Meet our University Centre Tutors
At Newcastle College University Centre, our tutors come from industry and many collaborate with employers to deliver courses that are on the cutting-edge of practice. That means that you get the essential skills and experience needed to stand out to employers and reach your full potential.
Degree Courses Available
Leonardo Morantes-Africano
Curriculum Leader - Education"I combine two of my passions in my job as teacher educator: research, and the art of teaching. I teach across all programmes at the School of Education, including our Diploma in Teaching, PGCE and Masters in Education. My academic work is available online via Google Scholar, which focuses on social justice, queer and critical theory, and technology in education."
Andy Griffin
Associate Lecturer and alumni - Music and Performing Arts"My experience encompasses various areas of the music business, with a specialisation in artist management, live shows and touring, A&R development, as well as extensive experience collaborating with record labels and studios. I firmly believe in fostering a positive and motivating environment, employing strategies such as praise, inspiration, mentoring and motivation."
Gary Hall
Lecturer - Sport and Exercise"I still work in the industry; it is important to me and my students that I am always up to date with current ways of working. I work together with my industry contacts and students to organise additional training, which complements their studies."
Paul Smyth
Lecturer - Digital Arts"I run my own 3D animation company and I'm one of the lecturers on the BA (Hons) Animation course. I try to not only bring in industry skills but also push experimentation with new technologies to further our students' skills."
Dan Civico
Lecturer - Art and Design"I've worked at Newcastle College for almost 20 years so there have been many proud moments, such as designing the HE Hub (a dedicated higher education space) with my students, to working with amazing industry professionals on live projects. Every year the biggest highlight is seeing my students graduate with outstanding portfolios of work and setting off on their careers."
Jonny Burgess
Lecturer - Music"My favourite modules to teach are studio-based. My area of expertise is working with musicians in recording studios and helping them to develop their material. It's great to hear students come in with raw ideas and then see them develop over time."
Sonia Gray
Lecturer - Childcare"I have worked in the childcare sector for over 15 years as a Nursery Manager, SENCo and a Safeguarding Lead. Over this period, I have supported students within the sector to gain skills, experiences and knowledge which supported their placement experiences."
Nick Adams
Programme Leader - Music Production"Electronic Music and Technology is at the forefront of musical innovation. I have an extensive background in Electronic Music and DJ. It’s rewarding seeing students gain success and progress into influential figures in the music industry by receiving support from the likes of Radio 1, Lee Foss and Calvin Harris."
Murray Lambert
Lecturer - Computing"I enjoy delivering technical modules with a practical outcome. I get to use my experience working on industry projects to help students develop their skills in 3D modelling, texturing and animation. It's very rewarding to see students bring their own ideas to life, from a simple concept all the way to a character they can move around in a game."
Hazel Bone
Course Leader - Engineering"As well as my day to day teaching activities I work with our students encouraging them to take part in Equality and Diversity competitions, Young Engineer for Britain, Greenpower Electric Car competition, Jaguar F1 in Schools, where I have represented the college on many occasions in regional finals with our students. You may You may also recognise me from Robot Wars Techno-games where I competed for a number of years with my robot FireStorm."
Jim King
Curriculum Leader - Aviation"In my six years at Newcastle College, I have seen many students go on to achieve great things. I love using the experiences I have had working in the Royal Air Force to inspire the next generation of aircraft engineers."
Emily White
Curriculum Leader - Business"In the Business Academy, we take pride in the fact that our lecturers are subject specialists. Our modules are developed and designed with local and national industry consultants. All of our sessions are devised to prepare students with the most important knowledge and skills to be successful within business."