Economics Tutor

Job description

We are looking for an experienced and suitably qualified teacher of Economics who is keen to join King’s Foundations – a successful, friendly and thriving department located in the heart of London. 

As Economics Tutor, you will be teaching highly capable and motivated international students on the King’s International Foundation, which is a one-year, RQF Level 3 programme for those intending to progress to undergraduate degrees at the university. 

While we are a campus-based university, it is essential that you are able to demonstrate interest and experience in online and/or blended approaches to teaching as some of our pathways are delivered partially online.    

Your responsibility will be to enable our students to achieve their potential and progress to King’s as independent, critical and creative learners. In addition, you will be given opportunities to contribute to the design, development and delivery of the Economics module.  

When applying for the role, please address each essential and desirable criterion in the person specification in turn, using separate headings.  

This post will be offered on an indefinite contract   

This is a part-time post – 50% full time equivalent on an annualised basis working increased days per week (depending on fraction) during peak weeks for 39 weeks, and reduced days per week for 12 weeks of the off peak weeks of the year.

Key responsibilities

The main responsibilities of the Economics Tutor are as follows:

• To teach on the Economics module on the King’s International Foundation, both on campus and online, ensuring that both module and programme learning outcomes are met.
• To teach on other related modules on the King’s International Foundation as required – this will depend on Departmental needs and the skills set of the successful candidate.
• To administer both formative and summative assessments, working with a team of assessors to mark student work in accordance with the university’s marking framework.
• To provide input into the design and development of the Economics module.
• To commit to the development of cultural competence and be aware of the different learning styles of different groups of students, developing approaches which engage a wide range of students.
• To take on personal tutoring duties as required.
• To engage in continuing professional development and keep abreast of developments in relevant academic fields.
• To contribute to the academic life of the Department more broadly, with a focus on the development of pedagogical excellence.

The above list of responsibilities may not be exhaustive, and the post holder will be required to undertake such tasks and responsibilities as may reasonably be expected within the scope and grading of the post.

Skills, knowledge, and experience

Essential criteria

1.      Relevant teaching qualification (we will consider those who are working towards a teaching qualification).

2.      Relevant postgraduate degree (we will consider those who are working towards a postgraduate degree).

3.      Evidence of successful teaching at pre-undergraduate level, both on campus and online.

4.      Understanding of best practice in assessment and feedback on Economics courses.

5.      Evidence of high-quality materials design for Economics courses.

6.      Ability to communicate accurately, effectively and succinctly in English.

7.      Awareness of, and commitment to, inclusive practices in the classroom.

8.      Have a high level of cultural competence.

9.      Ability to manage demanding workloads.

10.    Evidence of a commitment to continuing professional development.

Desirable criteria

1.      Experience teaching on International Foundation Programmes in UK universities.

2.      Experience of having been responsible for the academic development and pastoral care of international students as personal tutor.

3.      Fellow of the Higher Education Academy.

Please note that as some of the students you teach will be under 18, and as you may be required to act as Personal Tutor to these students, an enhanced check by the Disclosure and Barring Service is a prerequisite for the role.

In addition, although King’s Foundations is based in the iconic Bush House, a Grade II listed building that formerly housed the BBC World Service, you may also be required to work on any of the King’s campuses, or from home.

King’s values the diversity of its staff and student body, and recognises that this is both a strength and a defining feature of King’s as a London university in a global context. We therefore particularly welcome applications from under-represented groups.

About King’s Centre for International Education and Languages

King’s Centre for International Education and Languages a new, cross-cutting Centre 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 international pathway provision, pre sessional programmes, pre-UG summer courses, UG summer modules, UG language modules, bespoke language programmes for the community and our partners and academic skills provision for all King’s students.

Each of these areas are well established, respected and recognised within and beyond the King’s community. The Centre is focused on enabling collaboration between the three departments to further advance our work in promoting educational excellence and supporting and enhancing the student experience. The Centre has significant expertise in International Education and makes a significant contribution to the rich and diverse make-up of the King’s student body.

About King’s Foundations

King’s Foundations is a leading centre for English for Academic Purposes (EAP) and pathway education across the HE sector, accredited by the British Council. As one of the largest providers of pathway education, we welcome over 2,500 students each year across our King’s International Foundation Programmes and our range of Pre-sessional Programmes, with programmes offered online, on campus and in a blended way. We also offer a range of short courses with partners and support all King’s students through contributing to a range of co-curricular academic skills and language development courses.

Our 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.