Tutor (Research) Contemporary Art Practice (0.4FTE, Fixed-term)

Grade 9 | 0.4 FTE | Fixed-Term until 31 August 2028

The Royal College of Art (RCA) is seeking an exceptional practitioner and researcher in Contemporary Art to join the School of Arts & Humanities as a Tutor (Research) within the globally acclaimed Contemporary Art Practice (CAP) programme. This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to one of the world’s leading postgraduate fine art courses, shaping the next generation of innovative artists & researchers.

About the School

The School of Arts & Humanities provides transformative learning experiences through intellectually and conceptually connected postgraduate degrees from Master’s level to PhD. Our teaching and research integrate traditional and contemporary studio-based making with humanities, fine, and applied arts, fostering peer-to-peer learning and collaboration across the School, College, and with leading cultural organisations in London. We cultivate creative exploration alongside critical & speculative thinking, encouraging students to consider how art and culture can be powerful agents of change in society.

About Contemporary Art Practice

The CAP programme is a pioneering postgraduate course that combines theory and practice across three research pathways: Critical Practice, Moving Image, and Public Sphere. Students explore diverse media, including images, installations, film, performance, publications, sound works, 3D modelling, VR, writing, and techno-aesthetics. CAP graduates critically engage with contemporary social, political, and environmental issues, expanding traditional artistic roles into areas such as activism, publishing, education, urban research, and community practice.

Role Purpose

The successful candidate will contribute to teaching, research, and programme development within CAP and the wider School. You will bring your own research into the learning environment, delivering lectures, workshops, seminars, and crits, while supporting students’ artistic development through tutorials, assessment, and pastoral guidance. You will collaborate with colleagues in organising exhibitions and events, contribute to curriculum innovation, and undertake administrative responsibilities associated with teaching.

You will be expected to maintain a strong research profile, producing outputs of at least 3* REF quality, pursuing funding opportunities, and participating in collaborative projects that strengthen the School’s research environment. The role also involves promoting the College, supporting student recruitment, and engaging with industry and cultural networks.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver high-quality teaching & tutorial support, providing constructive feedback & assessment.
• Lead or contribute to cross-college and cross-disciplinary teaching & research activities.
• Develop and maintain an individual research programme aligned with the College’s strategic objectives.
• Participate in student recruitment, exhibitions, field trips, & College committees.
• Contribute to knowledge transfer, funding applications, & industry engagement.

Person Specification

Essential:

• First degree in a relevant field; commitment to high-quality teaching & inclusive learning.
• Experience supervising at Master’s or doctoral level.
• Ability to produce or potential to produce research outputs of at least 3* REF quality.
• Evidence of course design, teaching, and assessment at postgraduate level.

Desirable:

• Doctorate or equivalent professional/artistic achievement.
• Research supervision training or willingness to complete within 2 years.

This is an exciting opportunity to join a vibrant, globally recognised programme at the heart of contemporary art education, where research-led teaching and critical practice intersect to shape influential artistic careers.

RCA Benefits available here: https://www.rca.ac.uk/more/work-at-the-rca/staff-benefits/

We recognise the broad range of experiences that a diverse staff and student body brings & how this  trengthens our research and enhances our teaching.

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