The Institute of Creativity and Innovation (ICI) is a dual-degree institute established by the University for the Creative Arts (UCA) in the UK and Xiamen University in China. Based on Xiamen University’s Zhangzhou campus, around 40 minutes from the city of Xiamen, ICI sits within a region that is both a cultural hub and an emerging centre for design and innovation in South-East China.
Our department brings together architecture, interior architecture, landscape and urban design as distinct yet interconnected disciplines. We emphasise an interdisciplinary, studio-based approach, combining analogue and digital methods within a project-led framework. Our work is grounded in creativity, critical thinking and collaboration, with a strong focus on linking local engagement to wider global design discourses.
We are seeking colleagues to teach on the BA (Hons) Environmental Design course who have:
- experience of delivering design-based studios in a subject-related area at Bachelor and/or Masters level, and
- a minimum of two years’ full-time, teaching-focused experience in higher education.
The role will suit early-career academics who have already built at least two years of solid studio teaching experience, as well as more experienced educators looking to develop their practice in a dynamic, cross-cultural context.
You will contribute to studio-based teaching, curriculum development and student support, and you will enhance the department’s profile through academic scholarship, professional practice and/or creative education. You will bring a thoughtful and well-informed approach to teaching, with a clear commitment to design as both an intellectual and practice-based endeavour.
The role requires initiative, strong organisational skills and the ability to work effectively within a diverse, cross-cultural academic environment. Priority will be given to candidates with experience of teaching in UK higher education or in other English-medium universities. Active research in the field or ongoing professional practice are considered strong assets. A PGCert in HE or Advance HE fellowship is desirable. Fluency in English is essential.
UCA offers a competitive compensation package that includes:
• 35 days of personal holiday
• Enrolment in the Teacher’s pension scheme
• Medical Insurance coverage in China for self and family
• Visa application expenses for self and family
• Flight cost
• Settling-In Allowance
• Annual repatriation (home visit) allowance
• Free accommodation in China for self and family
• School or Nursery/ Pre-school allowance
• Tax advice
If you would like an informal discussion about the role before applying, please contact Samuel Penn via email (samuel.penn@uca.ac.uk).
HOW TO APPLY?
Please click the "Apply Online" button below. You will need to upload the following documents to complete the application process:
- Your updated CV.
- A cover letter addressing your suitability for the role (Please view the attached role profile/job description for reference)
- Your portfolio and/or any other supporting documents that you believe would be beneficial (Optional)
We would encourage you to submit a portfolio that evidences and demonstrates your own creative work and your teaching practice. Academic publications may be desirable for evidence where it relates to spatial design, creativity or innovation, but they would not be considered sufficient without evidence of teaching and practice.
Priority will be given to applicants with experience of working in the UK, or other countries where courses are taught in English.
Candidates must be able to meet the Chinese visa requirements. UCA will assist with obtaining a visa.
Interviews will be ongoing; this role will remain open until filled.
At UCA, creativity and innovation are at the heart of what we do. Our legacy of educating eager and passionate artists, makers, and thinkers runs back almost 160 years, and today we’re helping shape a global future that supports and nourishes talent worldwide.