Dr Matthew D

My Passion & How I Inspire

Genuine learning and understanding is just as important to me as achieving academic goals. I love the subjects I teach, and above anything else I want to communicate that love to my students. I believe that to learn deeply, the whole person has to be engaged; and when the whole person is engaged, good results usually follow! Drawing on my extensive academic teaching experience, and on my training as a mindfulness instructor, I offer a sensitively tailored learning experience that gets to the heart of my studentsā€™ struggles and aspirations. I offer clear structure where it is needed, emphasising the importance of clearly defined goals and milestones, and plenty of practice. But I also offer flexibility and emotional support, helping students build the confidence they need to succeed within our increasingly demanding educational system. I aim to leave my students with greater confidence in their own potential, and a desire to succeed in their chosen subject for the sake of learning as an end in itself.

My Experience

I have been tutoring students in the humanities and social sciences for over a decade, supporting children, young adults and mature students at all levels - from primary education to masters - in fulfilling their academic potential. My specialty is in coursework completion and exam preparation, providing carefully tailored attention and support when it matters most. Over the years I have helped hundreds of students to find the confidence they need boost their grade in those crucial final moments before submission or examination.

Much of my tutoring experience is at university level. Between 2013 and 2017, while studying for my PhD at the University of Cambridge, I supervised undergraduates there individually and in groups to prepare them for their examinations in history, philosophy and sociology. I regularly worked with a teaching load of 30 or more students each term. I also devised and co-led lectures and seminars in the History of Medicine for graduate students at Cambridge.

At the same time, I offered private tuition to Masters students at London universities such as UCL, Birkbeck and the Royal College of Art, in subjects ranging from English Literature and Art Theory to the History of Philosophy. My experience in working with students at top academic institutions means I have an excellent track record in helping talented young people reach their goals. Past students of mine have gone on to do PhDs at Cambridge, work for ā€œmagic circleā€ law firms, and gain positions as teachers at top London private schools.

Having said that, I also have experience with a broad range of ages and abilities. Between 2010 and 2012, I individually tutored six children aged 5-9, working closely with their parents to find creative ways to support literacy. I have worked with dozens of students aged 11-18 with range of abilities on subjects like GCSE Religious Studies (OCR), A-Level English (AQA) and Philosophy (Edexcel), from schools such as the Jewish Free School and the Leys (Cambridge). Whoever you are, whatever your level, I can probably help!

Subjects That I Teach

  • English
  • English - Postgraduate
  • History
  • History - Postgraduate
  • Philosophy
  • Philosophy - Postgraduate
  • Sociology
  • Sociology - Postgraduate

My Qualifications

PhD, History of Medicine (University of Cambridge)

AHRC Scholarship in the History of Medicine (PhD)

MPhil, History and Philosophy of Science and Medicine (University of Cambridge, Distinction)

AHRC Scholarship in the History and Philosophy of Science (Masters)

BA (Hons) Philosophy and Natural Sciences (University of Cambridge, First Class)

Jacob Bronowski Award for Academic Excellence in the History and Philosophy of Science

Mindfulness Teacher Training (University of Bangor)

A-Levels: in English, History and Fine Art (Repton School; Grade A)

My Video Introduction

Fun fact

I am pretty good at skateboarding!