I hold a part-time position as Lecturer in Academic Skills in the Department of English at the University of Bristol, and am one of three course directors of the Foundation Year in Arts & Humanities, with leadership responsibility for the Arts & Humanities pathway and admissions. I teach academic skills, convene the study skills and the dissertation unit, and offer UCAS advice to these students. I also teach ‘Understanding Critical Theory’ to Year 2, and ‘Special Author Study’ focused on Donna Tartt’s novel The Secret History to Year 5 on the BA English Literature and Community Engagement.

The students on each of these courses are returning to education after a long gap (several decades for some) and can range in age from their early twenties to pensioners. Such a mixed group makes peculiar demands on the teaching staff, but they are enormously rewarding to teach. The Foundation Year does not require A-levels, and if you think it might suit you or someone you know, do please take a look at the website via the link above, or get in touch with me via the ‘Contact Jess’ page.