Interim Contextual and Theoretical Studies Leader - JB

The opportunity

Contextual and Theoretical Studies (CTS) occupy a central position across the Design School and underpin all UG courses with a framework of critical, contextual and theoretical thinking which supports an international and diverse body of students in becoming confident in the research, analysis, critique and presentation of complex theoretical ideas and contexts linked to their emerging design interests.

Responsible to the Associate Dean Design, and supported by the CTS co-ordinators and a dedicated team of specialist lecturers, the purpose of the role is for:

• Leadership and overview of the strategic vision for CTS delivery across all Design School Undergraduate courses.

• The academic leadership and management of CTS cross-course units, including the maintenance and enhancement of standards and responsibility for the design, development, and delivery of the curriculum as an core element of a cross-School Portfolio Review being implemented through 2022-23.

• The day-to-day management of CTS units as agreed with the Associate Dean and Programme Directors including all areas of learning, teaching and assessment of students as well as resources allocated.

This fixed term role offers an exciting opportunity to lead the development of the CTS curriculum as the Design School undertakes a portfolio review that will place emphasis of further embedding our key principles and shared values centred on Sustainable Design Futures and Social Justice, as suggested by the Responsible Design Framework, and the opportunities presented by recent advances in Digitally Enhanced Learning models.

About you

You will be someone who can combine Teaching and Leadership experience at Higher Education level with knowledge and critical understanding of the social, cultural, environmental, political, and economic issues that shape contemporary design practices and theoretical discourses. You will be research active with published work and be regarded as an authority in your field of specialism both with internal and external peers. You will be able to apply innovative digital approaches to leadership, teaching and learning to support excellent teaching, pedagogy, and inclusivity, and apply your own research, including pedagogic research, to develop learning and assessment practice and innovative approaches to course development and delivery. You will have an ability to build and use networks and contacts within your subject peer group to develop partnerships or collaboration and contribute to advancing professional practice/research or scholarly activity in own area of specialism.

If you have any general queries, you may contact Lesley Wilkins, Staffing Administrator, lcc.jobs@lcc.arts.ac.uk or telephone: 020 7514 7985

What we offer

We are UAL

For the fourth year running, University of the Arts London is the world’s second University for Art and Design in the QS World University Rankings® 2022.

Our diverse and talented community comprises over 5,000 academic, professional, and technical staff. Together we are committed to social purpose. This includes creating a better a more sustainable world and championing race equality.

We offer highly creative working environments that inspire staff across all areas to fulfil their potential and continuous training to further develop their skills and expertise. We also offer hybrid and flexible working practices, and excellent staff benefits to improve your work life balance.

Our culture