Departmental Lecturer, Modern Language (Mandarin) Education

About the role

The Department of Education is seeking to appoint a Departmental Lecturer in Modern Language (Mandarin) Education. The post-holder will lecture and teach graduate students on the professional programmes offered by the Department of Education, predominantly the Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) Modern Language programme, the MSc in Learning and Teaching (MLT) programme and a new Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) in Learning and Teaching in Mandarin. The PGCE, which is commonly known as the Oxford Internship Scheme, has an international reputation for both the quality of the programme and the innovative thinking that has underpinned it since its inception over 30 years ago. The MLT is a two-year part time master’s programme and, like the PGCE, places particular emphasis on the development of research-informed pedagogy, both at general and subject-specific levels. The PGDip will be aimed at existing teachers of Mandarin both in the UK and internationally. The successful applicant will contribute to the teaching, research, and academic administration of the department and engage in advanced study and academic research relevant to learning or teacher learning in secondary schools, drawing on this activity to inform all work related to the above programmes. 

The Department of Education is currently in the process of establishing a centre for the learning and teaching of Chinese, as a result of a generous donation from John Swire & Sons Ltd. Headed up by a newly endowed Chair, the aim of this initiative is to transform the study of Chinese across the UK. The centre will provide initial and continuing teacher education (including the professional programmes detailed above) which will have a national reach and will undertake associated world-leading research in collaboration with a network of schools across the country. It is expected to become fully operational by 2026.

The successful candidate will hold a relevant master’s degree as well as a good degree in the curriculum subject, or the equivalent and UK qualified teacher status. A relevant PhD/ DPhil, or being close to completing one, is desirable. They will have sufficient specialist knowledge in the discipline to develop research projects and methodologies. They will have experience of mentoring or tutoring in initial and/or continuing teacher education in the UK or similar context. They will also have a developing publication record and familiarity with the existing literature and research in the field, evidence of ability to write research proposals, and experience of qualitative/quantitative research and analytical techniques. They will have strong interpersonal skills and a track record that demonstrates the ability to work and interact effectively with people in a wide range of different roles. Ideally, they will have teaching and research experience in the Higher Education context.

For further information about this post, please contact Velda Elliott, Director of Graduate Studies: velda.elliott@education.ox.ac.uk.

The post is full-time and fixed term for 36 months and is available from 1st September 2025.

The closing date for applications is 12.00 noon on Friday 28th March 2025 and only applications received by this deadline will be considered. Interviews will be held on Monday, 28th April 2025. You will be required to upload a CV and supporting statement as part of your online application.

Advert information