Lecturer in Environmental Design

The Institute of Creativity and Innovation (ICI) is a dual-degree institute established by the University for the Creative Arts in the UK and Xiamen University in China. Based on Xiamen University’s Zhangzhou campus, around 40 minutes from the city of Xiamen, ICI sits within a region that is both a cultural hub and an emerging centre for design and innovation in South-East China.

Our department brings together architecture, interior architecture, landscape, and urban design as distinct and interconnected disciplines. We emphasise an interdisciplinary, studio-based approach to teaching, combining analogue and digital methods within a project-led framework. Our work is grounded in creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration, with a strong focus on connecting local engagement with wider global design discourses.

We are seeking a resilient and reflective educator with a background in a relevant design discipline and a minimum of two years in a teaching-focused role in higher education. You will contribute to the BA(Hons) Environmental Design course through studio-based teaching, curriculum development, and student support, and enhance the department's research profile through either academic scholarship, professional practice or creative education. You will bring a thoughtful and well-informed approach to teaching, with a clear commitment to design as both an intellectual and practice-based endeavour.

The role requires initiative, strong organisational skills, and the ability to work within a diverse, cross-cultural academic environment. A master’s degree is essential, and priority will be given to candidates with experience of teaching in UK Higher Education, though all qualified applicants are encouraged. Active research in the field or ongoing professional practice are considered assets. A PGCert or HEA fellowship is desirable. Fluency in English is required.

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

If you would like an informal discussion about the role before applying, please contact Samuel Penn via email (samuel.penn@uca.ac.uk).

HOW TO APPLY?

Please click on the link below. You will need to upload the following documents to complete the application process:

• Your updated CV.
• A cover letter addressing your suitability for the role
• Your portfolio and/or any other supporting documents that you believe would be beneficial

We would encourage you to submit a portfolio that evidences and demonstrates your own creative work and your teaching practice. Academic publications may be desirable for evidence where it relates to spatial design, creativity or innovation, but they would not be considered sufficient without evidence of teaching and practice.

Priority will be given to applicants with experience of 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.

Interviews will be ongoing; this role will remain open until filled. 

At UCA, creativity and innovation are at the heart of what we do. Our legacy of educating eager and passionate artists, makers, and thinkers runs back almost 160 years, and today we’re helping shape a global future that supports and nourishes talent worldwide.