Dr Jo Phillips has taught in four different sixth form colleges, then moved into higher education, and has been teaching in universities for the last 15 years. This puts her in a rare position - she’s taught not only A-level students but hundreds of undergraduates too. She currently teaches Landscape Architecture at the University of Sheffield. 

Jo is also the co-author of The Backpacker’s Guide to University (2025), along with Martin Griffin. Between them, they’ve taught A levels for 30 years and have also been adult students a total of 8 times, making mistakes along the way, so they still vividly remember what it’s like to try and learn something new, deal with unfamiliar settings, figure out what the teacher expects and submit work on time.

Articles and interviews available

Jo is available for interview, expert comment or bylined articles on a range of topics, such as:

• Successful study at university
• Motivation
• Independent learning
• Focus
• Distraction and social media
• Habit formation
• Academic success
• Joy in learning

View the press release for The Backpacker's Guide to University here.