Teaching Fellow in Political Theory
- Durham University
- Full Time
- Durham
- £38,784 - £46,049
Job Description
The University
At Durham University we are proud of our people. A globally outstanding centre of educational excellence, a collegiate community of extraordinary people, a unique and historic setting - Durham is a university like no other. We believe that inspiring our people to do outstanding things at Durham enables Durham people to do outstanding things professionally and personally.
Across the University we have a huge variety of roles and career opportunities, which together make us a large and successful community, which is a key hub of activity within our region and nationally. We would be thrilled if you would consider joining our thriving University. Further information about the University can be found here
The Department
Since its founding in 2004, the School of Government and International Affairs (SGIA) has developed into one of the UK's leading departments in Politics and International Relations. The School combines strong core disciplinary foundations with embedded regional expertise, reflecting a long-standing commitment to integrating area studies within mainstream political science and IR scholarship. SGIA is currently ranked among the top Politics departments in the UK by the Complete University Guide and is placed within the QS World University Rankings top 100 globally for Politics and International Studies.
We offer three single honours undergraduate programmes (BA Politics, BA International Relations, and BA Politics & International Relations), alongside joint honours degrees with Philosophy and Economics, and a PPE programme. We also contribute substantially to Combined Honours in Social Sciences and Liberal Arts pathways.
At postgraduate level, we offer a diverse portfolio of taught Masters programmes, including practitioner-oriented MSc degrees. We are home to a vibrant postgraduate community of research students and taught postgraduate students. Across all levels, our teaching is explicitly research-led and supported by a highly international academic and student body, a defining strength of the School.
Demand for our programmes remains consistently high, attracting students of outstanding calibre, who progress into careers across academia, government, international organisations, the private sector and civil society. Our strategic priorities include widening participation, enhancing diversity, strengthening international partnerships, and fostering a research-led learning community that equips students to address complex global challenges.
In REF 2021, over 80% of our research was rated internationally excellent or world leading, confirming SGIA's position as a major centre of research excellence. Within the School, four core research areas structure intellectual activity: Comparative Politics, Political Theory, International Politics and Security, and International Political Economy. These are complemented by cross-cutting institutes and centres. The successful candidate will join colleagues in the Centre for Political Thought , which provides a stimulating and supportive environment for developing and refining research projects and outputs, networking with colleagues within and beyond Durham and providing pump-priming financial support for research.
The Role
Applications are invited for a Fixed Term Teaching Fellow in Political Theory
The ideal candidate will have the required expertise to supervise UG and PGT dissertations and teach modules primarily in political theory with the potential for some additions as appropriate.
Teaching Fellowships offer the opportunity of valuable experience to those early in their academic careers and the University is keen to maximise the benefit to as many people as possible. The post of Teaching Fellow will involve a significant teaching load, which may extend into the summer period, and there may be related scholarship and the opportunity for administrative duties which relate to education and pedagogy.
The post is for a fixed term only, and it is not anticipated that the post will be extended beyond this fixed term.
Successful applicants will need to be in post by 1 st September 2026.
The University provides a working and teaching environment that is inclusive and welcoming and where everyone is treated fairly with dignity and respect. Candidates will be expected to demonstrate these key principles as part of the assessment process.
Key Responsibilities
- Teach modules in appropriate learning environments at undergraduate/postgraduate levels, demonstrating an increasing awareness of different approaches to and methods of teaching and supporting student learning;
- Teach module s in political theory as well as potentially providing some teaching in adjacent fields
- Demonstrate the ability to manage own teaching and designing, planning and writing teaching materials;
- Lead some aspects of modules and contribute to modules led by others by collaborating with colleagues on course development;
- Develop and deliver an inclusive curriculum and make an active contribution to an inclusive community in which diversity is embraced and celebrated;
- Seek and take on board feedback on teaching and engage with others in CPD;
- Supervise undergraduate student(s),
- Contribute to educational skill of colleagues, e.g. giving a seminar to colleagues or engaging in constructive discussion about a seminar;
- Build internal contacts and participate in networks to exchange information;
- Start to engage in scholarship (the creation, development and maintenance of the intellectual infrastructure of subjects and disciplines) e.g. develop online teaching resources;
- In addition to Board of Studies, membership of some departmental committees and professional body memberships;
- Student support, assessment of academic performance and provision of feedback, dealing with student disciplinary matters and complaints;
- Undertake effectively and efficiently any administrative role allocated by your Head of Department.
- To contribute to fostering a collegial and respectful working environment which is inclusive and welcoming and where everyone is treated fairly with dignity and respect.
- To engage in wider citizenship to support the department and wider discipline.
- To engage in continuing professional development by attending relevant training and development courses.
Working at Durham
A competitive salary is only one part of the many fantastic benefits you will receive if you join the University:
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You'll receive 30 days annual leave per year in addition to 8 public holidays and 4 customary days per year - a total of 42 days per year. The University closes between Christmas and New Year.
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We offer a generous pension scheme, and as a new member of staff you will be automatically enrolled into the University Superannuation Scheme (USS).
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No matter how you travel to work, we have you covered. We have ample parking across campus, a cycle to work scheme which helps you to buy a bike and discount with local bus and train companies. You can also take advantage of our cost-effective and environmentally friendly Tusker Car Benefit Scheme, allowing you to lease a brand-new electric or hybrid vehicle with savings on tax and National Insurance.
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We have a genuine commitment to developing our colleagues professionally and personally. There is a comprehensive range of development courses, apprenticeships and access to qualifications and routes to develop your career in the University. All staff have dedicated annual time to concentrate on their personal development opportunities.
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We provide wide-ranging health and wellbeing support including discounted membership for our state-of-the-art sport and gym facilities and access to a 24-7 Employee Assistance Programme.
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Our on-site nursery is rated Outstanding by Ofsted, and you can access holiday camps for children aged 5-16.
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Our family friendly policies, including maternity and adoption leave, are among the most generous in the higher education sector (and likely above and beyond many employers).
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We offer all staff the opportunity ...
