Academic Tuition & Services

I have a PhD in English Literature from the University of Edinburgh (2019), and have published several articles in top academic journals. My research expertise is in Renaissance literature and history: Shakespeare, John Donne and John Milton, in particular. On the historical side, my work examines the development of the English State in the context of early modern religious and social relations. I also have a Masters degree in twentieth-century literature and thought, and I’m equally comfortable teaching modernist writing and philosophy. Subsidiary interests include theology, mathematics, and music. I enjoy teaching across all periods and I’m keen to take on students of literature and the humanities between GCSE/AS/A-level and doctoral studies. 

 

I’m very well-versed in the AQA/Edexcel/OCR requirements and AOs (assessment objectives) for English Literature at GCSE and AS/A-level. I have recently served as tutor to several homeschooled and SEN students, successfully guiding them through the English Literature GCSE. I've also successfully guided several students to A* results and places at Oxford and Cambridge. Whether you are looking to move from a C to an A, or an A to A*, I can put together a study plan to ensure you maximise your potential and achieve your goals. 

 

I have taught extensively on the undergraduate English Literature degree at the University of Edinburgh, and graded thousands of term papers. My work entailed course design, seminar tutorials, and lecturing. Whether it’s a term paper or an undergraduate or masters thesis, I can provide you with clear feedback on your work and guidance on how to improve your grade.  Along with original, well-researched work, it’s crucial that you have your marker’s expectations in mind, and I can provide you with key insights on this. 

 

I was awarded a full AHRC scholarship for my graduate and PhD research and I can offer assistance and coaching on these types of applications.  My academic work has been published in some of the leading North American journals in my field: if you are preparing an article for publication, I can improve the structure and expression of your argument and ideas, and increase the likelihood of your work being accepted.

 

In my approach to teaching, I am patient, friendly, and committed. I generally enjoy an excellent rapport with my students, and I think this is crucially important for real progress to be made. While goals and outcomes are likely to be influenced by assignments and exams, I try to ensure that my students learn how to think and write about literature in interesting and passionate ways. In my experience, this is the surest way to producing high quality work. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch for further information and inquiries.

 

“Jonathan is a fantastic teacher and communicator, with a very good record of planning learning activities and conveying information to students with different capabilities and levels of education. He is excellent at working on his own, with strong self-discipline and great attention to detail. I recommend him to you wholeheartedly.” — Professor James Loxley, University of Edinburgh

 

“Jonathan will be an ideal tutor: he is exceptionally well-qualified, a great communicator and has proven ability as a course tutor. Jonathan is experienced, well-organised and reliable -- I recommend him without reservation.” — Dermot Cavanagh, Senior Lecturer, University of Edinburgh