Lecturer in Visual Communication Design - China

We are looking for skilled creatives, designers, teachers, and researchers to join us in beautiful, sub-tropical, South-East China. The Institute of Creativity and Innovation (ICI) is a dual-degree institute founded by Xiamen University (XMU) and the University for the Creative Arts (UCA). We’re located on XMU’s Zhangzhou campus, which boasts a park-like atmosphere, with mountains on one side and Amoy Bay on the other. It’s a short commute to beautiful beaches, or the city of Xiamen, the multicultural centre of South-East China.

We are a motivated team of staff, with talented students in an amazing part of the world, and we are offering positions in teaching that develop students’ understanding of the craft and new technologies that create contemporary graphic design.

We have multiple requirements, and these will be permanent contracts. UCA offers a competitive compensation package that includes:

• 35 days of personal holiday
• Enrolment in the Teacher’s pension scheme
• Medical Insurance coverage in China for self and family
• Visa application expenses for self and family
• Flight cost
• Settling-In Allowance
• Annual repatriation (home visit) allowance
• Free accommodation in China for self and family
• School or Nursery/ Pre-school allowance
• Tax advice

We enable our students to innovate through projects that inspire and challenge. The first year focuses on building fundamental abilities in both analogue and digital media. Our creative classes in typography and visual language are supported with theoretical and contextual content, as well as developing research, analytical and critical thinking skills.

We are seeking a Lecturer in Visual Communication Design with the expertise to teach where students develop advanced conceptual and specialised skills in areas such as digital branding, editorial design, illustration, image generation and manipulation, publishing and narrative, AR, VR, UI/UX design. Candidates should ideally have demonstrable experience teaching motion graphics, as well as emerging technologies including artificial intelligence (AI), virtual reality (VR), and other immersive or interactive media.

The role requires initiative, strong organisational skills, and the ability to work effectively within a cross-cultural academic environment. A master’s degree is essential. Experience of teaching in UK Higher Education is desirable, but we welcome applications from candidates with equivalent teaching, professional or international experience. Fluency in English is required.

A PGCert in Higher Education, HEA Fellowship, or equivalent professional recognition is desirable. Where a successful candidate does not already hold this, they will be expected to complete the relevant qualification or recognition route within the first two years of appointment, with institutional support and funding provided.

By joining ICI, you will become part of the international community of designers, architects and researchers involved in visual arts, environmental studies, and new media. Our educators are involved in pioneering projects and teaching methodologies which they apply through research and mentoring practices. We are a community of ex-pats committed to promoting diversity and inclusivity within teaching and working environments.

If you would welcome an informal chat about the role before applying, or any aspect of living and working in China, please contact Ana Menezes by email (Ana.Menezes@uca.ac.uk). 

Come and join a growing community of design professionals in a location that inspires creativity – you won’t be disappointed.

HOW TO APPLY?

Please click on the link below and apply with your updated CV and a cover letter outlining your suitability for the role. You can also upload your portfolio and any supporting documents, which would be desirable. 

Priority will be given to applicants with experience working in the UK, or other countries where courses are taught in English.

Candidates must be able to meet the Chinese visa requirements. UCA will assist with obtaining a visa.

At the University for the Creative Arts (UCA), we’re committed to creating an inclusive community where every student and colleague feels respected, supported and able to belong. We celebrate the breadth of backgrounds, identities and lived experiences across our campuses and disciplines, and we recognise that creativity thrives when different perspectives are welcomed and valued. By promoting positive wellbeing and fair opportunities, we aim to remove barriers and enable everyone to flourish and reach their potential. We warmly encourage applications from people who are currently underrepresented in our workforce, and from anyone who shares our ambition to build a more equitable and inclusive UCA