Professors, Senior Lecturers & Lecturers in Sports Studies

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Professors, Senior Lecturers & Lecturers in Sports Studies

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Full-time, Fixed-term

THE POST

Stirling College, Chengdu University is looking for Professors, Senior Lecturers and Lecturers in Sports Studies to deliver modules on its BA (Hons) Sports Studies programme, with the possibility of contributing to postgraduate teaching within the MSc Sport Management programme where appropriate.

The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in contextualising University of Stirling modules for delivery in China, selecting and developing appropriate learning materials and activities that reflect the contemporary sports environment in China and incorporating these into the programme, and in some instances developing material for completely new modules.

The BA (Hons) Sports Studies award covers a range of areas in which students will develop a multi-disciplinary social science-oriented understanding of sports, including:

• The Sociology of Sport
• Management and Marketing of Sports
• Sports History & Development
• Psychology of Sport and Exercise
• Physical Activity and Health
• Sports Policy and Governance
• Coaching Sport
• Sports and the Media
• Research Methods in Sports Studies

In addition to undergraduate teaching, staff may also have the opportunity to contribute to the delivery of postgraduate modules on the MSc Sport Management programme. Postgraduate teaching may include areas such as sport management, sport policy and governance, sport analytics, sport marketing, sport development, and applied research methods.

THE JOINT INSTITUTE

We are a Transnational Education (TNE) partnership between the University of Stirling and Chengdu University founded in 2021, following approval by the Chinese Ministry of Education. With a supportive and collegial culture and continuous professional development (CPD) opportunities for our staff, we apply the rigorous academic standards of the University of Stirling’s, and the quality of student experience is at the heart of everything we do.

Stirling College is a thriving TNE institution, offering three undergraduate programmes, namely, BSc (Hons) Data Science, BA (Hons) Digital Media, and BA (Hons) Sports Studies, as well as postgraduate programmes including the MSc Big Data and MSc in Sport Management. We have over 1,100 students enrolled on these programmes and a diverse team of 70 staff members from 20 different countries, most of whom hold a PhD.

For non-Chinese nationals, we offer an attractive renumeration package, including free accommodation and flight allowance, in addition to salary paid on a monthly basis. Also, low tax rates and living cost allow them to build up significant savings compared to many countries outside China. We also offer Chinese language and culture classes to help new staff integrate into local social and cultural environment, enriching their life on and off campus.

Our commitment to staff support is evident, as seen in our recent onboarding experience survey where new staff reported being either satisfied or highly satisfied with the support they received when settling into their new roles with us.

We actively promote an environment of inclusivity and equality, where everyone’s contributions are valued. Our institution prides itself on supporting the professional and personal growth of itsstaff. Regular CPD sessions, peer observations, and individually tailored career plans are just a few of the ways we ensure our staff continue to grow with their roles.

We also offer clear pathways for promotion and encourage long-term career development within the organisation, making Stirling College a place where you can build and advance your career over the years.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

• Deliver up to twenty hours teaching per week (Monday to Friday) and be available in the staff office for at least six class periods per week for student consultation.
• Contribute to module delivery and dissertation supervision on the MSc Sport Management programme where appropriate.
• Prepare and deliver engaging, student-centered classes, including compiling relevant teaching materials.
• Develop, invigilate, mark, and second-mark assessments within agreed deadlines.
• Supervise undergraduate final-year projects and, where required, supervise postgraduate dissertations within the MSc Sport Management programme.
• Participate in CPD activities, including completing a staff development plan, attending training, and engaging in peer observations.
• Take part in regular staff appraisal meetings and contribute to programme marketing when requested.
• Attend team meetings and undertake administrative responsibilities as outlined in the staff handbook.
• Ensure all duties are performed to the highest standard and within agreed timelines.

Please note that the appointed staff need to be adaptable and actively participate in college activities, recognising the constantly-evolving nature of international higher education. Additional responsibilities may be assigned as and when needed. This job description is subject to periodic review and may be updated in consultation with the line manager to reflect the institution’s needs.

ESSENTIAL CRITERIA

A successful candidate will typically have the following characteristics:

• For Professors and Senior Lecturer Positions – Candidates should have Ph.D. degree in a relevant subject area
• For Lecturer Positions – at least a master’s degree in a relevant subject area. Prefer recent PhD graduate or those in the process of completing a Ph.D.
• At least 2 years of Higher Education teaching experience in a relevant field.
• Track record of planning and delivering engaging, student-centered sessions in English.
• Experience of formulating assessment tasks in line with learning outcomes.
• Ability to contextualise learning for a Chinese context.
• Non-native English-speaking candidates should be able to evidence possession of IELTS 7.5 or equivalent.

DESIRABLE CRITERIA

• Experience of postgraduate teaching or supervising in sports studies, sport management, sport policy, or related areas is desirable.
• Experience in programme development, peer support and mentoring.
• Relevant industry experience
• Experience of teaching in a UK/International Higher Education Institution.
• Certificated teaching qualification, such as a PGCE, CELTA, or equivalent.
• Female candidates are encouraged to apply.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Salary & Benefits:

The position is a full-time teaching post based in Chengdu with a teaching load of up to twenty class hours per week, a competitive salary, an annual flight allowance and an apartment or apartment allowance for non-Chinese nationals.

We offer all full-time staff the opportunity to study for a full MA in Education (subject to line manager approval and overall teaching performance). All staff hold an individually negotiated development plan, regular peer observations are conducted throughout the semesters, and various CPD sessions are organised in-house or with external speakers throughout the year.

About the City:

Chengdu is considered one of the most cities to live in China, home to the Giant Pandas and renowned for its delicious and varied cuisines, vibrant nightlife, and a wealth of cultural heritage, and is served by an extensive, clean and efficient metro system. The university is situated in a large and modern campus adjacent to a sizeable park on the outskirts of the city about 20 minutes from the city centre by metro. See more information about Chengdu at: https://www.gochengdu.cn/en

How to Apply:

To apply, please send your CV to d.l.rosenke@stir.ac.uk; felicia.xu@stir.ac.uk

Candidates are encouraged to submit applications at their earliest convenience. Due to the large number of applications, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

We prefer to appoint staff who intend to stay for several years.

The partnership is an equal opportunities employer, but successful candidates must meet the requirements for a Chinese work permit.

Number of Vacancies: 2–3