Proud to be Sunderland
The University of Sunderland offers life‑changing opportunities for more than 27,500 students across our campuses in Sunderland, London and Hong Kong, as well as through global partnerships in 19 countries.
We’re an inclusive, ambitious and forward‑looking University in a vibrant city that’s constantly evolving. We’re also entering an exciting new phase with a refreshed vision and strategic ambitions shaped around the changing higher education landscape.
As we move through 2026, we’re celebrating being recognised as:
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A top 30 UK university (Guardian University Guide 2026)
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1st in the North‑East for student support services (Daily Mail University Guide 2026)
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1st in the North‑East for teaching quality (The Times & Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026)
Your next opportunity
Pre-registration programmes in the Allied Health Professions are a growing subject area in the Faculty of Health Sciences and Wellbeing at the University. A multi-million new investment in state-of-the-art facilities and equipment alongside high-quality teaching and the success of our other healthcare programmes positions the faculty well and we are now successfully delivering two pre-registration programmes in Occupational Therapy.
The faculty is seeking an ambitious, enthusiastic and student-centred occupational therapist, with substantial teaching and learning experience, who will deliver an outstanding academic student experience for our undergraduate pre-registration BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy programmes and any future provision.
The successful candidate will be expected to contribute to delivery of teaching at an undergraduate and post graduate level in occupational therapy and to other undergraduate and postgraduate health care programmes across the faculty. You will be expected to teach on and off campus as well as on-line.
The University offers academic and professional development opportunities and provides a Post Graduate Certificate Teaching Qualification leading to HEA accreditation for those not holding a teaching qualification.
Is this you?
As a Senior Lecturer in Occupational Therapy, you will demonstrate expertise in your profession and be able to demonstrate your commitment to educating student Occupational Therapists. If you have a practice background in mental health this would be desirable. As well as your practice expertise you will be able to demonstrate leadership alongside excellent organisational, inter-personal, and communication skills.
You will possess an excellent understanding of occupational therapy, research and evidence-informed, sustainable practice. You should demonstrate a clear vision for research and knowledge-exchange activities, as well as a commitment towards employability and continued professional development. The ability to provide research leadership and engagement with relevant internal and external agencies, at regional, national and international level, that enhance the research profile of the department, will also be welcomed.
Applications for this challenging and exciting role are welcome from those who are an HCPC registered Occupational Therapist.
Why join us?
At the University of Sunderland, we’re more than a place of learning, we’re a welcoming community that values inclusivity, collaboration, and well-being. We don’t just offer jobs, we offer careers that come with support, flexibility, and plenty of perks:
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Up to 49 days’ holiday - that’s 36 days’ annual leave, 5 festive closure days and 8 Bank Holidays!
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Award-winning staff networks that celebrate who you are.
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Lifestyle benefits, with savings on shopping, tech, bikes, and even cars.
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Health and well-being support, from private medical cover to gym discounts.
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Learning and development that helps you achieve your goals.
Ready to Apply?
Before getting started, please download the Role Profile under ‘Job Description’ so you have everything you need.
Our application questions assess you directly against the essential and desirable criteria for the role. We do not review CVs at this stage, so please provide detailed, evidence-based answers to help us understand your suitability.
Closing date: Thursday 30th July (23:59 GMT)
If you have questions about the role, please contact: Chris Mckenna ([email protected]), Brett Lambert ([email protected]) or Cath Turner ([email protected])
