Dr
Kirsty HemsworthProfile page
Skills Manager
Professional Services
ABOUt
I am a Learning Developer and inclusive education practitioner specialising in academic literacies, digital learning, and student–staff partnership. My work centres on creating equitable learning environments where students - particularly those from minoritised or under‑represented groups - feel confident, capable and supported to succeed. I focus on exposing the hidden curriculum, challenging deficit narratives around academic skills, and designing learning experiences for learners of all backgrounds that build self-efficacy through clarity, transparency and collaboration.
I take a student-centred approach to academic skills development, combining critical pedagogy, Universal Design principles and practice-based inquiry. Much of my work involves designing accessible, high-impact learning interventions at scale, including online bootcamps, digital resources, and hself-assessment tools. I work closely with students as partners, co-designers and co-researchers, ensuring their lived experiences shape the development of academic skills provision, service design, and institutional practice.
My professional and research interests focus on how learning development, digital innovation and partnership models can be used as emancipatory practices within libraries and higher education.
DEGREES
- PhD, Translation StudiesUniversity of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom1 Sep 2013 - 31 Jul 2017
- MA, Translation Studies (French/English)University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United KingdomSep 2012 - Jul 2013
- BA, English and FrenchUniversity of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom1 Sep 2008 - 31 May 2012
CERTIFICATIONS
- SFHEAAdvance HE, York, United KingdomJun 2025 - presentSenior Fellowship
- Aurora - Women in LeadershipAdvance HE, York, United KingdomJun 2023 - present