Associate Lecturer - Integrated Foundation Year

About the Job 

Casual hours/fixed term

Interview date: 11 February 2025 

Our Integrated Foundation Year provides the best possible preparation for degree level study at the University of Northampton. These courses offer a new and exciting route into studying for a degree, attracting ambitious and driven students who are willing to learn and advance. The Foundation Year is delivered across a range of programmes within the university, divided up into four cognate groupings of subjects.

We are particularly interested in hearing from people with a Science and Health background who can also teach generic study skills. The Foundation is designed to give students without standard entry qualifications the opportunity to successfully study on the degree pathway of their choice while gaining critical study skills. The first year of the chosen degree is the foundation year and provides suitable key skills to support progression. Years two, three and four are then studied as the standard degree programme.

We are looking to establish a pool of Associate Lecturers from a Science and Health background to prepare and deliver teaching sessions according to curriculum specifications and to undertake all the stages of assessment associated with the taught hours and to participate in quality assurance and development activities related to the taught curriculum.

This fixed term post is to work as part of a team to deliver an outstanding student experience, teaching study skills across one or more of the following areas on the foundation integrated year Law, Science, Sports, Math’s, Economics and Computing.

The Foundation is designed to give students without standard entry qualifications the opportunity to successfully study on the degree pathway of their choice whilst gaining critical study skills. The first year of study forms the foundation year followed by the standard degree programme.

This is an exciting opportunity to work with students in an interdisciplinary way. The post will involve working with staff from Professional services and home degrees to ensure that the learning experience is consistent, and students are fully supported towards success. Teaching will involve a mixture of studio and classroom teaching as well as personal academic tutorials and will be informed by HE teaching experience and a background within one of the fields specified above. 

About you 

Student focussed with a commitment to learning and teaching are key criteria for this post.

Significant experience of working with students from a diverse range of backgrounds is essential, alongside a commitment to developing students towards reaching their full potential. 

We are looking to recruit someone who has:

• Demonstrable evidence of one or more subject specialisms of Development, Education, Law, Science, Business, Math’s, Economics, Criminology and Computing
• Evidence of ability to plan, design and deliver a high quality student learning experience in a creative and innovative way
• Evidence of ability to engage and motivate learners effectively
• Willingness to get involved in wider institutional activities including ‘Changemaker’ and other initiatives which will deliver a social impact
• Ability to lead the design and implementation of initiatives to enhance the student experience
• Ability to work collegiately and flexibly as part of a team
• A shared value in terms of our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion in practice

Qualifications

Essential:

• Undergraduate degree (UG) in a subject relevant to your stated specialism (to teach/supervise at UG level)

Desirable: 

• Postgraduate degree (MA/MSc etc.) in a subject relevant to your stated specialism (to teach/supervise at PG level)
• Professional recognition as HEA Associate Fellow (D1) or teaching qualification recognised by HESA, or willingness to obtain HEA Associate Fellow (D1) within an agreed timescale  

Faculty 

Foundation has its own dedicated staff team, student focussed with a strong commitment to learning & teaching, recognised nationally and internationally. The team have presented at the Foundation Year Network Conference, UON’s learning and teaching conferences, The Ashoka U Exchange Boston and secured several funding bids evaluating and sharing pedagogic practice.  Interdisciplinary teaching, social innovation and developing students towards reaching their full potential are our guiding principles.

About Us 

At the University of Northampton, we are committed to supporting aspirations, creating opportunities, and delivering meaningful impact. Our people are at the heart of everything we do, and we foster a progressive, inclusive environment where excellence thrives for our students and staff.

Our People
Our staff are our greatest asset. We are dedicated to building an inclusive community that values diversity, promotes wellbeing, and supports personal and professional growth. By developing a first-rate People Strategy, we aim to attract and retain top talent, enhance career progression, and ensure that every colleague feels empowered to achieve their best.

Our Values

• Inclusivity: We celebrate diversity and ensure that everyone has the opportunity to excel.
• Sustainability: We are committed to becoming a net zero carbon institution, taking collective action for the benefit of society and the environment.
• Aspiration: We strive for excellence in all we do, empowering our staff, students, and partners to reach their highest potential.
• Trust: We build relationships based on respect, transparency, and shared goals.

Together, we are creating a future where our community, our work, and our impact truly make a difference.

Right to Work 

All candidates will be required to provide proof of their eligibility to work in the UK during the interview process.

Due to the requirements laid out by UK Visas and Immigration regarding Right to Work in the UK, the University can only accept applications from individuals who currently have a status allowing them to work in the UK for this position. Due to this criteria, we regret that we are unable to offer sponsorship at this time. 

Equality 

We welcome applications from individuals from underrepresented groups.

The University of Northampton is committed to providing a vibrant, ethical, and sustainable environment that values equality, diversity, and inclusion. Our commitment ensures an inclusive atmosphere for staff, students, and the public. We manage equality and diversity through key committees and formal policies, extending our responsibility to subsidiary companies and partnerships.

Together @ UON
Our Commitment to Equality and Inclusion

Together @ UON affirms our dedication to creating an environment that celebrates diversity and promotes equality. We aim to foster a space where all can thrive, aligning with our mission to transform lives and inspire change.

Commitments Include:

1. Creating an Inclusive Environment: Adopting a zero-tolerance approach to discrimination and ensuring all activities are inclusive.
2. Supporting Students and Staff: Strengthening mental health support, enhancing disability confidence, and ensuring academic and professional support.
3. Tackling Inequalities: Involving students in recruitment, integrating forums for equality data analysis, and supporting networks for protected characteristics.

UON’s Major Commitments:

• Disability Confident
• Standalone Pledge
• IHRA Working Definition

For more details, visit: Equality and Diversity at UON