Lecturer - Aspire

University of the West of Scotland – Learning & Teaching Enhancement - Learning Transformation

Paisley Campus

Fixed term: December 2024

The Department of Learning Transformation is offering an exciting career development opportunity in recruiting two Lecturers for our unique ASPIRE initiative. ASPIRE is a University-wide strategic commitment that prepares students to make the most of their UWS experience through exploring aspirations for university study and making active connections between their degree and aspects of their personal and professional lives.

The posts are an excellent opportunity for student-centred higher education professionals, interested in teaching and curriculum development, to apply and enhance their practice interests as part of the implementation of the university’s flagship Academic, Professional, and Personal Development (APPD) curriculum. These posts will take a collegiate and partnership-based approach to shaping current and future delivery of the ASPIRE modules, which aim to support our learners to be resilient, world-ready and confident graduates through co-created learning experiences that allow them to explore and develop their ambitions, needs and interests.

As we continue enhancement activity to ensure that design and delivery of the modules offer authentic, contextualised and valuable learning for our students, we encourage applications from enthusiastic, creative and motivated practitioners who are confident in articulating their student-centred values in the engaging and discursive ASPIRE teaching space. Predominantly working, in the first instance, in partnership with our School of Computing, Engineering and Physical Sciences or Health and Life Sciences, applicants will ideally have an appreciation of/ experience in teaching within related disciplines in order to facilitate contextualised learning.

The successful candidates should have the following:

• Educated to degree level or equivalent in a relevant subject area.
• Postgraduate qualification.
• Experience of teaching, assessment and/or supporting students in Higher Education.
• Experience of facilitating one-to-one and/or group sessions with Higher Education students.
• Ability to design, develop and co-ordinate strategically aligned curriculum.
• Experience of delivering enhancement in learning, teaching or student support, including working collaboratively with different stakeholders in a change environment.
• Demonstrable understanding of approaches to student support, personal tutoring, advising techniques and approaches for use to support student success in higher education.
• Demonstrable understanding of the professional settings, contexts and networks that students of the relevant discipline may be looking to engage with and join.
• Commitment to delivering high quality teaching and supporting an outstanding student experience.

The modules are an opportunity for students to gain confidence developing the skills, knowledge and personal qualities that will prepare them for life and work in the 21^st century.

Learning Transformation is a dedicated team comprising academics, learning designers and digital learning technologists, sitting within the Office of the Pro-Vice Chancellor Learning, Teaching and Students. You will join us as we strive to continuously enhance learning, teaching and curriculum at UWS, in turn inspiring our students and wider University community and, through modern teaching and impactful research, continue to deliver innovative solutions to some of the world’s biggest challenges.

About us

University of the West of Scotland is one of Scotland’s largest and most dynamic modern universities. Our reach across the country, together with our London campus, means that UWS is a significant force in global knowledge creation, innovation, and a leading provider of undergraduate, postgraduate and research degree education. Our degrees provide students with a transformational experience; equipping them with highly sought-after graduate skills that set them up for global success in world-leading sectors, industries and businesses.

With cutting-edge courses, modern pedagogy and practical knowledge, we enable our students and staff to experience the joy of learning, teaching, research and innovation, and apply their knowledge for the benefit of others. 

UWS is officially ranked by Times Higher Education in the top 200 universities worldwide under 50 years old (2023 Young University Rankings).

We offer our staff a caring and supportive environment, across five campuses, and a competitive benefits package which includes:

• 35 days of annual leave, plus a further 12 days for public/university holidays
• An additional days leave on your birthday
• Defined benefit contribution pension scheme (currently 23%), including death in service benefits upon joining the scheme.
• A flexible approach to working pattern and work-life balance
• Employee discount scheme across 3,500 retailers
• Fitness facilities across our campuses
• Access to a range of health and wellbeing resources, including occupational health, physiotherapy and access to our Employee Assistance Programme
• Professional, career and research development opportunities.

Interview date: W/C Monday 27^th May 2024

The University reserves the right to shorten/extend the closing date of any position where a high/low volume of suitable applications are received. Therefore, if you are interested in this role, an early application would be encouraged.

UWS is committed to equality and diversity and welcomes applications from underrepresented groups.

UWS is a “Disability Confident” employer.

University of the West of Scotland is a registered Scottish charity, no. SC002520.