His main research interests and publications are in higher education; sociology of education; education policy; and social change in Ireland. In addition to a large number of journal articles and book chapters his publications include four national studies of participation in higher education, which were funded and published by the Higher Education Authority. The most recent of these was College Entry in Focus (HEA:2001). He has been a joint editor and contributor to three books on Irish society, including Irish Society: Sociological Perspectives (IPA, 1995) and previously served as Joint Editor of The Economic and Social Review.