Job Description

Position Details

School of English, Drama and Creative Studies


Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK


Full time starting salary is normally in the range 36,130 to 45,413 with potential progression once in post to 48,149


Grade: 7


Full Time, Fixed Term contract up to August 2028


Closing date: 22nd June 2025

Background

The Department

The Department of English Literature is part of the School of English, Drama and Creative Studies within the College of Arts and Law. The Department has an excellent track record in teaching and an active research culture that emphasises excellent publications, productive collaboration within and beyond the University, and wide-ranging public engagement. Staff in the department research, publish and teach across the full chronological range of English Literature from Old English to the present day and are committed to a rich diversity of theoretical, historical and intellectual approaches to their subjects. Further information can be found here .

The School

The School of English, Drama and Creative Studies is a vibrant and thriving school situated within the College of Arts and Law. It hosts a community of academics and students researching and learning together in areas including Linguistics, Media and Communication, Film Studies, English Literature, Creative Writing and Drama and Theatre Arts. Many of our undergraduate and postgraduate programmes combine academic scholarship with creative practice and offer students opportunities to learn from industry experts and partners in the Creative Industries. One of the School's strengths includes the study of Shakespeare both on the Edgbaston Campus and at the Shakespeare Institute in Stratford-upon-Avon. EDACS encourages inter-disciplinarity and intellectual collaboration both in teaching and research.

Equal Opportunities and Further Information

The University of Birmingham is an equal opportunities employer. The School of English, Drama and Creative Studies recognises that strength and success comes from diversity and strives to maintain a flexible and supportive environment that enables all staff and students to flourish. The School holds a Silver Athena SWAN award.


Shortlisted candidates will be required to attend for interview and deliver a presentation. Further information will be given to shortlisted candidates.


We recognise that sometimes people can be put off applying for a job unless they think they match every requirement. Don't let that hold you back. If you are excited about the role and think you can do what we have described but aren't sure if you are quite who we're looking for .... give it a try or email Professor Rebecca Mitchell, Head of the Department, with questions (Email: R.N.Mitchell@bham.ac.uk ).


There will be an on-line drop-in session with Professor Rebecca Mitchell from the Department of English Literature on Tuesday 10th June 2025 between 14:00 and 15:00 for people who might wish to ask a question in person rather than via email. If you would like to book a short slot during that time, please email Professor Rebecca Mitchell.

Role Summary

As a full-time Teaching Fellow in the Department of English Literature, the post holder will be expected to undertake up to 14 hours of timetabled teaching per week at undergraduate and postgraduate level. The post holder will also undertake personal tutoring and supervise undergraduate and postgraduate taught dissertations. The post will include organisation, management and leadership duties. The successful candidate will have considerable relevant teaching and assessment experience in the fields of Medieval English Literature and be committed to providing an excellent student learning experience.


Teaching may include modules such as Earliest English; Meeting Medieval Manuscripts; Figure of the Witch: Witch Writings c 1400 - 1700; Investigate & Interpret: The Decameron; Digital Heritage & the Medieval Past, among others.


The post is fixed-term, for one year from 1st September 2025 until 31st August 2026 due to a period of funded leave.

Main Duties

Teach modules at a range of levels within specified subject area and within own area of subject specialism to undergraduate and postgraduate students, predominantly through allocated lectures and seminars, so that the School's teaching objectives are met. Shortlisted candidates will receive module descriptions in advance of their interview. Contribute to the design of modules with other colleagues. Plan and prepare own teaching, including guidance notes and handouts in accordance with the established objectives of the teaching programme. Devise and supervise projects, student dissertations and practical work. Develop an approach to planning and reviewing own teaching. Undertake full range of responsibilities in relation to supervision, marking and examining. Frequently update own subject expertise. Undertake personal professional development in teaching, including self-reflection on own teaching, using student and peer review feedback, to enhance own teaching and learning processes. Undertake management/administration arising from teaching. Contribute to Departmental/School teaching-related activities and teaching-related administration. Promote equality and values diversity, acting as a role model and fostering an inclusive working culture.

Person Specification

A PhD (or near to completion) in English Literature or related field. Experience of teaching students and co-ordinating modules in Medieval English Literature. Experience of marking and co-ordinating the assessment of student work in English Literature. High level analytical capability. Ability to design and deliver module materials successfully. Ability to assess and organise resources effectively. Understanding of and ability to contribute to broader management/administration processes. Knowledge of the protected characteristics of the Equality Act 2010, and how to actively ensure in day-to-day activity that those with protected characteristics are treated equally and fairly.

Informal enquiries to Professor Rebecca Mitchell, Head of the Department, email: R.N.Mitchell@bham.ac.uk


View our staff values and behaviours here

We believe there is no such thing as a 'typical' member of University of Birmingham staff and that diversity in its many forms is a strength that underpins the exchange of ideas, innovation and debate at the heart of University life. We are committed to proactively addressing the barriers experienced by some groups in our community and are proud to hold Athena SWAN, Race Equality Charter and Disability Confident accreditations. We have an Equality Diversity and Inclusion Centre that focuses on continuously improving the University as a fair and inclusive place to work where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. We are also committed to sustainability, which is a key part of our strategy. You can find out more about our work to create a fairer university for everyone

on our website

.