Lecturer in Digital Design at Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh
Job Description
Contract Type: Teaching & Scholarship (Teaching and Research contract available to those with a relevant track record of research outputs)
Duration: Open Ended
Hours: 35 hours per week (1 FTE)
Grade/Salary: Grade 8: £44,128 – £55,755 pro rata (with possible progression to £62,728) Starting salary would be dependent on experience. Appointment as a Senior Lecturer (Grade 9) may be possible for those with significant higher education experience
As part of a planned expansion in course provision, the Division of Media, Communication and Performing Arts (MCPA) seeks to appoint an experienced Lecturer in Digital Design. The primary purpose of this role is to work collaboratively with an established team of academics to design, develop, and ultimately lead a new undergraduate degree in digital and graphic design that will have its first intake in September 2026.
QMU has a long track record of delivering industry-relevant media, communications, and film degrees. We plan to build on this by launching a new BA (Hons) Digital and Graphic Design programme. This programme is intended to address the changing landscape of visual communication by developing versatile designers well-versed in various digital design skills. Focusing on developing a breadth of knowledge and skills, which is increasingly expected from those wishing to work in this sector, the degree will integrate design theory, visual communication, graphic design, and a range of digital content creation along with existing modules from QMU’s well-established marketing, film, media, and PR courses, providing students with a practical, broad and employable skill set.
Joining an established team of media and communications academics, you would be the first Lecturer in Digital Design to join the Division. While our intention is to grow staffing in this area further, after the degree is launched, you would play the leading role in shaping this new area of provision, including advising on course content, recruitment, and informing investments in new digital design studios.
The successful candidate will combine theoretical knowledge with up-to-date practical skills in one or more areas of digital design practice. Strong industry connections and networks are essential. As the post holder will be leading the design and validation of a new degree programme, previous experience in higher education is required, particularly experience in programme design and a strong understanding of quality assurance processes.
Applicants would normally be educated to postgraduate level (or equivalent) in a relevant subject area and must have professional design experience and be able to teach students some of the practical and technical skills necessary to work in this area.
In the first year of appointment, the post holder would primarily be focused on designing the new degree programme and successfully taking it through validation. They would also be required to develop the module content for the first-year digital design modules that would be delivered in the academic year 2026/27. They may also be required to contribute towards teaching and learning activities on existing programmes in areas commensurate with their knowledge and expertise.
The Division of Media, Communication and Performing Arts offers undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in the creative and cultural industries. Staff within the Division submitted to REF 2021. If the post-holder has a track record of relevant research and wishes to be appointed on a Teaching and Research contract, then they may be able to join the Research and Knowledge Exchange Centre for Culture in Society.
Please note, this vacancy may close earlier than the stated closing date if we receive a high volume of applications.
Should you wish to apply for the vacancy please click on the ‘Apply’ tab above and complete an application online.
If you have any queries regarding the application process or require special assistance, please contact Human Resources by email at recruitment@qmu.ac.uk
This role does meet the minimum requirements set by UKVI to enable sponsorship of migrant workers. Therefore, we can progress applications from candidates who require sponsorship to work in the UK.
As a university, we are committed to the Concordat to Support the Career Development of Researchers alongside Concordat to Support Research Integrity and were, in fact, the first Scottish Higher Education Institute (and part of the first UK cohort of institutes) to publicly declare our commitment to its principles.
Queen Margaret University is committed to equality of opportunity for all by providing a supportive, flexible and inclusive working environment, and we welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds. Please have a look at our Diversity, Wellbeing and Inclusion Calendar
We are proud to hold an Athena SWAN Bronze Award which recognises the advancement of gender equality at QMU. Find out more about Athena SWAN here
We have a number of family friendly policies and are happy to consider job share applications.
We are a Disability Confident Employer, should you require any specific arrangements during the recruitment process please contact Human Resources on recruitment@qmu.ac.uk
