Rhian Mulligan

Overview

Rhian is an experienced education professional with a career spanning 20 years. She completed her BA(EU) in English Literature in 2001 at the University of Leicester and Paris-Lodron University, Salzburg. Rhian then completed her Masters in English Literature and Literary Research at the University of Leicester in 2002.

Rhian’s journey in the Secondary education sector began on the PGCE Secondary English and Media course in 2005. Her first teaching post, at a secondary school in Leicestershire, helped to develop her deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities faced by both learners and educators in the secondary phase. Rhian then moved home to South Wales where she continued her journey in Secondary education until 2019, particularly enjoying teaching roles that further developed her pedagogical knowledge and understanding of literacy and creative expression. During this time, Rhian worked extensively with Secondary English PGCE student teachers at Cardiff Metropolitan University, in her role as a school based subject mentor and other associated roles as an NQT External Verifier and NQT ASPIRE course Leader for the Central South Consortium. Rhian has also supported Secondary English GTP trainees and was the English subject tutor for the TeachFirst Cymru Secondary English program. These roles broadened her perspective on system-wide educational improvement and strengthened her commitment to enhancing teaching and learning practices at all levels.

Rhian moved into Higher Education at Cardiff Metropolitan University in 2019. She is the Programme Lead for PGCE Secondary English and the ITE Literacy Lead Tutor. Rhian teaches at both Undergraduate and Postgraduate levels and works in a supervisory role with Masters students. She also works closely with a range of colleagues at other HE institutions in the UK, particularly in her role as an External Examiner for PGCE and BSc Education courses.

Rhian’s PhD research focus is on Writing for Pleasure in the secondary phase. She is particularly passionate about fostering students' intrinsic motivation to write, advocating for approaches that promote autonomy, creativity, and engagement in writing beyond assessment-driven outcomes.

Rhian is a member of the British Educational Research Association (BERA) and the National Association for the Teaching of English (NATE). Her work in the HE sector is complemented by her recognition as a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA).