Ruth

Certified Tutor

My initial degree was in Modern History and Politics. I then went on to work for an MP as their researcher in the UK Parliament, before taking jobs in policy in local government. Deciding I wanted to challenge myself I undertook a Masters in Politics and Public Administration, after which I got appointed as a lobbyist for the UK local government trade body the LGA, leading on housing policy. While there I did my MBA (part-time) and focussed on strategic management in my dissertation. I worked for the LGA for a total of 11 years in their London and Brussels offices. Before moving into consultancy and interim management holding contracts with national and local government.

Again because I want to challenge myself I returned to academia first to do a Masters in Research Methods and then to do my PhD in the Housing Crisis at the University of Sheffield. On completing that I gained a full-time post at a University teaching social policy.

I have extensive experience of policy, politics and practice which I like to bring into my teaching, making sure that the information and debates I have with my students are not just dry theory, but also founded on real experience, so that students can understand how theory and policy can work in practice and what the issues around sociological, political and policy contexts are.

I like to teach in an interactive way, with students taking part in the lessons through exercises, discussion and online quizzes etc. As I believe people learn better and remember more when we engage more than one of our senses. I am friendly and approachable and happy to discuss issues with students. I also recognise that students have different learning styles so try to tailor my approach to them.

I am happy to teach any sociology, politics/policy issues, but my favourite areas are social policy, strategic management and housing. As these areas allow for debate on different approaches to issues and allow me to capitalise on my years of experience.