Head of Learning and Teaching – University of Cumbria (based in Lancaster)

Malvern International; Lancaster; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job description

Head of Learning and Teaching – University of Cumbria (based in Lancaster)

Malvern’s core purpose is to provide, with our partners, students from around the world with the opportunities to reach their full potential via access to transformational learning, teaching and support and our mission is to provide international students essential academic and English language skills, cultural experiences and the support they need to thrive in their academic studies, daily life and career development.

Our company values are COMMITMENT to, and UNDERSTANDING of, our students, colleagues and partners, FLEXIBILITY, ACCOUNTABILITY AND INTEGRITY in our approach, EXCELLENCE in every aspect of our operations.

We are now seeking a Head of Teaching and Learning for our International Student Centre at University of Cumbria to be responsible for leading the strategic and operational oversight of teaching and learning at the International Study Centre. As a member of the Senior Centre Leadership Team, alongside the Centre Director and Head of Student Services, this role is central to shaping the student experience by fostering a positive and supportive multicultural learning environment that integrates the best of in-class and online education.

Department:International Study Centre - UoC

Location/Branch:UoC – Lancaster Campus

Length of contract:Permanent

Position reports to:Centre Director – UoC

Salary: Up to £48,000 pa

Main duties

Leadership and Strategy

• Lead the design and implementation of innovative teaching and learning strategies in alignment with the Universities and Malvern’s policies and international education standards.
• Develop and maintain a high-quality teaching and learning culture to achieve student engagement and learning effectiveness.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory guidelines and other relevant quality standards, contributing to the Centre’s annual quality review.

Teaching and Learning Management

• Oversee the planning and delivery of programmes, ensuring alignment with programme learning outcomes
• Drive the use of blended learning approaches and emerging technologies, ensuring the integration of innovative pedagogical methods.
• Promote diversity, inclusivity, and respect within the learner-teacher relationship.

Quality Assurance and Monitoring

• Monitor and evaluate teaching methodologies, assessment methods, and learning analytics to improve student outcomes.
• Collaborate with the Programme Board to review programme delivery, identify CPD needs for staff, and recommend enhancements.
• Analyse data related to student engagement, retention, progression, and performance to inform decision-making.

Support and Development

• Provide guidance and support for academic staff in employing effective teaching methods.
• Encourage staff professional development in blended learning, teaching strategies, and assessment.
• Foster autonomy among students while ensuring appropriate support mechanisms are in place.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Act as a key liaison between the International Study Centre and the partnership university to ensure alignment of teaching and learning practices via the Joint Academic Board.
• Build and maintain effective relationships with relevant academic stakeholders, including external quality assurance bodies and higher education partners.
• Facilitate joint initiatives with the partnership university to enhance academic quality and the student experience.

Collaboration and Communication

• Work closely with the Centre Director and Head of Student Services to enhance the overall student experience.
• Play a crucial role in the wider Teaching and Learning committee at Malvern across it’s pathway centres.
• Act as the primary point of contact for teaching-related matters and liaise with internal and external stakeholders, including recruitment agents and higher education partners.
• Maintain open communication with students to address their feedback and support their academic development.

Person Specification

Essential Skills & Qualifications:

• Master’s degree or higher in Education, Pedagogy, or a related field.
• Proven leadership experience in teaching and learning within a multicultural or international education setting.
• Strong understanding of blended learning models and digital tools for teaching.
• Knowledge of quality assurance frameworks, particularly QQA guidelines.
• Demonstrated ability to lead teams, manage projects, and drive educational improvements.

Personal attributes

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Strategic thinking with the ability to translate vision into actionable plans.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in education.
• Analytical mindset to interpret data and implement evidence-based improvements.

This job specification is not exhaustive and may involve the fulfilment of other duties as deemed required by the organisation.

This role is subject to a satisfactory enhanced DBS.