King’s Foundations is responsible for the delivery of Academic Skills support across the university providing in person, online, and asynchronous programmes for students studying on all undergraduate and postgraduate programmes at King’s.  In addition, we are a leading centre for pathway education across the HE sector and welcome over 2,500 students each year across a range of programmes.  

 

King’s Foundations’ mission is to support a diverse group of learners to achieve their potential at King’s, supporting students to become independent and inquisitive learners. King’s Foundations is home to approximately 80 permanent staff, growing to around 150 during our busy summer months.  We champion a forward-thinking approach to education and take a digitally-enabled approach across all aspects of education. Over the last 6 years, the department has seen significant planned growth in support of King’s Vision 2029, with annual income of over £20m.

 

King’s Centre for International Education and Languages is designed to widen the educational reach of King’s. It brings together three existing areas: King’s Foundations, Summer Programmes, and King’s Language Centre. This brings together academic skills provision for all King’s students, international pathway provision, pre sessional programmes, pre-UG summer courses, UG summer modules, UG language modules, and bespoke language programmes for the community and our partners.

This is a newly created permanent role within the Academic Skills team designed to support the wider Academic Skills programme, as well as deliver provision to international students in at least 4 of King’s faculties. 

 

The Academic Skills tutor plays a pivotal role in supporting students across all levels of study at the university. Combining expertise in English for Academic Purposes (EAP) and Learning Development (LD), the tutor designs, delivers, and evaluates academic skills provision that enhances students’ learning experiences and academic success.

 

The successful candidate will have significant experience and expertise in supporting international students, as well as practical knowledge of the unique challenges faced by international students in UK higher education. This expertise will inform their teaching practice across the full range of the team’s activities, ensuring international students receive appropriate and effective provision that supports their learning journey.

 

The role involves delivering workshops, 1:1s and discipline-specific academic skills sessions within identified faculties and many of the sessions will focus on language and communication.  Where appropriate, the tutor will also develop tailored resources for taught sessions.  The role holder must be comfortable teaching small and large groups, as well as 1:1s and have a sound understanding of integrating the principles of academic literacy into, through and around the taught curriculum in UKHE. 

 

The post holder must demonstrate AI literacy and be able to integrate AI tools and responsible AI practices into their teaching where pedagogically appropriate. This includes understanding how AI technologies can support international students’ academic development and being able to teach basic AI literacy skills as part of broader academic skills provision.

 

The role is centred on teaching, and a robust teaching background is essential. The successful candidate should showcase their ability to effectively plan, design, and deliver skills-based academic literacy sessions to diverse student groups, including international students and we expect the post holder’s work to be evidence-based and informed by pedagogic principles.

 

The successful candidate will be a good communicator, engaging with stakeholders across the college to collaborate on student facing support.  They will find and capitalise on opportunities to build relationships and support collaboration where appropriate to broaden the student experience and enable success. 

 

The Academic Skills tutor will contribute to the strategic goals of King’s Foundations and the Centre for International Education and Languages.

 

This new role will be offered on an AEP (Academic Education Pathway) contract and there is a requirement to engage in scholarly activity related to the field of Teaching & Learning.  The position will be subject to a probationary period of 3 years in line with other academic roles at the College.  

 

This is a full-time post (35 hours per week) and you will be offered an indefinite contract.