St Andrew’s College is proud to welcome Dr Matthew Sharp as our new Senior Tutor. Originally from Guernsey in the Channel Islands, Matthew has spent the past decade teaching and researching at leading universities in the UK, most recently at the University of St Andrews. His expertise in theology and religious studies is matched by a deep enthusiasm for academic mentoring and community life. In his new role, Matthew will oversee the Tutorial and Language Programs, working closely with students and staff to further strengthen the College’s culture of academic excellence.
In this Q&A, Matthew shares insights into his academic journey, his vision for the Senior Tutor role, and what excites him about joining the St Andrew’s community.
Can you tell us a bit about yourself, where have you studied, and what are your teaching and research interests?
I grew up on the island of Guernsey in the Channel Islands and first came to Sydney in 2007, where I studied theology at Alphacrucis College. I returned to the UK for postgraduate study at the University of Edinburgh, where I gained a Masters and PhD in Theology and Religious Studies. I then moved slightly north to the University of St Andrew’s, where I have been teaching and researching for the last four years. My teaching and research interests primarily concern the cultural and intellectual contexts of ancient Judaism and early Christianity, as well as the history of the Bible (its formation, reception, and interpretation).
What attracted you to the role of Senior Tutor at St Andrew’s College?
I was attracted to St Andrew’s College as a place with both a rich history and ambitious goals for the future. I’m attracted to the strong communal ethos and the focus on academic excellence. The Tutorial Program, as I understand it, is something that exemplifies the ideal of academic rigour in community and is something I’m excited to develop. Having lived in Scotland for the last ten years, I’m also attracted to the Scottish heritage and traditions that the College celebrates.
Can you describe your role as Senior Tutor, and what you hope to achieve?
As Senior Tutor, I oversee our Tutorial and Language Programs and support the Academic Heads in the work they are doing, providing academic support and development opportunities in the College. Broadly speaking, I hope to contribute to the strong academic culture of St Andrew’s by delivering a world-class tutorial program that supports and stretches all our students in their education and empowers them to reach their potential.
What excites you most about working in a college environment?
The chance to be part of a small, close-knit team and to work with scholars and educators in fields vastly different from my own has already been an exciting part of the role. I’m also excited by the opportunities a college provides to develop strong relationships among both staff and students. In my experience, the most effective and transformative education happens through relationships with people you trust, and a college is uniquely placed to provide that.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
I enjoy spending time with my family, whether that’s reading together, playing cricket on the beach, or exploring the city.
What are you currently reading, watching, or listening to?
I’m enjoying reading the Shardlake series of novels by C. J. Sansom. They are the perfect mix of historical fiction with religious themes, all centred around a good murder mystery. I’m also reading The Lord of the Rings with my children, which is one of my favourite parts of the day.
What advice would you offer to St Andrew’s students?
Throw yourself into as many activities and opportunities as St Andrew’s has to offer. You’ll need to work out for yourself how much you have the capacity to keep doing, but you’ll honestly never have more time and resources at your disposal than now, so make the most of them!