This is an exciting opportunity for an enthusiastic and motivated individual to be part of the launch of the LLB Hons Law degree here at Newman University, which will be offered for the first time in September 2019. Working in the Law Subject Area, within the Department of Social Science & Business, you will play a key role in the delivery of the undergraduate degree programme, supported by the Head of Law and Assistant Dean.
You will make a contribution to teaching in your area of expertise as well as delivering teaching on the core modules in the undergraduate degree programme. Applicants are expected to have experience in delivery of one or more of the following Foundations of legal knowledge subjects: contract, criminal, tort, public, EU, Land Law, Equity and Trusts, Law of Obligations. Applicants should also have module leadership experience of the relevant subject(s).
In addition, we are keen to attract applicants with expertise in the one or more of the following areas: Family Law, Human Rights, International Law, Business Law, Employment Law, Asylum and Refugee Law, Medical Law and Ethics.
Newman is an ambitious and values driven institution. Our aim is for this to be reflected in the student experience of studying law at Newman: to promote a sense of ethical concern for and commitment to social justice.
Key Duties of the Role
You will design, plan and deliver learning activity by engaging effectively in substantive teaching and learning support roles relevant to the LLB programme, select appropriate methods of assessment and feed back to learners, supervise student projects, and undertake leadership duties related to student education.
In addition, you will enhance the scholarly reputation of the Law discipline by a contribution to expertise and knowledge, supporting Departmental, Faculty and institutional initiatives and will be expected to deputise for the Head of Subject as needed.
A full list of key responsibilities and main duties can be found within the job pack (job description person specification).
Skills and Qualifications Required
You will ideally hold a doctoral level degree or be currently undertaking this, or have equivalent professional legal practice qualification, have an essential undergraduate or postgraduate degree in Law or equivalent professional qualification and Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy or the ability to gain professional recognition at this, or teaching / training experience in a further professional context.
You will have teaching experience in at least one core LLB undergraduate module relevant to the UK legal system, and experience of working independently in teaching at undergraduate and/or postgraduate levels, or demonstrable potential to engage in teaching and learning support in engaging and innovative ways.
You must also demonstrate experience of contributing to designing and planning learning activities, developing effective learning environments, including both (face to face and/or virtual) and have a clear understanding of student learning and the relevant pedagogic approaches as well support and guidance needed.
You will have a demonstrable research profile commensurate with your career-stage.
You may, on occasion, be required to work during the evening / weekends.
Successful candidates will be expected to take up their post as soon as possible.
Hours: Full time
Department: Social Science & Business
Reporting to: Head of Subject: Law
Purpose of Post: The post holder will be expected to make board contribution to the academic work of the Law Department and the delivery of the undergraduate law portfolio.
Main responsibilities:
To ensure an excellent student learning experience through:
- Planning and delivery of teaching law undergraduate and potentially post graduate courses in line with Newman University Learning Teaching and Assessment strategy, Academic Framework and quality requirements
- Lecturing/teaching/assessing at all levels and evaluating teaching and learning practice and engaging in the Subject peer observation of teaching
- Leading on/contributing to programme / module development and curriculum review
- To work cooperatively and collaboratively with other colleagues to support academic programme delivery and identity
- To deputise for the Head of Subject as required
- Producing teaching materials that motivate and inspire student learning
- Making appropriate use of technology to support learning and teaching, e.g. Newman’s Moodle VLE
- Supervising and providing student support and guidance for student learning activities such as work-based learning and placements and acting as an Academic Personal Tutor
- Creating assignment briefs, marking/assessing assignments, examinations and assessment task providing timely and constructive feedback to students, conducting all assessment activity in line with Newman quality processes.
- Responding to student feedback and taking action on this
- Providing academic support and guidance for students in role as Academic Personal Tutor
- Participating in ongoing professional development and evaluation of practice relating to learning, teaching and assessment in line with qualifications and experience, changes in subject/discipline, pedagogic development and innovation in learning technology.
- To engage with the peer observation of teaching within subject area
- To engage in Newman staff development and appraisal process
- Initiate and conduct internationally recognised research and scholarship which is eligible for inclusion in the Research Excellence Framework exercise or similar external research quality validation exercises
- Disseminate research through appropriate channels including articles in journals of international standing and internationally recognised conferences
- To ensure that individual research activities are integrated into to the student learning experience of law students where appropriate
- To contribute to the development of the law subject employability, civic engagement and extra-curricular agendas
- To lead in developing outreach and knowledge exchange activities
- To build and develop relationships with external stakeholders and the legal community to enhance the Newman law student experience and the profile of the Newman LLB programme.
- The appointee will be allocated other academic duties in line with role and commensurate with the grade, as deemed necessary by the Head of Subject or Assistant Dean.
Health & Safety:
- Under the H&SAWA 1974 the post holder must take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of any other person who may be affected by their acts or omissions. The post holder must also co-operate with the University on all matters concerning health and safety and not interfere with, or misuse, anything provided for the purpose of health, safety or welfare.
General:
- This job description summarises the main duties and accountabilities of the post and is not exclusive. The post holder is required to undertake other duties of similar level of responsibility.
- It is anticipated that this job description will change over time in accordance with the needs of the role. The role holder will be consulted on any proposed amendments.
- It is a condition of employment that staff will not disclose any information obtained in the course of their duties other than to those entitled to receive it. The postholder must ensure that the confidentiality of personal data remains secure and the terms of the Data Protection Act and relevant University policies are met in respect of information held on the University’s computerised systems.
- The University is committed to equality of opportunity. All staff are required to comply with current legislation, University policies and good practice guidance.
- All staff are required to participate in the University appraisal process and undertake in any necessary training and development, to keep up to date with the requirements of the job.
- The University acknowledges its responsibility to provide a safe, smoke free environment, to its employees, service users and visitors. The University therefore actively discourages smoking on University
Person Specification
Criteria | Essential | Form of Assessment (*amend as applicable) | Desirable | Form of Assessment (*amend as applicable) |
Educational Qualifications and Training | A First degree in law
Masters in Law or equivalent professional standing and experience
Fellowship of the HEA |
Application
| A PhD (or near to completion).
Substantial relevant professional legal practice experience
|
Application
|
Relevant work experience and/or knowledge | Experience of planning, teaching and assessing courses in Higher Education with an ability to express ideas and arguments with clarity and enthusiasm
| Application/ Interview/ Presentation
| Experience of module leadership, module design, curriculum development and the development of teaching, learning and assessment strategies.
| Application/ Interview/ Presentation
|
An ability and willingness to engage in knowledge exchange and outreach activities.
| Application/ Interview/
| Experience of engagement in out reach and knowledge exchange activities | Application/ Interview/
| |
Relevant and/or Specific skills required | An ability to teach one or more of the core Foundations of Knowledge Law Subjects: Public Law, Common Law, Remedies (Core areas), Equity and Trusts, Land Law, EU Law, with potential to contribute option modules within the law portfolio.
| Application/ Interview/ Presentation | Demonstrable experience of teaching and or module leadership at HE level in one or more of the specific subject areas | Application/ Interview/ presentation
|
An ability to support students both academically and pastorally
| Application/ interview
| |||
Personal qualities and attributes | An excellent standard of spoken and written communication and academic writing, coupled with the ability to develop these skills in students
Ability to work both individually and as a member of research/ teaching team.
An ability to support other members of the team and deputise for Head of Subject as needed. | Application/ Interview/ Presentation | An ability to communicate with staff and students from a variety of backgrounds.
| Application/ Interview/ Presentation |
Other
| An ability to undertake organisational and administrative tasks appropriate to working within Higher Education
| Application/ Interview | Understanding of the requirements of academic administration and clearly evidenced administrative skills which are transferrable to an HE setting.
| Application/ Interview |
An understanding of, and commitment to, equal opportunities
| Application/ Interview | A willingness to commit to Newman values and regulations, including equal opportunities policy | Application/ Interview | |
Commitment to developing their own research profile.
| Application/ Interview | Evidence of research outputs at a level commensurate with stage in career.
| Application/ Interview |
Newman University has engaged the services of SearchHigher to manage this recruitment. If you wish to apply for this role, please submit a CV and covering letter directly by email to Chris Boote, SearchHigher Recruitment Executive (c.boote@searchhigher.com) as soon as possible.