Alicja Syska

Academic profile

Dr Alicja Syska

Learning Development Advisor
Student Learning Services - Academic Development (Library and Academic Development)

The Global Goals

In 2015, UN member states agreed to 17 global to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all. Alicja's work contributes towards the following SDG(s):

Goal 04: SDG 4 - Quality EducationGoal 05: SDG 5 - Gender Equality

About Alicja

I am a hybrid academic combining the role of Learning Developer for the Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Business, with the roles of Lecturer in Education and Associate Lecturer in History. I use this bridging position to enhance student experience and reinforce the link between the academic and pedagogic missions of the university, since 2006.
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My key leadership role is Editor-in-Chief at theÌý
I also co-lead theÌýPlymouth Institute of Education Online JournalÌýand co-hostÌýÌýpodcast.

I have published two co-edited books: (2023) maps out the field of Learning Development in UK HE while critically engaging with this academic practice, while (2025) explores the transformations in teaching after the pandemic.

Supervised Research Degrees

Ed.D. in Education, second supervisor: ‘Conceptualising pupil voice – listening and hearing pupil experience(s)’

Ph.D. in Education, second supervisor: ‘How can informal education and intercultural competence development become more accessible to forcibly displaced people through social innovation and social entrepreneurship in Plymouth’

Ed.D. in Learning Development, External examiner: 'The framing and value of Learning Development work in British Higher Education: An illuminative evaluation of professional practice', University of Portsmouth

Teaching

As a Learning Developer, I focus on building students' academic confidence by helping them develop strong academic skills, including writing, presentation making, conducting research, and working collaboratively.

In my role as a Lecturer in Education, I teach on undergraduate modules and International EdD, as well as supervising BA, PhD and EdD students.

In my role as a History lecturer, I teach on a range of modules related to US and World History. I also supervise undergraduate dissertations.

Contact Alicja

Room 102, 3 Endsleigh Place, Drake Circus, Plymouth, PL4 8AA
+44 1752 585149