Lecturer in Design

Discipline: Design & Communication Studies

Faculty: Social Sciences

Location: London, Devon House / Portsoken (St Katharine Docks)

Term: Part-time (0.17FTE); Fixed Term (dates by agreement)

Salary Range: Lecturer (G7) £42,701 – £48,035, progressing to £50,977 once in post

Benefits

The university supports staff maintaining a good work/life balance, offer flexible working and parental leave opportunities, an Employee Assistance Programme which provides free, confidential advice on both home and work concerns as well as optional private medical insurance, season ticket loans and being part of the cycle to work scheme.

Line Management Responsibility: N/A

Reports to: Assigned faculty line manager in the Social Sciences

Start date (dependent on successful completion of relevant checks): By arrangement

The role

Northeastern University London invites applications for a Lecturer in Design to teach in the subject of Design combining theoretical foundations of design principles with hands-on studio practice at the undergraduate level. The successful candidate is expected to deliver both the theory component and the studio component where students engage in practical creative work. The ability to communicate complex concepts and provide constructive feedback is essential.

Applicants should demonstrate proven expertise in graphic design/UX/UI/media art while staying current with industry trends, accessibility principles, and best practices. Compensation and appointment level will reflect experience and qualifications.

Core duties will include development and provision of innovative and inclusive teaching for two modules meeting weekly (2 x 1.5 hours per week) in relevant areas of Design at the undergraduate level. This position requires full in-person attendance on our central London campus and is not compatible with hybrid or online teaching delivery. Preference may be given to candidates who actively engage with the commercial applications of Design practice, with demonstrated commitment to student employability.

Priority will be given to Northeastern University London faculty nearing the end of fixed term contracts.

We particularly encourage applications from those with an interest in innovative teaching, learning and assessment; those with experience of supporting a wide variety of students; and those belonging to groups underrepresented in UK higher education. We are open to appointing on a reduced fraction/job-share basis subject to our business needs.

About the Faculty

The appointee will work in a multidisciplinary team within the Faculty of Social Sciences, and is likely to contribute to work across a variety of teams, both faculty and professional services colleagues, particularly in the entrepreneurship and educational innovation space.

In a typical academic year, the Design & Communication Studies team, led by a Head of Discipline, includes up to 10 academic staff delivering courses in areas such as History and Theory of Design, UX/UI Design, Architectural Design, Intercultural Communication, and Public Speaking.

The Faculty of Social Sciences has approximately 70 academic staff, including academics in Economics, Politics and International Relations, Sociology, Anthropology, Psychology, and Design & Communication Studies. The University provides a positive environment for interdisciplinary collaborations and encourages work across disciplinary boundaries.

About the University

Founded in 2012, Northeastern University London (formerly known as New College of the Humanities) has established itself as a prestigious higher education institution based in the heart of London. Northeastern University London is part of Northeastern University’s Global Campus Network. Positioned as top ranking in the USA, Northeastern has campuses in Arlington, Boston, Charlotte, Miami, Oakland, San Jose, and Seattle in the USA, and Toronto and Vancouver in Canada.

After becoming part of Northeastern University’s global network in early 2019, the University has undergone a period of rapid growth, having been granted Taught Degree Awarding Powers in February 2020 and moved to a new, state-of-the-art campus in 2021.

Northeastern University London benefits from its strong connection with the College of Arts, Media, and Design (CAMD) at Northeastern University in the U.S. This partnership gives students access to innovative programs and resources in fields like design, media, and the arts, offering unique opportunities for growth and hands-on experience in both London and global contexts, aiming to immerse students in the city’s rich cultural and professional landscape, enhancing their education with real-world exposure.

Person Specification Criteria

To undertake this role, the following should apply—should you not have the experience below, please do highlight where transferable skills would assist with you undertaking the role. Unless specified, all criteria are considered essential.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree, or equivalent professional experience, in a relevant area
• PhD completed, or near completion (all but dissertation), or equivalent professional experience, in a relevant area (desirable)
• FHEA status, or equivalent, achieved or expected (desirable)

Key Criteria

• Demonstrates, through evidence, excellent ability to be adaptable, innovative, and inclusive in teaching in Design
• Ability to develop excellent educational provision in areas with significant appeal to students with a focus on experiential learning
• Willingness and capacity to undertake continuous professional development in relation to institutionally strategic themes, including but not limited to technology, data, sustainability, and ethics
• Flexibility and capacity to teach and develop innovative coursework across a wide range of courses in the Design Discipline
• Teaching competency in Design to at least Level 5 (i.e., up to 2^nd year undergraduate)
• Excellent written and verbal interpersonal and communication skills including presentation skills, both face-to-face and online
• Excellent IT skills and evidence of supporting the integration of technologies into learning and teaching
• Proficient in manual techniques and industry-standard software such as Adobe CC
• Excellent time-management and organisational skills

Additional Information

Enquiries

Informal enquiries may be made to Vasilena Vassilev, Head of Discipline for Design & Communication Studies (vasilena.vassilev@nulondon.ac.uk). However, all applications must be made in accordance with the application process specified.

Application Process

Applications should be made via the ‘Apply’ button above by 00:00 on 6 September 2025.

Participation in the equal opportunities section is encouraged, but voluntary. Applications must include a full curriculum vitae, a cover letter that sets out concisely and in ways relevant to this role how the applicant meets the person specification criteria, and a teaching statement outlining your teaching philosophy and approach to student learning. (1 page maximum).

The panel will be shortlisting for this position on a rolling basis so please apply as soon as possible. We reserve the right to close this post before the closing date if we receive a large number of applications.

Please note this role may require a basic or enhanced DBS check. Our organisation acknowledges the duty of care to safeguard, protect and promote the welfare of our students and staff, and is committed to ensuring safeguarding practice reflects statutory responsibilities, government guidance and complies with best practice and Ofsted requirements. You must adhere to the above if you are offered a role with NU London.

Applications are welcome from all sections of the community and will be judged on merit alone. We welcome applications from underrepresented groups. Candidates must be able to demonstrate their eligibility to work in the UK in accordance with the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006.

Job sponsorship. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.