Nazia Zarin

Throughout my academic career, I’ve created courses, led teaching teams, and supported students to move forward in their studies and careers. My diverse background allows me to see teaching from many angles, hopefully offering my students a learning experience that is both challenging and useful in real life. I aim to make research methods easy to understand and to show how they connect to current issues.

My professional expertise includes research philosophy and methodology, theories of psychology and human behaviour, critical and creative thinking in education, and interdisciplinary approaches to knowledge. A myth I’m eager to debunk is that literature, psychology, and philosophy are abstract or irrelevant to business. In reality, these fields offer essential tools for understanding people, developing empathy, and making ethical decisions. These skills are invaluable in leadership, marketing, and team dynamics. At UCB, I mostly support research dissertation projects at Levels 6 and 7, as well as Marketing Intelligence at Level 5. I’m also a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, and have published papers relating to my field.

In the classroom, I take time to understand how each student learns, what drives them, and how to best support them. My work with international students, in particular, has given me valuable insight into the challenges people face when adapting to new systems and expectations, whether language barriers, academic gaps, or confidence issues. 

The most rewarding part of my work is seeing students complete their degrees, enter the workplace, or go on to further study. Students often describe my classes as engaging, interactive, and encouraging. I aim to create a warm, inclusive environment where every learner feels motivated and supported. I really value the strong sense of community and the collaborative, student-focused culture here at UCB. It’s a privilege to teach here. 

Outside of my academic work, I’m fascinated by neuroscience, particularly in areas related to learning, motivation, and emotional regulation. I also enjoy seafaring and am an avid reader. A book I recommend to anyone is Dopamine Nation by Dr Anna Lembke. It’s a fascinating exploration of how we seek pleasure, manage pain, and build resilience in a world full of quick fixes. It’s deeply relevant to anyone navigating modern life.