the Journal of Learning Development in Higher Education. Exploring digital nudging in virtual learning environments and its ethical implications amid the rise of AI.
View PublicationGlazzard & Tate — published in Policy Futures in Education. A response to increased regulation and marketisation of Initial Teacher Education in England since 2021.
View PublicationTate — PhD thesis, Oxford Brookes University. A doctoral study of how full-time undergraduate students' behaviours and practices are shaped by universities as an extension of the soft power of the State.
View ThesisTate — a Fahr Beyond report capturing the lived experience of patients with Fahr's Disease worldwide, informing diagnosis, management, and advocacy.
View ReportFox, Cope, Tate & Breckin — book chapter in 100 Ideas for Active Learning. A curriculum design approach for developing early-career academics through active learning.
View ChapterFox & Tate — book chapter in Formative Assessment and Feedback in Post-Digital Learning Environments. How ongoing formative feedback supports early-career academics towards their end-point assessment.
View ChapterDr Adam Tate joins Arden University, enhancing assessment and feedback practice across the university and facilitating the design of inclusive courses and curricula.
Read MoreTate & Batla present at the World Parkinson Congress 2026, continuing a series of international conference contributions on Fahr's Disease and patient perspectives.
Read MoreAdam was one of 20 alumni honoured with the University of Roehampton's Chancellor's Alumni Award in 2024, marking the university's 20th anniversary and celebrating outstanding alumni contributions.
Read MoreAdam was honoured with a British Citizen Award (Healthcare) in January 2023, recognising his exceptional services to the Fahr's community and wider society.
Read MoreNamed the 2,006th Point of Light by the Prime Minister, Adam was recognised for his sustained voluntary work — most notably establishing Fahr Beyond and transforming support for those living with Fahr's Disease.
Read MoreBeing diagnosed with a rare neurological condition while working as an academic taught me more about resilience, advocacy, and the gaps in our healthcare system than any textbook ever could.
Read InsightNew on YouTube
Dr Adam Tate's new YouTube channel makes complex academic practice and higher education policy clear and accessible — one idea at a time. Each video is a sharp, 66-second explainer designed to inform educators, students, and leaders on the move.
Visit the ChannelGet in Touch
Adam is open to work and ideas related to his areas of expertise; he is particularly keen to work with organisations on educational consultancy projects. Whether you're looking to collaborate on research, invite Adam to speak at your institution or conference, design and deliver training, discuss consultancy, or learn more about Fahr Beyond, then Adam would love to hear from you.