Senior Lecturers in International Foundation Programme (IFP)

POST TITLE

Senior Lecturers in International Foundation Programme (IFP)

POST DETAILS

Full-time, Fixed-term

THE POST

Stirling College, Chengdu University is looking for Senior Lecturers to deliver modules on its International Foundation Programme.

The successful candidates will play a pivotal role in contextualising University of Stirling modules for delivery in China, selecting and developing appropriate learning materials and activities that meet students’ English language and academic development needs, and incorporating these into the programme. Where required, they will also contribute to the development of new module content.

The International Foundation Programme comprises six first-year modules designed to build a strong academic and linguistic foundation, equipping students with the essential skills and confidence to succeed in their University of Stirling degree studies. The programme covers the following modules:

• Personal Academic Study Skills
• General English
• Integrated Project
• English for Specific Academic Purposes

THE JOINT INSTITUTE

We are a Transnational Education (TNE) partnership between the University of Stirling and Chengdu University founded in 2021, following approval by the Chinese Ministry of Education. With a supportive and collegial culture and continuous professional development (CPD) opportunities for our staff, we apply the rigorous academic standards of the University of Stirling’s, and the quality of student experience is at the heart of everything we do.

Stirling College is a thriving TNE institution, offering three undergraduate programmes, namely, BSc (Hons) Data Science, BA (Hons) Digital Media, and BA (Hons) Sports Studies, as well as postgraduate programmes including the MSc Big Data and MSc in Sport Management. We have over 1,100 students enrolled on these programmes and a diverse team of 70 staff members from 20 different countries, most of whom hold a PhD.

For non-Chinese nationals, we offer an attractive renumeration package, including free accommodation and flight allowance, in addition to salary paid on a monthly basis. Also, low tax rates and living cost allow them to build up significant savings compared to many countries outside China. We also offer Chinese language and culture classes to help new staff integrate into local social and cultural environment, enriching their life on and off campus.

Our commitment to staff support is evident, as seen in our recent onboarding experience survey where new staff reported being either satisfied or highly satisfied with the support they received when settling into their new roles with us.

We actively promote an environment of inclusivity and equality, where everyone’s contributions are valued. Our institution prides itself on supporting the professional and personal growth of itsstaff. Regular CPD sessions, peer observations, and individually tailored career plans are just a few of the ways we ensure our staff continue to grow with their roles.

We also offer clear pathways for promotion and encourage long-term career development within the organisation, making Stirling College a place where you can build and advance your career over the years.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

• Teach up to twenty class periods per week and be available in the staff office for at least six class periods per week for student consultation.
• Prepare and deliver engaging, student-centered classes, including compiling relevant teaching materials.
• Develop, invigilate, mark, and second-mark assessments within agreed deadlines.
• Participate in CPD activities, including completing a staff development plan, attending training, and engaging in peer observations.
• Take part in regular staff appraisal meetings and contribute to programme marketing when requested.
• Attend team meetings and undertake administrative responsibilities as outlined in the staff handbook.
• Ensure all duties are performed to the highest standard and within agreed timelines.

Please note that the appointed staff need to be adaptable and actively participate in college activities, recognising the constantly-evolving nature of international higher education. Additional responsibilities may be assigned as and when needed. This job description is subject to periodic review and may be updated in consultation with the line manager to reflect the institution’s needs.

ESSENTIAL CRITERIA

The successful candidate will normally demonstrate the following characteristics:

• Candidates should have a PhD degree in a relevant subject area, such as TESOL, Applied Linguistics, English Language Education or Education.
• At least 2 years of relevant teaching experience in higher education or university preparation programmes, with experience in English language teaching, academic English or academic skills development.
• A track record of planning and delivering engaging, student-centred sessions in English.
• Experience of curriculum design in line with intended learning outcomes.
• Ability to contextualise learning for a Chinese context.

DESIRABLE CRITERIA

• Experience of teaching on an International Foundation Programme or a similar programme preparing students for degree-level study in English.
• Experience in programme or module development, peer support and mentoring.
• Experience of developing teaching materials that support students’ language and academic skills across different subject areas.
• Experience of teaching in a UK/International Higher Education Institution.
• Experience of quality assurance in QAA framework.
• Demonstrated experience of managing the team and owning team performance and development.
• A recognised teaching qualification in English language teaching or higher education, or relevant professional recognition for teaching in higher education.
• As a British institution awarding a British degree, we strongly encourage applications from candidates with teaching experience in the UK or at a UK institution. The ideal candidate will also have experience in programme development, providing support for teaching teams, and mentoring colleagues to enhance academic excellence.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Salary & Benefits:

The position is a full-time teaching post based in Chengdu with a teaching load of up to twenty class hours per week, a competitive salary, an annual flight allowance and an apartment or apartment allowance for non-Chinese nationals.

All staff hold an individually negotiated development plan, regular peer observations are conducted throughout the semesters, and various CPD sessions are organised in-house or with external speakers throughout the year.

About the City:

Chengdu is considered one of the most cities to live in China, home to the Giant Pandas and renowned for its delicious and varied cuisines, vibrant nightlife, and a wealth of cultural heritage, and is served by an extensive, clean and efficient metro system. The university is situated in a large and modern campus adjacent to a sizeable park on the outskirts of the city about 20 minutes from the city centre by metro. See more information about Chengdu at: https://www.gochengdu.cn/en

How to Apply:

To apply, please send your CV to felicia.xu@stir.ac.uk

Candidates are encouraged to submit applications at their earliest convenience. Due to the large number of applications, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

We prefer to appoint staff who intend to stay for several years.

The partnership is an equal opportunities employer, but successful candidates must meet the requirements for a Chinese work permit.