Subject Leader Graphics, Illustration and Game Arts
Salary: Band 8 - starting salary £41,064 with annual, incremental progression up to £43,482
Hours: 37 hours / 5 days per week
Contract Type: Permanent
Closing date: 29/07/2026
Arts University Plymouth is seeking to appoint a Subject Leader for the ED Graphics, Illustration and Game Arts course to its Pre-Degree team.
Pre-Degree in Arts University Plymouth is a dynamic, creative and holistic Further Education learning environment. An independent university with a dedicated Pre-Degree campus for 16 to 19-year-olds, Arts University Plymouth is a significant provider for the arts in the South West of the UK. The University consistently exceeds national benchmarks for vocational education & English and Maths GCSEs.
In this role you will lead, and work closely with, a teaching team to ensure high quality delivery in the Graphics, Illustration and Game Arts subject area, currently operating a 2-year UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma in Creative Practice: Art, Design and Communication. You will have line management responsibility for its teaching staff, and for ensuring that the safeguarding and wellbeing needs of its staff and students are met. The expected achievement of KPI targets including recruitment, attendance, retention, attainment and progression will be set annually.
This role will require a dynamic individual who is excited by creative education and can demonstrate kindness, inclusive practices and experience of supporting learners with a wide range of needs and abilities.
About You: Successful applicants will have;
a full teaching qualification and a degree in a creative subject
a wealth of demonstrable experience of excellent teaching in an FE context, developing and delivering creative curricula for diverse learners
strong abilities in people and time management with a highly organised and efficient approach, proficient in clear communication
motivation to support the development of young people in a creative setting and passionate about the value of the arts
experience as a creative professional and a deep understanding of contemporary developments in the creative industries
About The Role:
Lead and support the Pre-Degree lecturing team, fostering high-quality teaching and staff development.
Develop and deliver an outstanding arts curriculum that promotes deep learning and student progression.
Oversee quality assurance processes and drive continuous improvement against key performance indicators.
Contribute to student experience, wellbeing, recruitment, and progression as part of the Pre-Degree leadership team.
Take responsibility for students' academic and pastoral support within the subject area.
In return youll receive:
Holiday: 35 (FTE 1.0) days annual leave per annum plus bank holidays, and discretionary efficiency closure days
Pension: Enrolment onto a generous Teachers Pension scheme (subject to scheme eligibility) with Additional Voluntary Contributions (AVCs)
Enhanced family leave: including enhanced maternity, adoption and paternity pay and paid carers leave
Wellbeing resources:
Access to the UKs Leading Employee Assistance Programme including
Dedicated Quiet Spaces for reflection, prayer, or quiet contemplation
Flexible Working
Discounts: Additional benefits such as
For more information, including essential criteria please access the role profile using this link https://shorturl.at/yL0Qq. To find out more about our award-winning independent arts university, what makes us special and why Plymouth provides a spectacular backdrop for our creative community; check out our working here pages www.aup.ac.uk/working-here.
Interviews are expected to take place on the 21st August 2026.
How to Apply
To apply, please complete the online application form. Please note that we are unable to accept CVs in place of a completed application.
We encourage early applications, as the advert may close prior to the listed closing date due to high levels of interest. Please apply early to avoid disappointment.
If you are interested in the role and would like to find out more, please feel free to contact- Johnny Smeaton, Head of Pre Degree on
[email protected].
The successful candidate will be professionally active in their field and willing to contribute to our research ambitions and international profile as an innovative, sustainable and inclusive arts university.
Safeguarding and Compliance
Arts University Plymouth has a strong commitment to the safeguarding & welfare of young people & vulnerable adults. All appointments are subject to a satisfactory DBS check, and you will be required to provide appropriate documentation as part of the onboarding process.
Right to Work
Applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK. We are currently unable to offer visa sponsorship. Proof of Right to Work will be required before an offer of employment is made.
Inclusivity
We celebrate equality, diversity and difference, and welcome candidates from all communities, including applications from service people and their families as part of our commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant.
Redeployees
In the event that the University has employees eligible for redeployment at the time of shortlisting, for example due to the end of a fixed term contract, these candidates may be entitled to a priority interview.
