About Us
Elly Phillips PhD
I’m an experienced academic with a passion for supporting students develop their academic skills, because these underpin subject-related learning. When students strengthen their academic skills, it gives tools and confidence for success at undergraduate and postgraduate level.
My first degree was a combined bachelors and masters in Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering at the University of Southampton in the UK. That required strong maths skills, but little emphasis on academic reading, writing or research skills. A few years later, I returned to study, completing a BSc in psychology online through the University of Derby. I had a steep learning curve to gain the knowledge and skills required to be successful in that. It’s possible that my engineering background inspired my desire to break the problem into meaningful sections and figure out how to solve each.
I began teaching students online during my PhD studies, and realised how challenging it can be to learn academic skills. Many students come to psychology from other subject areas that have different conventions (as I did!), are returning to study, or are not native English speakers. Lecturers often don’t have the time to teach all the unspoken background alongside all the subject material they must cover. Institutions offer academic skills support, but often not from subject matter experts. There may be limited sessions available.
Beyond the areas of academic skills outlined here, my expertise is also well-placed to help you:
conduct qualitative research (particularly thematic analysis and interpretative phenomenological analysis)
develop a research proposal and ethics application
create your dissertation or thesis.
Heidi Di Nicola
I am a psychologist with an interdisciplinary academic background that bridges psychology, philosophy, and applied research. I hold an MSc in Psychology from the University of Roehampton and a Bachelor’s degree in Philosophy, both of which have shaped my critical analysis and ethical sensitivity. Over the years, I have worked in international higher education environments, collaborating with universities in the UK and the USA. This experience has given me a deep understanding of academic standards, assessment criteria, research ethics, and the challenges graduate students face as they navigate complex academic systems—often in a second language and within a different educational culture.
Alongside my clinical work, I have extensive experience as an academic skills tutor and academic counsellor for international graduate students. I currently support psychology students enrolled in online MSc programmes, helping them develop core academic skills such as critical reading, academic writing, research planning, argumentation, and exam preparation. My approach is structured, empathetic, and tailored to each student’s learning style, with close attention to wellbeing, academic integrity, and confidence-building. I aim to make academic expectations clear, manageable, and meaningful.
My motivation comes from a strong belief that psychologists can contribute to positive social change through rigorous training and reflective practice. I strive to be the tutor I did not have during my own master’s studies—the one I wish had guided me with clarity, encouragement, and respect. Supporting students to grow academically and personally is, for me, both a professional commitment and a deeply personal one.
Beyond the areas of academic skills outlined here, my expertise is also well-placed to help you:
consider and develop your careers ideas
if you’re an international student and/or English is your second language
understand how and where to get additional support at your institution