The University
At Durham University we are proud of our people. A globally outstanding centre of educational excellence, a collegiate community of extraordinary people, a unique and historic setting – Durham is a university like no other. Durham is the Times and The Sunday Times University of the Year 2026.
As one of the UK's leading universities, Durham is an incredible place to define your career while enjoying a high-quality work/life balance. We are home to some of the most talented scholars and researchers from around the world who are tackling global issues and making a difference to people's lives.
We believe that inspiring our people to do outstanding things at Durham enables Durham people to do outstanding things in the world.
Our University Strategy is built on three pillars of research, education and wider student experience, but also on our keen sense of community and of inspiring others to achieve their potential. Further information about the University can be found here
The Role and Department
The Department of English Studies at Durham is one of the leading English departments in the UK, with an outstanding research culture and excellent students. It is consistently ranked in the top five English departments in a range of university guides and consistently records excellent scores in the National Student Survey. English Studies rose to 26th in the QS World Subject Rankings in 2026. It has particular clusters of expertise in the following areas: world literatures and theory; twentieth- and twenty-first century literature; eighteenth- and nineteenth-century literature; medieval and early modern literature and culture; creative writing; medical humanities; digital humanities.
The Department's undergraduate curriculum is notable for its historical and cultural breadth, combining compulsory modules in Theory, Shakespeare and an independent Dissertation, with a range of period-based modules taught by lectures and tutorials, and research-led special topic semininars. There are thriving MA programmes in English Literary Studies and in Creative Writing, and a lively community of PhD students.
Applications are invited for a Teaching Fellow in Early Modern Literature. This is a 1.0 FTE position for 12 months only.
The successful applicant will:
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Teach undergraduate tutorials in Introduction to Drama (Level 1) and seminars on John Milton (Level 2).
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Potentially contribute to Renaissance Literature and/or Shakespeare.
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Deliver lectures as required in these areas.
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Supervise Level 3 undergraduate dissertations.
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Potentially supervise MA theses.
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Contribute to lively and stimulating small group teaching, in person.
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Undertake assessment and examination of UG and MA student work, in and beyond Early Modern Literature.
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Act as an Academic Advisor to a group of UG students.
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Participate in the meetings of the Department as appropriate.
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Pursue opportunities for personal development.
The post-holder will report to the Head of Department. Career development opportunities will be offered.
Teaching Fellowships offer the opportunity of valuable experience to those early in their academic careers and the University is keen to maximise the benefit to as many people as possible. The post of Teaching Fellow will involve a significant teaching load, which may extend into the summer period, and there may be related scholarship and the opportunity for administrative duties which relate to education and pedagogy.
The post is for a fixed term only, and it is not anticipated that the post will be extended beyond this fixed term.
Successful applicants will, ideally be in post by 1 September 2026.
The University provides a working and teaching environment that is inclusive and welcoming and where everyone is treated fairly with dignity and respect. Candidates will be expected to demonstrate these key principles as part of the assessment process.
Key Responsibilities
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Teach modules in appropriate learning environments at undergraduate/postgraduate levels, demonstrating an increasing awareness of different approaches to and methods of teaching and supporting student learning;
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Demonstrate the ability to manage own teaching and designing, planning and writing teaching materials;
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Lead some aspects of modules and contribute to modules led by others by collaborating with colleagues on course development;
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Develop and deliver an inclusive curriculum and make an active contribution to an inclusive community in which diversity is embraced and celebrated;
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Seek and take on board feedback on teaching and engage with others in CPD;
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Supervise undergraduate student(s), and where appropriate act as part of a PhD supervisory team;
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Contribute to educational skill of colleagues, e.g. giving a seminar to colleagues or engaging in constructive discussion about a seminar;
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Build internal contacts and participate in networks to exchange information;
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Start to engage in scholarship (the creation, development and maintenance of the intellectual infrastructure of subjects and disciplines) e.g. develop online teaching resources;
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In addition to Board of Studies, membership of some departmental committees and professional body memberships;
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Student support, assessment of academic performance and provision of feedback, dealing with student disciplinary matters and complaints;
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Undertake effectively and efficiently any administrative role allocated by your Head of Department.
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To contribute to fostering a collegial and respectful working environment which is inclusive and welcoming and where everyone is treated fairly with dignity and respect.
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To engage in wider citizenship to support the department and wider discipline.
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To engage in continuing professional development by attending relevant training and development courses.
Teaching Fellowships offer the opportunity of valuable experience to those early in their academic careers and the University is keen to maximise the benefit to as many people as possible. The post of Teaching Fellow will involve a significant teaching load, which may extend into the summer period, and there may be related scholarship and the opportunity for administrative duties which relate to education and pedagogy.
The University provides a working and teaching environment that is inclusive and welcoming and where everyone is treated fairly with dignity and respect. Candidates will be expected to demonstrate these key principles as part of the assessment process.
Key Responsibilities
-
Teach modules in appropriate learning environments at undergraduate/postgraduate levels, demonstrating an increasing awareness of different approaches to and methods of teaching and supporting student learning;
-
Demonstrate the ability to manage own teaching and designing, planning and writing teaching materials;
-
Lead some aspects of modules and contribute to modules led by others by collaborating with colleagues on course development;
-
Develop and deliver an inclusive curriculum and make an active contribution to an inclusive community in which diversity is embraced and celebrated;
-
Seek and take on board feedback on teaching and engage with others in CPD;
-
Supervise undergraduate student(s), and where appropriate act as part of a PhD supervisory team;
-
Contribute to educational skill of colleagues, e.g. giving a seminar to colleagues or engaging in constructive discussion about a seminar;
-
Build internal contacts and participate in networks to exchange information;
-
Start to engage in scholarship (the creation, development and maintenance of the intellectual infrastructure of subjects and disciplines) e.g. develop online teaching resources;
-
In addition to Board of Studies, membership of some departmental committees and professional body memberships;
-
Student support, assessment of academic performance and provision of feedback, dealing with student disciplinary matters and complaints;
-
Undertake effectively and efficiently any administrative role allocated by your Head of Department.
-
To contribute to fostering a collegial and respectful working environment which is inclusive and welcoming and where everyone is treated fairly with dignity and respect.
-
To engage in wider citizenship to support the department and wider discipline.
-
To engage in continuing professional development by attending relevant training and development courses.
Working at Durham
A competitive salary is only one part of the many fantastic benefits you will receive if you join the University:
You’ll receive 30 days annual leave per year in addition to 8 public holidays and 4 customary days per year – a total of 42 days per year. The University closes between Christmas and New Year.
We offer a generous pension scheme, and as a new member of staff you will be automatically enrolled into the University Superannuation Scheme (USS).
No matter how you travel to work, we have you covered. We have ample parking across campus, a cycle to work scheme which helps you to buy a bike and discount with local bus and train companies. You can also take advantage of our cost-effective and environmentally friendly Tusker Car Benefit Scheme, allowing you to lease a brand-new electric or hybrid vehicle with savings on tax and National Insurance.
We have a genuine commitment to developing our colleagues professionally and personally. There is a comprehensive range of development courses, apprenticeships and access to qualifications and routes to develop your career in the University. All staff have dedicated annual time to concentrate on their personal development opportunities.
We provide wide-ranging health and wellbeing support including discounted membership for our state-of-the-art sport and gym facilities and access to a 24-7 Employee Assistance Programme.
Our on-site nursery is rated Outstanding by Ofsted, and you can access holiday camps for children aged 5-16.
Our family friendly policies, including maternity and adoption leave, are among the most generous in the higher education sector (and likely above and beyond many employers).
We offer all staff the opportunity to take part in volunteering activities to make a difference in the local community.
You can access exclusive discounts via our benefits portal including money off at supermarkets, high street retailers, IT products such as Apple, eating out and days out at various attractions.
Various salary sacrifice schemes are also available to help you take advantage of tax savings on benefits.
If you are moving to Durham, you may be eligible for help with removal costs, and we have a dedicated team who can help you with the practicalities such as house hunting and schools. If you need a visa, we cover most visa costs and offer an interest free loan scheme to pay for dependant visas.
Discover more about our total rewards and benefits package here.
Durham University is committed to equality diversity, inclusion and values
Our collective aim is to create an open and inclusive environment where everyone can reach their full potential and we believe our staff should reflect the diversity of the global community in which we work. We also live by our values and our Staff Code of Conduct. At Durham we actively work towards providing an environment where our staff and students can study, work and live in a community which is supportive and inclusive.
We welcome and encourage applications from members of groups who are under-represented in our work force including people with disabilities, women and black, Asian and minority ethnic communities. If you have taken time out of your career, and you feel it relevant, let us know about it in your application. If you are a candidate with a disability, we are committed to ensuring fair treatment throughout the recruitment process. We will make adjustments to support the interview process wherever it is reasonable to do so and, where successful, reasonable adjustments will be made to support people within their role.
Contact Information
Department contact for academic-related enquiries
Professor Peter Garratt (Head of Department), [email protected]
Contact information for technical difficulties when submitting your application
If you encounter technical difficulties when using the online application form, we prefer you send enquiries by email. Please send your name along with a brief description of the problem you’re experiencing to [email protected]
Alternatively, you may call 0191 334 6801 from the UK, or +44 191 334 6801 from outside the UK. This number operates during the hours of 09.00 and 17.00 Monday to Friday, UK time. We will normally respond within one working day (Monday to Friday, excluding UK public holidays).
University contact for general queries about the recruitment process
[email protected]
How to Apply
To progress to the assessment stage, candidates must evidence each of the essential criteria required for the role in the person specification below. It will be at the discretion of the recruiting panel as to whether they will also consider any desirable criteria, but we would urge candidates to provide evidence for all criteria.
While some criteria will be considered at the shortlisting stage, other criteria may be considered later in the assessment process, such as questions at interview.
Submitting your application
We prefer to receive applications online. We will update you about your application at various points throughout the selection process, via automated emails from our e-recruitment system. Please check your spam/junk folder periodically to make sure you have not missed any of our updates.
What to Submit
All applicants are asked to submit:
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a CV and covering letter which details your experience, skills and achievements in meeting (or the potential to meet) the criteria set out below.
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a statement as to your aspirations as a Teaching Fellow in terms of what motivates you, what you would like to achieve and what your broad approaches to teaching excellence and innovation are (maximum 2 pages).
We will notify you on the status of your application at various points throughout the selection process, via automated emails from our e-recruitment system. Please check your spam/junk folder periodically to ensure you receive all emails.
Next Steps
Short-listed candidates will be invited to the University, either virtually or in-person and will have the opportunity to meet key members of the Department. The assessment for the post will normally include an interview, likely scheduled for July 2026.
In the event that you are unable to attend in person on the date offered, it may not be possible to offer you an interview on an alternative date.
Please note that in submitting your application Durham University will be processing your data. We would ask you to consider the relevant University Privacy Statement Job Applicants/Potential Job Applicants - Durham University which provides information on the collation, storing and use of data.
When appointing to this role the University must ensure that it meets any applicable immigration requirements, including salary thresholds which are applicable to some visas.
