Richard

Professor of Economics with over 20 years’ teaching and tutoring experience. I have guided A-level, undergraduate, and postgraduate students to achieve top grades and progress to leading institutions such as Oxford, LSE, Warwick, UCL, and York. Many of my students have gone on to win prestigious prizes at the Institute of Economic Affairs, UCL, and the University of York, as well as secure competitive graduate roles in economics, business, and finance.

I am passionate about making economics accessible and inspiring. My students tell me I build not just grades but also confidence, clarity, and genuine interest in the subject. I see tutoring as more than exam preparation: it is about helping students develop independence, critical thinking, and the skills to succeed at the next stage of their academic or professional journey.

Alongside tutoring, I am a Professor at a UK Business School, where I have held senior leadership positions and taught economics, statistics, finance, and accountancy. I have received nine teaching prizes across multiple universities, including national and institutional awards for innovation and excellence, as well as student-nominated “Golden Apple” awards for engaging and supportive teaching. I am also a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, a recognition of my sustained commitment to high-quality teaching.

In addition, I am an active researcher in macroeconomics and political economy, publishing widely in international academic journals. My research has been featured in the media and I regularly provide commentary for outlets such as The Conversation, Politics Home, and ITV News. Through my externally funded projects, I also work with local industry, the public sector, and the third sector, bringing real-world insight into my teaching and helping students see the relevance of economics beyond the classroom.

Tutoring Experience

I have over 20 years’ experience teaching and tutoring economics, with more than a decade as a university professor and nearly two decades supporting A-level, undergraduate, and postgraduate students. In that time, I have worked with hundreds of learners across a wide range of exam boards (AQA, OCR, Edexcel, WJEC, and IB) and degree programmes.

My experience spans:
- A-level & IB: helping students with revision, building confidence in core content, strengthening essay writing, and developing exam technique across microeconomics, macroeconomics, and quantitative methods.
- University teaching: lecturing and supervising in economics, econometrics, statistics, finance, accounting, taxation, and research methods, as well as guiding students with dissertations and theses.
- Essay competitions & prizes: preparing students for national and university-level competitions, including prize-winning entries at the Institute of Economic Affairs, UCL, and the University of York.
- University entrance & interviews: supporting students with Oxbridge and Russell Group admissions, entrance exams, and interview preparation.
- Adult & professional learners: tutoring economics, accounting, and finance for career development and further study, including support for non-native English speakers working in English.

Over the years I have tutored students who have gone on to excel at leading universities and secure recognition for their work. My approach has proved effective both with high-performing students aiming for top distinctions and with those needing structured support to build confidence and succeed in their exams.

Tutoring Approach

I believe that tutoring should be both about transferring knowledge, and about developing confidence, clarity, and independence. Economics can feel abstract or daunting at first, but with the right structure, it becomes accessible and inspiring. My sessions are designed to help students feel in control of their learning, build exam-ready skills, and also see the real-world importance of the subject.

For A-level and IB students
I use a structured three-step method:
1. Understanding and fluency – we begin by building a strong grasp of core concepts, diagrams, and economic vocabulary, so that students feel comfortable and fluent in the subject.
2. Exam technique and practice – I then place a strong emphasis on past paper practice, essay planning, and exam technique. We focus on structure, clarity of argument, and time management, so that students can apply their knowledge effectively under exam conditions.
3. Independence and confidence – finally, I encourage students to think critically and apply economics to unfamiliar contexts, so that they become confident problem-solvers who can handle any style of question they encounter.

For university students
My approach is always tailored to the specific course and individual. At this level, tutoring may include:
- Breaking down complex theories in microeconomics, macroeconomics, or econometrics into clear, manageable steps.
- Working through quantitative material in statistics, finance, or accounting, with a focus on practical application and interpretation.
- Developing strong academic writing and research skills, whether for essays, dissertations, or theses. This includes structure, referencing, and building persuasive arguments.
- Supporting independent study skills — how to read critically, manage workloads, and prepare for exams and assessments.

For competitions and university entrance
I also prepare students for essay competitions, admissions tests, and Oxbridge/Russell Group interviews. Here I focus on sharpening critical thinking, encouraging wide reading, and practising how to build clear, persuasive arguments under pressure. Several of my students have gone on to win essay prizes and succeed in highly competitive university admissions processes.

For adult and professional learners
I work with adult learners who are returning to study or seeking professional development in economics, finance, or accounting. My approach is practical, adaptable, and supportive — whether that means relating abstract theory to real-world professional contexts, or building confidence for those studying in English as a second language.

In all cases, my goal is to do more than raise grades. I want my students to leave with a sense of achievement, a deeper understanding of economics, and the confidence to apply their skills at the next stage of their education or career.