Senior Course Tutor in English for Academic Purposes

University of Nottingham Ningbo China

Centre for English Language Education (CELE)

The University of Nottingham Ningbo China (UNNC) was the first Sino-foreign university to open its doors in China in 2004. Our award-winning campus offers a UK-style education and has grown to establish a student body of over 10,000 in just 21 years.

Centre for English Language Education (CELE)

Since the development of the Nottingham Ningbo campus in 2004, the Centre for English Language Education (CELE) has aimed to promote high-quality English for Academic Purposes (EAP) teaching in its structure and support of academic programmes delivered in China. With over 110 academic staff, the CELE operation at UNNC is now one of the largest of its kind in the world and is currently supporting students on UNNC Preliminary Year modules, presessionals, summer schools and in-sessional language and academic skills support programmes.

We are seeking an experienced manager and curriculum specialist to join our team as a Senior Course Tutor in English for Academic Purposes. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in designing academic English curricula, a proven track record of leading collaborative and innovative educational modules, and exceptional skills in managing and inspiring a diverse team of teaching professionals. This role is pivotal in ensuring the success of our EAP programmes and supporting students in achieving their academic goals.

The Senior Course Tutor in English for Academic Purposes will typically have leadership for one or more taught modules, and as such, will be actively involved in issues around curriculum design, delivery, and assessment. The successful candidate will also directly line manage a team of up to 10 individual academic staff, and will be responsible for carrying out classroom observations of teaching, as well as conducting annual staff performance reviews. Delivery of teaching on credit-bearing EAP courses may also be required.

Your key responsibilities include:

• Taking a lead role in the expansion and management of area of specialism in English for Academic Purposes programmes of study. Taking overall leadership on key projects as required.
• Taking a module convenor role where required on CELE programmes. To co-ordinate the work of colleagues to ensure modules are delivered to the required quality standards and there is equitable access to resources and facilities.
• Liaising with the Head of Centre, the Directors of Teaching & Learning and other members of the management team in supporting the delivery and ongoing development of CELE programmes.
• Line managing a designated number of academic staff, carrying out teaching observations, and conducting their annual performance reviews. Coaching and supporting colleagues in developing their teaching techniques and leadership skills.
• Teaching up to a maximum of 9 hours per week (to agreed standards from a given syllabus) on credit-bearing and/or support EAP/ESAP or relevant Academic Content courses, as required, keeping abreast of the subject matter and modern teaching methods
• Working week to also include approx. 9 hours of teaching preparation, marking and feedback as required, and other administrative duties relating to teaching (assessment, standardisation, report writing, attendance of regular course and general meetings).

About You

Candidates should have:

• Completed MA/MSc in TESOL / ELT / Applied Linguistics (or equivalent).
• Formal Teaching Qualification (if not part of degree), e.g. CAE DELTA, LTCL DipTESOL, PGCE/PGCertEd.
• Substantial experience of management within a Higher Education and an academic English context.
• Ability to prioritise, allocate and oversee activity within a team, and to manage, support and evaluate the performance of others.
• Evidence of ongoing professional development within the field of EAP (e.g. appropriate professional memberships; attendance at conferences; publications and presentations).
• English as a first language or equivalent English language competence, with excellent oral and written presentation skills.
• Ability to analyse student needs and evaluate provision of teaching and assessment, with EAP curriculum, materials and assessment development experience.
• Expertise in curriculum, materials and assessment design, plus extensive teaching and professional experience in these areas.

The post will initially be offered on a fixed-term contract for a period of 3 years starting September 2025, though an earlier start can be negotiated for the right candidate. This contract may be extended on an indefinite basis by mutual agreement. The post is located in Ningbo and the contract is with the University of Nottingham Ningbo China.

How to Apply

Applicants are required to formally apply online via our on-line application system before 23:59 (Beijing Time) 16 May 2025 for the position. Only on-line applications made at our career site by clicking the 'Apply' button above will be accepted. Applicants need to supply cover letter addressing person specifications from the job role profile and a CV.

Interviews will take place in Ningbo where possible, or by MS Teams, and will be held in May/June 2025.

Informal enquiries may be addressed to Robert Smith, Head of CELE and Director of the Preliminary Year, at robert.smith@nottingham.edu.cn. Please note that applications sent directly to this email address will not be considered. Please quote job ref. 184114. If you are unable to apply on-line please contact the Human Resources Office - Email: Job@nottingham.edu.cn, Tel: +86 574 8818 0000 (Ext. 8006).

Closing date: 23:59 Beijing Time, Friday 16th May 2025