Academic & Research Mentoring
Individual support to help you develop your ideas, academic skills and confidence in your own work.
Sometimes you know what you want to say but aren't quite sure how to get there. You might be struggling to organise your ideas, trying to make sense of academic feedback, developing a research project, or simply looking for someone to help you talk things through and work out what to do next.
I offer independent one-to-one academic and research mentoring for undergraduate and postgraduate students. My approach is supportive, practical and tailored to you. I won't tell you what to write or do the work for you—I'll help you make sense of your ideas, ask the right questions and develop approaches that work for you.
How I Can Help
Academic & Research Consultation
A focused one-to-one session when you need help working through a particular academic or research challenge.
£75 · 60 minutes
-
A focused 60-minute session for when you have a particular academic or research challenge you'd like to work through. We'll focus on where you're stuck, make sense of the issue and work out practical next steps.
This might include:
Planning and structuring academic work
Developing an argument or research question
Critical thinking and academic writing
Literature reviews
Qualitative research and methodology
Dissertation planning
Reflective or practice-based research
Understanding and responding to feedback
£75 · 60 minutes
Postgraduate & PhD Applications
Specialist mentoring for Master's and PhD applicants to UK universities, including international applicants, research proposals, creative applications and preparation for postgraduate study.
From £95
One-to-One Academic Mentoring
Ongoing individual support for undergraduate and postgraduate students who would benefit from working together over time.
From £45
Creative & Practice-Based Research
My background sits across academic research, media and creative practice, so I understand that creative research doesn't always fit neatly into conventional academic approaches.
Sometimes the challenge isn't the idea itself; it's working out how to articulate your creative practice as research, connect it to theory, or explain the thinking and decisions behind what you make.
Whether you're developing a dissertation, creative research project or postgraduate proposal, we'll work together to make the academic and creative sides speak to each other.
Practice-based and practice-led research
Connecting theory and creative practice
Developing research questions from your practice
Reflective practice and critical reflection
Qualitative and creative research methods
Articulating creative decisions and processes
Planning and structuring creative research projects
Media, digital and immersive research
I can support you with:
Supporting Different Ways of Learning
I've worked with students across a wide range of programmes and levels of study and have extensive experience supporting neurodivergent students, including autistic students and students with dyslexia.
I recognise that people process information, organise their thoughts and approach academic work differently. My mentoring is tailored to the individual. We'll work together to find approaches and strategies that make sense for the way you think and learn.
Professional Background
Member of the Dyslexia Guild
Dyslexia Action
Supporting Adults with Dyslexia and Co-occurring Difficulties (DACRT56)
Responsible Use of AI for Learning and Research
AI can be a useful tool for learning and research when it supports your thinking rather than replacing it.
I can help you develop responsible ways of using generative AI as part of your academic work, from working through ideas and planning a project to developing better questions and critically evaluating what AI produces.
We'll also consider issues such as inaccurate information, fabricated references, bias, privacy and academic integrity. You'll always need to follow your own institution's guidance on AI use.
AI should support your thinking — not replace it.
AI can support you to:
Explore and organise your ideas
Break complex tasks into manageable stages
Develop questions and challenge your thinking
Prepare for tutorials or supervision
Support reflection and revision
Develop more effective prompts
Critically evaluate AI-generated information
Feedback from students I've supported across undergraduate, Master's and doctoral study.
As an autistic student following a creative path, I found it difficult to find the right kind of support. I had found standard tutors, but not someone who understood both the creative and academic sides and could help me focus and clarify my thinking.
Master's Student · Creative Practice
Your feedback has been really helpful in shaping my final version and I truly appreciate the time you took to review my work.
Master's Student
Thank you so much for helping me this year. I definitely couldn't have done it without you. You have been such a huge help with all of my degree and I've really enjoyed working with you.
Undergraduate Student
I couldn't have completed my PhD without the support. Having a supportive but critical eye throughout the process was really helpful.
PhD Student
What It's Like to Work With Me
Mentoring can include:
Planning and organisation
Understanding assignment briefs
Essay and assignment planning
Academic writing and criticality
Research and dissertation skills
Reflective practice
Understanding tutor feedback
Focus, confidence and accountability
Mentoring Options
Individual Session
60 minutes
£45
5-Session Package
Five one-to-one sessions
£215
10-Session Mentoring Programme
Ten one-to-one sessions over ten weeks
£425
Regular individual support for undergraduate and postgraduate students
Sometimes a single consultation isn't what you need. You might benefit more from having someone you can meet regularly while you work through a module, semester, dissertation or larger project. Our sessions give you a consistent space to talk through your work, identify priorities and develop approaches that work for you.
One-to-One Academic Mentoring
Complimentary Introductory Call
If you're considering a mentoring package, I offer a free 20-minute introductory conversation so we can talk about what you're studying, what you'd like support with and whether my approach is right for you.
*The introductory call is for us to get to know each other and doesn't include feedback on assessed work.
About Me
Dr Hatana El-Jarn
I'm an academic, researcher and educator with over 20 years' experience across education and the creative industries. My background spans academic research, higher education, media, digital and creative practice, and I've taught, coached and mentored students across undergraduate, Master's and doctoral study.
My approach to mentoring brings those different areas together. I understand academic expectations, but I also understand that people don't all think, learn or develop ideas in the same way. My aim is to help you find an approach that enables you to develop your own thinking and become more confident and independent in your work.
Academic & Professional Credentials
PhD · PGCE · Senior Fellow HEA (SFHEA)
Academic Integrity
My mentoring is developmental and educational. I'm here to help you develop your ideas, skills and understanding so that the work you produce remains your own.
I can ask questions, provide developmental feedback, help you understand academic expectations and suggest strategies for moving your work forward. I don't write or rewrite assessed work, research proposals or applications on your behalf, or produce work for submission.
If we use generative AI as part of our sessions, it will be to support your learning and thinking rather than replace it. You remain responsible for following the academic integrity and AI policies of your own institution.
Not Sure What You Need?
You don't need to know which mentoring option is right for you before getting in touch.
Tell me a little about what you're studying, where you are in your academic journey and what you'd like some support with. I'll let you know which option I think would suit you best.
All mentoring is currently offered online