Beth Hocking
I am an independent qualitative researcher exploring how educational and occupational pathways are influenced by culture and social inequality. Using a critical lens, I examine aspirations, transitions, choices and experiences to understand how opportunities and participation are shaped. My research aims to inform more equitable and inclusive policy and practice.
I focus on educational settings as a key site for understanding social inequality and seek to bridge the micro level of educational experience with the systemic factors that underpin patterns of participation.
I have a particular interest in women’s pathways and the cultural influences on their choices and opportunities. This has led me to focus on areas in which women are underrepresented (such as STEM) and to examine how entry and persistence are encouraged and constrained.
More information
Research approaches
I use qualitative approaches including in-depth interviewing and discourse, narrative and thematic analysis of interviews, policies, websites and online discussions.
Research interests
Educational inequality, discourse and culture, gender, mathematics and STEM, patterns of participation, transitions and choices, access and inclusion, admissions and selection, disciplinary cultures, equitable assessment and career pathways.
Doctoral research
My research on English elite mathematics higher education uncovered exclusionary practices, policies and cultures that create subtle barriers for disadvantaged students and women. The study took place across four institutions and involved in-depth interviews with students, academics, teachers and other stakeholders. Using a Foucauldian framework, I examined how discourses of ability contribute to the production and reproduction of exclusivity.
Invited talks, conferences and blogs
Invited talks
Culture, collaboration and confidence in elite mathematics, Maths Education Seminar, University of Leeds 2026 https://mathsseminars.leeds.ac.uk/seminars/2026-05-14-beth-hocking-imperial-college-london/
The experience of women undergraduates studying mathematics at four elite universities and the links to admissions practices and course culture, Student Experience and EDI Network, Imperial College London 2026 https://www.imperial.ac.uk/events/206694/see-edi-network-event/
Admissions tests: efficient or exclusionary?, Festival of Teaching and Learning Conference, Imperial College London 2026 https://www.imperial.ac.uk/staff/educational-development/networks-and-events/festival-of-learning-and-teaching/
Measuring potential: navigating admissions tests, Mathematics Department Teaching and Education Seminar, Imperial College London 2025 https://www.imperial.ac.uk/events/191410/teaching-seminar-beth-hocking-imperial/
Conferences
Discourses of access in elite mathematics, Society for Research into Higher Education, International Conference 2024 https://srhe.ac.uk/arc/24/0324.pdf
Blogs
Admissions testing needs proper oversight, Wonkhe 2026 https://wonkhe.com/blogs/admission-testing-needs-proper-oversight/
Prior experience
I am a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants, with over 15 years of experience across accounting, investment banking and consulting, including specialist work in business valuation and damages. I am also a qualified teacher and have six years of experience in school governance.
As well as my doctorate, I hold a degree in Law and an MA in Social Research Methods.
Affiliations and status
I completed my doctorate at Imperial College London in the Centre for Higher Education Research and Scholarship: https://www.imperial.ac.uk/education-research/about/students/
I am now working as an independent researcher, consolidating and disseminating my doctoral research through publications and talks.
Contact me
I am happy to be contacted about research, talks or related opportunities via my email: beth_hocking@hotmail.com.
