Academic writing and research support in social sciences/humanities for undergraduates, postgraduates and early career academics

From 72 £ /h

I am a former University Senior Lecturer with over 20 years experience in teaching and research. I am passionate about inspiring individuals to aim high. I have assisted multiple students and early career academics to achieve their goals. I worked in research and teaching roles within UK universities between 2004 and 2024 and am an Advance HE Fellow. I am the author of four books, have published in a range of international peer reviewed journals and have chapters in various other books. I also have significant experience in peer-reviewing for academic journals.

After a twenty-year career in UK higher education I decided to embark on my own freelance private tutoring and academic consultancy business. I have delivered bespoke 1:1 tutorials to university students since April 2023. I was a part-time private tutor from April 2023 to June 2024 and have been full-time since then working with various tutoring agencies. I teach social sciences, qualitative research methods, study skills and academic writing and I have assisted students from undergraduate to PhD level. I have also assisted early career researchers or those new to teaching at the higher education level.

I believe that students learn best when they construct knowledge for themselves rather than passively take it in, so all my classes are student-centred and aim to help you become an independent learner by improving your skills so that you can perform better in your assessments. I offer online lessons. A typical online lesson is 1-2 hours. I can also read, review and provide detailed feedback on your work if required.

Extra information

I conduct lessons online via Zoom.

Location

Online from United Kingdom

About Me

During my time working as an academic for over 20 years I have gained valuable skills and experience that enabled me to start my own freelance private tutoring, research and higher education consultancy business 'Gibbons Academic' in 2023.

During my PhD studies, at the age of 27, I made the decision to become a Christian. No one was more surprised than me at this decision but it completely changed my life for the better. My faith now underpins all that I do and I believe it motivates me to want to help others, including the students I teach.

I am happily married to an amazing wife and we have four beautiful children.

I used to be a distance running coach and have competed in multiple distance running events, including three marathons. I enjoy playing football (soccer) and basketball and used to play both competitively.

Education

8th February 2013. PhD (Teesside University, UK) Thesis Title: The relationship between English national habitus and football fandom.

26th September 2007. Fellow of the Higher Education Academy.

27th October 2006. Postgraduate Certificate in Learning & Teaching in Higher Education (University of Lancaster, St Martin’s College, UK).

5th February 2004. MA Sociology of Sport - Higher Pass (University of Leicester, UK).

19th June 2002. BA (Hons) Sports Studies - First Class (De Montfort University, UK).

Experience / Qualifications

I have taught social sciences, sport & exercise and health-related science students in sociology and history of sport-related modules as well as research methods (especially qualitative), study skills, academic writing, proposal and dissertation modules. I have supervised PhD students to completion and have acted as a university mentor providing academic research support to early career and postdoctoral students. I have experience of designing, marking, and providing feedback on a range of assessments, including exams, essays, reports, proposals, presentations, and dissertations, at both undergraduate and postgraduate level.

Age

Adults (18-64 years old)

Seniors (65+ years old)

Student level

Beginner

Intermediate

Advanced

Duration

60 minutes

The class is taught in

English

Skills

Sociology

Presentation skills

Essay writing

Availability of a typical week

(GMT -05:00)

New York

Online via webcam

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

Sun

00-04

04-08

08-12

12-16

16-20

20-24

Justin

4.88

(64)

I am a native American English speaking instructor, editor, and journalist from Florida specializing in editing, the drafting of articles, text correction, and proofreading for a wide range of professionals & students across Belgium and Europe.

I have written, ghostwritten, edited, or proofread a variety of articles, academic papers, theses, applications, CVs, and other documents for numerous satisfied academic and professional clients. My main background is primarily political/policy based, with a career writing on Anti-Competition actions and law (for PaRR-Global), but in my career and profession I have dealt with a far-range of subject matters including the Medical, Academic, Financial, Scientific, and Political fields.

My past & present clients have included: professionals from all four major EU institutions, the Belgian government, the UNHCR various NGOs, authors, novelists, journalists, engineers, as well as a variety of other professions in addition to traditional students.

Feel free to send me a message and I'd be happy to give you an informal consultation regarding your publication.

Tim

4.88

(64)

Need help writing your thesis/final project/paper? As a 33-year-old civil engineer, I've been supporting students of all disciplines and ages with their final projects for 10 years, both in Dutch and English. Whether you're at the beginning, middle, or end of your thesis, together we'll definitely get through it!

In my day job, I also work on projects of all sizes and complexities. A final project is essentially a small one and goes through all the steps I also take in my day job. Thanks to my knowledge and experience from the professional world, supplemented by years of experience mentoring students, I'm definitely the right person to help you with your final project.

--- Location: online / at the student's home / library (Antwerp) ---

See you soon!
----
Tim

Awni

4.88

(64)

French DELF & TCF Exam Preparation | Get Certified with Confidence

Are you preparing for the DELF or TCF French exam for studies, work, or immigration?
I offer professional, results-focused preparation to help you reach your target score with confidence.

🎯 What you will get:
✔ Preparation for DELF A1–C1 and TCF (all formats)
✔ Full training in the 4 official skills:

Listening

Reading

Writing

Speaking
✔ Mock exams with detailed feedback based on official criteria
✔ Exam strategies, time management & common pitfalls
✔ Vocabulary and grammar targeted to your exam level

👨‍🏫 About me:

Experienced French language instructor

Specialized in DELF & TCF exam preparation

Proven methods adapted to your level and goals

Clear explanations and confidence-building speaking practice

💻 Lesson format:
📍 Online
⏱ Flexible schedule
🌍 International students welcome

📩 Book your first lesson on Apprentus today and take the next step toward French certification!

Ria

4.88

(64)

As a creative writing instructor, I'm thrilled to guide you on a journey of self-expression and storytelling. In my class, we'll explore the vast landscape of your imagination, honing your unique voice and bringing your ideas to life on the page. Together, we'll dive into various genres, from fiction to poetry, and experiment with different writing styles. I'll share techniques to develop compelling characters, craft engaging plots, and create vivid settings that leap off the page. We'll also tackle the dreaded writer's block with fun, thought-provoking exercises. My goal is to create a supportive, encouraging environment where you feel free to take risks and push your creative boundaries. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced writer looking to refine your skills, this class will help you unlock your potential and discover the joy of storytelling.

Dr.Ibrahim

4.88

(64)

This course provides students with a foundational understanding of research principles, methodologies, and practices across various disciplines. Students will explore both qualitative and quantitative research methods, including data collection, analysis, interpretation, and presentation. Emphasis is placed on developing critical thinking, formulating research questions, conducting literature reviews, evaluating sources, and applying ethical standards in research. Throughout the course, students will design and carry out independent or group research projects, culminating in a formal research paper or presentation. This course prepares students for academic inquiry, higher-level research, and evidence-based decision-making in real-world contexts.

Michelle

4.88

(64)

Students will receive personalized support with essays, research papers, school reports, and college application writing. With over a decade of teaching experience, I help students strengthen structure, clarity, and critical thinking while developing their own voice. Sessions are tailored to each student’s needs—whether they’re building foundational skills, refining drafts, or preparing high-stakes assignments—always with a supportive, confidence-building approach.

Shane

4.88

(64)

Do you speak English at work, but feel your message loses impact in meetings, presentations, or high-stakes conversations?

If you want to communicate with confidence in leadership or client-facing situations—without second-guessing yourself—this class is for you.

This class is designed for professionals in leadership or client-facing roles who already use English at work and want to communicate with greater clarity, confidence, and impact.

Sessions focus on how you present ideas, participate in meetings, and communicate in high-stakes professional situations. We work on structure, phrasing, tone, and delivery so your message is clear, professional, and easy for others to follow—without sounding rehearsed or overly formal.

This is not general language instruction. It is targeted communication coaching for professionals who want to refine how they speak, present, and lead in English.

By the end of this course, you can expect to:

✔️ Explain ideas and decisions clearly in meetings and discussions
✔️ Present information in a structured, confident, and professional way
✔️ Communicate with authority without sounding aggressive or unsure
✔️ Participate more comfortably in leadership-level conversations
✔️ Feel more confident speaking English in high-visibility situations

Qamille

4.88

(64)

SUMMARY DESCRIPTION (IN BRIEF):
➤ Objective
Take control of your communication and transform your public speaking into powerful tools of influence. Whether it's to persuade in public, negotiate, manage conflict, or capture attention, it's not just about self-confidence... but about precise techniques and measurable impact.

➤ What you will learn
-Perfect your rhetoric, wit and public speaking skills (voice, breath, diction, emotions, gaze, gestures, charisma).
️ -Develop clear, impactful communication adapted to each context (meeting, telephone, presentation, negotiation, interview).
- Decode and apply the techniques of great leaders: body language, storytelling, persuasion.
️ -Transform your emotions and hypersensitivity into communication assets.
-Managing delicate situations: conflicts, objections, unexpected questions, negotiations.
️ -Strengthen your leadership, image and charisma.

➤ Methodology
Each session is based on:
️ -Practical scenarios inspired by your real experiences.
️ -Simulations filmed, commented on and analyzed together to progress faster.
️ -Concrete tools (non-violent communication, NLP, emotional intelligence, persuasion techniques).
️ -A personalized approach tailored to your goals and obstacles.

➤ Result
️From 2 to 3 sessions (2025 study):
-️More confidence and ease in front of an audience.
-️A structured, impactful and memorable speech.
-️An increased ability to convince, persuade and inspire.
-️The pleasure of speaking... rather than apprehension.

➤ In short: Turn your words into a formidable asset. Go from stress to impact, from hesitation to charisma. Ready to take it to the next level?

DETAILED DESCRIPTION:
➤Take control of your communication and make a lasting impression!
Do you want to be more convincing in public? Manage your personal and professional interactions with ease? Transform your public speaking into real levers of influence and persuasion?
Whether it's for negotiating, arguing, improvising, managing conflicts or capturing attention, it's not just about self-confidence, but about techniques and impact.

➤Improve your public speaking skills, better manage your personal/professional communication and the resulting conflicts, master negotiation techniques (...): your communication goals may be diverse, and the aim of these sessions is precisely to support you in achieving them. So, how do you deliver a clear message, be impactful, stand out, and leave a lasting impression?

➤ Whether your objective is personal or professional, speaking is a predominantly physical activity, relying on a body, a voice, a breath, a rhythm (diction), an emotion and above all techniques, tools, a method, a know-how, reflecting the speaker's involvement in his speech.

➤ On the telephone, in a meeting, in front of a client, his family (...), relevant and successful speaking must always be effective and efficient, with clear, simple and impactful messages, creating a balance between the message received and message sent. Coherence between form and content. The important thing in communication is not the confidence we have in ourselves, but the appearance of confidence we exude. It’s also not about being structured or coherent but simply about appearing to be so. And to do this, there are targeted tools.

➤ So, how do you listen and be listened to, convince/persuade and be impactful, challenge and leave an impression, enhance your content, address your audience relevantly and optimize the quality & clarity of the exchange/message? It is precisely a question of going through, applying and deploying practical and effective techniques of oral presentation, simple intervention or 'one to one' exchange, aiming to challenge one's audience or interlocutor, taking care of both the content and the form. , all in a professional or personal setting. Here again, there is a range of precise verbal and non-verbal communication techniques which, once modernized and brought up to date, will be put to the service of your reality. Allowing you to move from fear to pleasure in front of the public.

➤ Thus, mastered, the practical method allows, through a set of simulations and scenarios based on your daily experience supporting pragmatic & concrete techniques, to improve self-confidence, self-assurance, ease by overcoming discomfort and controlling his emotion in public. But also to work on your leadership & charisma, in a context where empathy and emotional intelligence are at the service of communication.

➤ So, in this context, after having precisely defined your objective and reviewed the obstacles encountered, here are some examples of themes covered through concrete techniques and a targeted methodology:
✓Practical tools to perfect your rhetoric/repartee
✓Decode and use the practical communication tools of great leaders
✓Fundamentals (practices) of eloquence but also of oratorical art (intonation, gaze, gestures, elocution, range, emotions, pronunciation, development of one's own style of charisma, etc.) to ensure consistency between content and the form
✓Fundamentals of Body Language to support and not interfere with the speech while being convinced & convincing.
✓ Highlighting their speech & promoting their speaking to arouse interest, by building on their strengths.
✓Creation of a coherence between the message emitted & the message received in order to improve its speech and in fact, its professional/personal relations.
✓Management of Q&A sessions & external reactions during an intervention or an oral exchange.
✓Practical tools to put your interlocutor at ease and appear friendly/interested.
✓To succeed in a negotiation/mediation.
✓On the one hand, learning to say 'no' simply in three steps AND on the other hand, getting people to say 'yes'.
✓To turn sentences into positive AND constructive.
✓To manage conflicts (eg 'assertive' communication techniques, eg CNV techniques - Non Violent Communication).
✓To put NLP (neuro-linguistic programming) at the service of communication.
✓To adopt effective, simple, fair and engaging language.
✓To use sentences, turns of phrase & expressions allowing to be precise, simple, effective & challenging.
✓To manage your personal & professional relationships with, for example, the preparation of your ratings.
✓Make your hypersensitivity a strength to tame your abilities.
✓Listening proactively and expressing / conveying ideas / message clearly.
✓ Avoid letting your emotions show through and propose a constructive solution to problems, while drawing on your own relational skills.
✓Be better equipped to recognize and immediately remedy situations that weaken their authority and affect their ability to communicate effectively.
✓Enhance their potential for expression and creativity (often underestimated until now) and 'apparent' sociability
✓Develop not necessarily self-confidence, but the 'appearance' of self-confidence, refine one's listening to respond adequately, open up to the resources of the imagination, free oneself from the rational to then structure one's speech.
✓Relate their communication objectives (project, institution, values, ideas, demands, etc.) to the form of their expression.
✓Learn and put into practice persuasive communication techniques and better understand the perception that others have of oneself. In order to improve his skills of 'self-presentation' and conveyed image.
✓Practical techniques to foster the engagement of the other party.
✓Strengthen the structure of its communication and develop a convincing argument in order to sell its ideas and projects.
✓ Optimizing internal and external relationships are professional fundamentals, so the structure of meetings, dialogue within the company, and mastery of change communication are invaluable.

(...)

➤ In addition, you will leave with concrete and immediately useful tools, developed in the form of practical lightning modules: learning to say no, getting a delicate message across, selling an idea, expressing disagreement with an authority, getting a "yes" without upsetting someone, resisting the pressure of a too-quick "yes", calming someone who has taken your words badly (...).

➤ In short, public speaking skills are now an essential cross-functional skill for asserting oneself, informing, negotiating, and persuading. However, to master the keys to successful public communication, it is necessary to enhance the impact of one's own speeches: by structuring one's interventions and taking into account the circumstances and the audience's expectations; by making a lasting impression through storytelling; by integrating the psychological and emotional factors of effective oral communication; by incorporating emotions into the preparation of the message and arguments; by anticipating objections and delicate situations; by preparing and structuring an engaging and convincing presentation outline; by experimenting with the rules of improvisation; and by appropriately managing difficult situations (...).

➤ In short, each session combines techniques & practical exercises adapted to your everyday situations (filmed with your agreement in order to be reviewed, commented on, decoded together live, to have an external perspective and areas for improvement) , so that you will be able to apply them immediately, and from the first session.

➤Progress following these sessions is noticeable from 2 to 3 sessions (*study 2026).

➤ Make your words a formidable asset. Ready to take things to the next level?

➤ THE TRAINER - TEACHER CONSULTANT
A graduate of a prestigious French Grande École and an Ivy League university in the United States, he combines academic rigor with modern teaching methods. With over 18 years of experience in Europe and North America, he has taught at prestigious international institutions (both public and private), and regularly speaks in Switzerland, France, Belgium, Luxembourg, and Canada, as well as at various forums and conferences.

A recognized specialist, he offers personalized and accessible support (for lawyers, doctors, executives, business leaders, politicians, and more generally, any individual), based on active listening, a proven methodology, and tailored training. Whether through one-on-one sessions, workshops, or group training, his approach combines personalization, efficiency, and professionalism for rapid, visible results.

➤ LOCATIONS, TIMES

✓ Areas of intervention:
-Switzerland (Geneva, Lausanne, Fribourg, Zurich, Neuchâtel, Lugano, Basel, Bern, Lucerne)
-Belgium (Brussels, Antwerp, Charleroi, Liège)
-Luxembourg
-On request: France (Paris, Lyon) and Canada (Montreal)

✓ Currently: sessions are primarily conducted via videoconference – a format favored by almost all participants, as it combines the same high-quality interaction with great organizational flexibility. All content, notes, and recommendations are provided directly through the dedicated chat. Advantages: time savings (no travel), flexible scheduling, comfort, and eco-responsibility.

✓ Languages: French / English.

✓ Results: noticeable progress from 2 sessions (2025 study).

✓ Special offers: gift vouchers available all year round – an original and useful way to please your loved ones.

✓ Schedules to be defined together, adjusting as best as possible to your constraints.

✓ Initial exchange by email then telephone.

✓ 100% tailor-made program, adapted to each need.

✓ Why choose this training?
-Because you benefit from international expertise at the service of your objectives.
-Because each session is personalized and you will leave with concrete tools.
-Because the approach is not theoretical: it is lively, interactive and results-oriented.
-Because you benefit from a motivating, supportive and stimulating environment, which promotes confidence and rapid progress.
-Because in just a few sessions, you will already notice a tangible difference.

Andrea

4.88

(64)

To successfully do business in the DACH region, you have an advantage if you speak German.
Many companies from the Netherlands have business partners and customers there.

The lesson content is fully tailored to your goals and can also be adjusted during the lesson.
With over 20 years of experience in various industries and a business background in Germany, you can learn a lot about the cultural differences and idiosyncrasies.

Philippe

4.88

(64)

I am a tenured teacher in the French national education system, specializing in Economics and Social Sciences. I have taught in France and abroad in renowned institutions such as Hong Kong, Morocco, and Jakarta, within the AEFE network (Agency for French Education Abroad) schools managed by the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs. I currently teach in Istanbul to students in grades 10, 11, and 12. Each year, I serve on the jury for the French Baccalaureate exams, both written and oral (written, oral, and resit).
I am available to provide private lessons in Economics and Social Sciences via videoconference.

Daniel

4.88

(64)

Most university students are required to write essays as part of their modules, but are usually not taught the best way to do this. Learn how to organise and structure your essays to get the best grade and get ahead in your studies and life.

This course includes learning how to write topic sentences, thesis statements, and using cohesive language to ensure your essay sticks together.

Rachel

4.88

(64)

I am here to help you with your high school classes! I am able to help with any class at any level; grades 9-12. It is helpful if you show me your notes and/or assignment so I know exactly what your teacher is asking for. My favorite subject is math and I love editing essays. I can also help with GED tutoring.

I have worked in various high schools for the last 7 years. My caseload has included students with and without an IEP. I want to make sure you are comfortable in this space and explain the material in a way that makes sense to you :)

Youssef

4.88

(64)

This class is designed to help students improve their English skills in a supportive and interactive environment. We will work on grammar, vocabulary, speaking, and writing, with a strong focus on clear communication and confidence.

Lessons are tailored to each student’s level and goals, whether for academic purposes, university studies, exams, or personal development. I use practical examples, discussions, and exercises to make learning English engaging and effective.
This class also offers academic support for students studying English language, linguistics, or literature. We will focus on understanding key concepts, improving academic writing, developing critical thinking, and preparing for exams or presentations.

Charles

4.88

(64)

Learn Teamwork Communication Skills.
Learn Meetings Skills.
Learn Presentations Skills.
I have worked as an English as a Foreign Language senior teacher, trainer, instructor and consultant in 10 countries - from Finland to Azerbaijan, from the Arabian Gulf to South Africa.
I am now permanently resident in e-Estonia and work exclusively online.

Dye

4.88

(64)

This class is designed for students who want to improve their English skills for school, exams, or daily communication.

We will focus on:
• Grammar correction
• Essay structure
• Speaking confidence
• Vocabulary improvement
• Homework support

Lessons are personalized and practical to help students gain confidence quickly.