About Academic Excellence Marta Bas, PhD
Hi, I’m Dr Marta Bas-Szymaszek.
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I started Academic Excellence Marta Bas, PhD because I know first-hand how challenging UK higher education can be. As a former student studying at a British Higher Education institution myself, I’ve been where you are—grappling with writing blocks, feeling nervous about presentations, and figuring out how to meet high academic expectations. Those experiences shaped the way I teach and mentor today.
Over the years, I’ve helped over 300 students transform their academic experiences—whether helping nervous presenters turn into confident speakers, supporting students develop critical writing techniques essential in academia, or sitting side by side with PhD candidates as they break through writing blocks or research problems. My goal is to make academic success more achievable and less overwhelming.
At Academic Excellence Marta Bas, PhD, I can support you with:
- Academic Writing – From structuring essays and literature reviews to crafting master’s or PhD theses with clarity and confidence.
- Academic Speaking – Practical methods to help you present with confidence.
- Academic Reading – Techniques for efficient, critical reading, plus ethical ways to integrate AI tools into your academic workflow.
- Academic Listening – Simple but powerful strategies to help you get more from lectures and seminar discussions.
- Critical Thinking – Tried-and-tested frameworks to help you strengthen your arguments and think more analytically.
- Research Methods – Guidance on designing research projects, analysing qualitative data, and coding themes effectively—skills I’ve used in my own research and taught to over 50 students recently.
- Study Efficiency – Time management techniques I personally used to balance academic demands, all made to your specific learning habits and needs.
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If you're struggling with a specific assignment or looking to improve your overall academic performance, I’m here to help. I bring both professional expertise and personal understanding to every session, and I’d love to support you on your academic journey.
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Let’s chat about how I can help you reach your goals!
About Marta
Qualifications
2013-2023 - University of Southampton - PhD in Sociolinguistics: English and Multilingualism in non-profit organisations
2010-2011 - University of Southampton - MSc in Global Politics (Research): Renewable Energy Policy EU, UK and Poland
2009-2010 - University of Southampton - MA in Applied Linguistics: English as a Lingua Franca
2006-2009 - University of Gdańsk - BA (Hons) Education - Teaching English as a Foreign Language
Attributes
Creative - Empathetic - Honest - Friendly - Positive - Reflective - Open - Collaborative - Inquisitive - Professional - Analytical - Organized - Hard working - Authentic - Perseverant - Patient
Mission
My commitment is to instil confidence, elevate language proficiency, and inspire self-development, thereby equipping higher education students with the tools they need to thrive academically and cultivate transferable skills essential for success in their future careers.
Work
2023 - now - Academic Excellence Marta Bas, PhD - Founder
2012- now -University of Southampton - English for Academic Purposes Lecturer
2014-2015 University of Southampton - Pre-sessional Course Coordinator
2014-2015 - University of Southampton - English for Academic Purposes Assessment Consultant
2005-2009 - Private Language Institutes and Public School - English as a Foreign Language Teacher, Poland
Skills
Expert communicator - I know how to ask the right questions and to listen closely and patiently.
Consultant - I have wealth of experience in academic English, reseach and study skills.
Teacher - I develop English language skills in adult learners, designing and creating engaging teaching materials.
I am a foreign language learner - French and Russian.
Vision
My vision is to empower higher education students in the UK with the academic English skills they need to thrive. By building confidence in academic communication, I aim to create a more inclusive educational environment where every student can fully express their intellectual potential.