Faculty of Health, Education and Social Care
Department of Education & Social Work
Ayr campus (with some requirement to teach at Lanarkshire campus)
Lecturer in Community Education x 2
Fixed Term: Until 01/10/2028
This role may be eligible at this time for visa sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa route. If requiring visa sponsorship, it is the successful candidate's responsibility to ensure they meet the individual criteria to satisfy Home Office visa sponsorship requirements. If the role is offered on a part-time basis, this might also affect eligibility. More information on eligibility can be found on the Government website.
Please note that the information provided in this advert is correct at the time of writing. The University cannot guarantee sponsorship, and we encourage you to keep up to date with any changes that the Home Office may introduce.
THE POST – REQ000611 - Lecturer in Community Education
The Department of Education & Social Work is seeking a Lecturer (fixed term) Community Education. Applicants should hold a CLD Standards Council for Scotland approved undergraduate or postgraduate degree qualification in Community Learning and Development and hold registration (or be eligible to apply) with the CLD Standards Council Scotland. Fellowship of Advance HE is highly desirable.
The successful candidate will contribute to high-quality, research-informed teaching and play a key role in curriculum design, learning and teaching, and assessment. Strong knowledge of contemporary pedagogies, co-creation, active learning, and digital education is essential.
You will be expected to produce high‑quality research outputs appropriate to your career stage and demonstrate potential to secure external research funding. The role involves interdisciplinary collaboration to enhance student experience, attainment, and graduate outcomes.
This post offers an excellent opportunity to join a vibrant academic community committed to excellence in education, research, and international engagement.
The successful candidate should have the following:
- A CLD Standards Council approved undergraduate degree in Community Education or a closely related discipline.
- Full registration with CLD Standards Council Scotland or be eligible to register at appointment.
- A Master’s degree (or be near completion).
- Evidence of experience using a range of pedagogical approaches in teaching Community Education.
- Evidence of learning, teaching and assessment experience within higher education.
- Strong knowledge and understanding of contemporary pedagogies relative to Community Education.
- Experience in module and/or programme administration.
- Evidence of designing and delivering co‑creative, active learning and assessment.
ABOUT US
University of the West of Scotland is a placemaking institution that is proud to be an integral part of its local communities, with a national and international reach: the University has four campuses in Scotland in Ayr, Dumfries, Lanarkshire and Paisley, as well as a campus in London Docklands. UWS has almost 100 international partnerships and its student community comprises more than 100 nationalities.
UWS is committed to providing education opportunities for all, empowering individuals to reach their full potential. The University creates meaningful impact locally, nationally and globally through innovative learning and teaching, pioneering research, and transformative partnerships. UWS is committed to the UNSDGs and was ranked joint 1st in Scotland and joint 4th in the UK for quality education (SDG4); and 1st in the UK and 39th globally for our contribution to decent work and economic growth (SDG8) in the Times Higher Education Sustainability Impact Ratings 2026.
90% of UWS research was classed as world-leading, internationally excellent, or recognised internationally in the REF (Research Excellence Framework) 2021.
We offer our staff a caring and supportive environment, across five campuses, and a competitive benefits package which includes:
- 35 days of annual leave, plus a further 12 days for public/university holidays
- An additional days leave on your birthday
- Defined benefit contribution pension scheme (including death in service benefits upon joining the scheme
- A flexible approach to working pattern and work-life balance
- Employee discount scheme across 3,500 retailers
- Fitness facilities across our campuses
- Access to a range of health and wellbeing resources, including occupational health, physiotherapy and access to our Employee Assistance Programme
- Professional, career and research development opportunities.
Closing Date: Sunday 27th September 2026
Interview Date: Monday 19th October 2026
Please note that the appointment will be made on the first point of the salary scale (unless by exception, where evidence would need to be provided)
The University reserves the right to shorten/extend the closing date of any position where a high/low volume of suitable applications are received. Therefore, if you are interested in this role, an early application would be encouraged.
You can find out more about how the University uses your personal data as part of the recruitment process by looking at the UWS HR Applicant Privacy Notice at www.uws.ac.uk
UWS are committed signatories to the Armed Forces Covenant. UWS is committed to equality and diversity and welcomes applications from underrepresented groups. UWS is a “Disability Confident” employer.University of the West of Scotland is a registered Scottish charity, no. SC002520.
