Sheffield Hallam University homepage

Dr

Kirsty Hemsworth

Skills Manager

Professional Services

Orcid identifier0009-0001-1460-3430
  • 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 Studies
    University 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 French
    University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom1 Sep 2008 - 31 May 2012

CERTIFICATIONS

  • SFHEA
    Advance HE, York, United KingdomJun 2025 - present
    Senior Fellowship
  • Aurora - Women in Leadership
    Advance HE, York, United KingdomJun 2023 - present