Need some help with your academic writing?
Whether you’re having an essay crisis, your PhD chapter isn’t working for you, or you’d like someone to cast an eye over a section of your latest book, the UL’s Royal Literary Fund Fellow is here to help.
This academic year, the UL is delighted to be hosting biographer and professional writer, Alexander Masters as Royal Literary Fund Fellow. The Fellow is available to all current university students and staff, whatever their subject or level of study to offer free personalised and individual advice on any aspect academic writing in a confidential and friendly environment.
So, if you find yourself needing help on structuring an argument, improving the clarity of an essay or your overall style, don't hesitate to get in touch to book a session with him.
A long-time user of the UL, Alexander studied mathematical physics at Cambridge, and has previously held an RLF Fellowship elsewhere at the University.
He said: “What makes the service work so well is that it provides ‘blind ears’, someone who is curious and asks questions to help the writer think clearly.
“It is only partly to do with writing advice; it is also about providing someone who will listen and ask basic questions, so that students are forced to make their ideas intelligible.”
A previous user of the sessions said: “I can’t believe all PhD students don’t use this service.” Another commented: “I’m going to go back and tell my department that everyone needs to come to this.”
Alexander is available for meetings in person at the UL or online from the 15th of October 2025. To book an appointment, please email alexander.masters@rlfeducation.org.uk.