Lecturer in Psychology (King's College London)

# Job description This is an exciting opportunity for a Senior Lecturer (Education) to join us to develop and lead a new BSc Psychology and Criminology at King’s College London (KCL). This new programme, due to launch in September 2025, is a joint venture between the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience (IoPPN) and the Dickson Poon School of Law (DPSoL); this post sits in the IoPPN, but the postholder will work closely with members of both Faculties. The IoPPN currently has staff based at both the Denmark Hill and Guy’s campuses. DPSoL is based at the Strand campus. It is expected that this role will ultimately may ultimately be based at another one of the KCL campuses, although some flexibility in this, especially in the early stages of developing the programme, will be needed. King’s also welcomes hybrid working, and many academic staff choose to work from home for up to three days a week when not required to be on campus for teaching or other meetings. The IoPPN is a Faculty of King's College London and the largest academic community in Europe devoted to the study and prevention of mental illness and brain disease. It produces more highly cited outputs (top 1% citations) on psychiatry and mental health than any other centre (SciVal 2021), and on this metric has risen from 16th (2014) to 4th (2021) in the world for highly cited neuroscience outputs. In the 2021 Research Excellence Framework (REF), 90% of research at the IoPPN was deemed ‘world leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’ (3\* and 4\).The IoPPN's greatest strength is the interdisciplinary nature of both its research strategy and educational activities, providing unique opportunities for students and staff. Link to IoPPN webpage: http://www.kcl.ac.uk/ioppn/index.aspx The IoPPN currently runs two very successful BSc programmes in Psychology and in Neuroscience and Psychology, both accredited by the British Psychological Society. It is hoped that this programme will build on these successes while developing and establishing collaborations with relevant colleagues in DPSoL. This post will, at least initially, sit within the Centre for Education Development and Research (CEDAR) at the IoPPN. This centre is an exciting new initiative which aims to bring together colleagues with a particular interest and focus on best practice in teaching and learning, led by the Dean of Education. However, the postholder will also have an active affiliation to one of the Departments at the IoPPN (to be determined) and will work very closely with colleagues across other Departments, including the Department of Psychology and the Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences. The Dickson Poon School of Law is one of the oldest law schools in England and recognised globally as one of the best law schools in the world. The School is ranked 15th in the world and 5th in the UK in the QS World University Rankings for Law 2023 and Complete University Guide 2024. In the 2021 Research Excellence Framework (REF) exercise, the School was rated 4th in relation to its 4\ publications and 6th for research power in the UK. The School’s teaching and research strengths include Criminal Law, Legal Philosophy, Ethics and Medical Law and is now developing its expertise in Criminology. The appointment will be made at Senior Lecturer level on the Academic Education Pathway, where the primary contribution is to education (80% of role) and secondary contribution to scholarship which is primarily education-focused (20%). On average, this would be the equivalent of four days a week spent on education. The AEP contract is focused on the delivery of education, education-related scholarship, and leadership in education. The following expectations are associated with the AEP: teaching, supervision, student support, educational leadership and innovation, education-related research and administration. Promotion is possible throughout the Academic Education Pathway, up to the level of Professor (Education). We are seeking an enthusiastic and dedicated colleague who can make a distinctive contribution to education. We are particularly interested in recruiting someone with a background in Psychology and Criminology, and/or current programme of Criminology research, pedagogical research and/or research which impacts on the student experience and creates evidence-based teaching. You should have excellent teaching and communication skills and be able to inspire and inform students. As post holder, you will provide educational leadership from the very earliest stages on our proposed new BSc Psychology and Criminology programme. This will involve planning the programme, liaising with all relevant parties and completing relevant quality assurance processes, as well as working with marketing and other colleagues to ensure successful launch of the programme, which is currently envisaged in September 2025. You will then work with other colleagues to deliver the programme, providing leadership and mentorship as appropriate to the wider teaching team, and delivering teaching yourself as part of the programme. Although some teaching on this programme will be provided by existing members of staff within the IoPPN and DPSoL, recruitment of additional staff to work on this programme will also take place as the programme develops, and the post-holder will play a critical role in building and shaping that team. You should be able to demonstrate relevant experience of curriculum development and assessment design, as well as teaching skills and an ability to supervise student research dissertations. You will also be able to demonstrate educational leadership and a commitment to excellence in student experience. The scholarship component of the role stands at 20% and is expected to be substantially, although not entirely, education focused. Research interests are likely to relate to a pedagogical area or one that impacts on the student experience and/or leads to evidence-based teaching. However continued research in another field is also possible, within the framework of the role. The content of a member of staff’s workload will be decided in discussion with the Head of Department or line manager. We particularly welcome applicants who are disabled, LGBTQ+ and/or from a minority ethnic background. We are deeply committed to embedding good equality and diversity practice into all our activities so that the university is an inclusive, welcoming and inspiring place to work and study. The IoPPN and DPSoL strive to be open and supportive communities, with a strong emphasis on working practices that promote diversity and inclusion. This post will be offered on a full-time, indefinite contract.# Key responsibilities Education - Develop and lead the BSc Psychology and Criminology in line with Faculty and University priorities, with support of the Deans of Education, School Education Lead(s) and Head of Department. - Ensure the delivery of a consistently excellent standard of educational provision and student experience - Adhere to Faculty and College guidelines and regulations, implementing new requirements as they arise, and incorporating best practice from the wider Higher Education sector, and maintaining a focus on diversity and inclusion as appropriate throughout. - Maintain academic standards on the programme, preserving and enhancing King’s reputation as a top Russell Group university - Provide leadership and management of module leaders and other academic staff contributing to the programme - Collaborate as appropriate with academic and professional services staff across both faculties, and the wider university as appropriate. Curriculum content and organisation - Lead on curriculum design and development, taking the latest developments in the field into account, working with the module leaders to oversee and direct the overall academic content of the programme. - Maintain expert, up-to-date subject knowledge relevant to the programme through research-related activities or broader learning. To work with the Education Support Team and other relevant others on all aspects related to successful teaching and assessment delivery. - Ensure that all teaching content is delivered in line with the Faculty Sensitivity Guidelines. - Engage with the Faculty CDI and central TEL teams to keep up to date and ensure best practice is followed in relation to digital resources; ensure that this is passed through to Module Leads as appropriate. Assessment and feedback - Work with the module leaders to implement a cohesive approach to assessment across the programme in line with the broader academic objectives of the programme. - Ensure an appropriate pattern of formative and summative assessments throughout the programme. - Set and monitor a high standard for the programme team regarding assessment and feedback, ensuring excellent processes regarding inclusivity and well aligned learning outcomes. Student Experience and Feedback - Work with the Education Support Team Student Experience team to promote a positive experience for students academically, pastorally and socially. - Oversee and work with a Programme Senior Tutor to ensure that all personal tutors processes are actively and appropriately followed. - Work closely with the Faculty Student Experience Manager to ensure feedback received from a range of sources (e.g. Programme Committees, module evaluation, NSS) is considered and responded to in a coordinated and consistent manner - Maintain oversight of module leaders’ responses to student feedback at end-of-module/ term evaluation, intervening as necessary to correct or advise. - Identify over-arching themes in the feedback across modules and take appropriate actions to address. - Ensure students receive timely and formal responses to their feedback Quality assurance - To work with the Education Support Team and others, as relevant, to ensure that all appropriate processes are followed and all measures are taken to ensure the consistent quality of the programme. - To work to with others to maintain accreditation for the programme with the British Psychological Society. Admissions and Marketing - To work with the Dean of Education and School Education Leads to ensure that student targets are agreed and met. - To act as Admissions Tutor or to oversee a colleague in this role. - To work with colleagues in marketing and elsewhere to promote and market the programme as appropriate. Education meetings - Chair Staff/Student Liaison Committee. - Attend BSc Programmes Committee. - Represent the Programme at Programme Leaders’ Forum and the School Education Committee - Lead on the Programme’s participation in Faculty wide initiatives and projects where relevant. Research - Engage in (primarily) education-focused research and link up with educators across the department, faculty, and King’s. - Acquire grant funding for education-focused research through project grants and other sources. - Build external collaborations, including with universities, expert centres, consortia, and organisations engaged in education research and practice which will enhance self and department’s national/international education profile. - Contribute to the dynamic and collegiate research-led education environment at the IoPPN and DPSoL. Additional responsibilities - Actively participate in creating an atmosphere of diversity and inclusion in the department, the IoPPN and King’s. - Adhere to faculty and college guidelines and regulations, implementing new requirements as they arise, and incorporating best practice from the wider Higher Education sector. - Sit on appropriate departmental and faculty committees, as required, and contribute to the academic community. - To undertake mandatory training as required by King’s. - To ensure the development, maintenance, and dissemination of the highest professional standards of practice through active participation in internal and external CPD training and relevant development programmes. - Undertake any other reasonable duties that may be requested by the Line Manager and/or Head of Department. The above list of responsibilities may not be exhaustive, and the post holder will be required to undertake such tasks and responsibilities as set out in the Programme Lead role description, which is updated regularly, and as may reasonably be expected within the scope and grading of the post. # Skills, knowledge, and experience Essential criteria 1. PhD in Psychology, Criminology or other area relevant to the BSc Psychology and Criminology programme. 2. Experience of module leadership or similar role. 3. Experience of designing and delivering excellent teaching and assessment for undergraduate students, in person and/or online. 4. Excellent personal skills as a team player and able to evidence strong collaborative leadership skills within a team. 5. Ability to supervise undergraduate research projects. 6. Highly effective oral and written communication skills with the ability to convey conceptual and complex ideas and information alongside good organisational and administrative skills. 7. Excellent IT skills and experience with virtual learning environments (e.g. Moodle). 8. Ability to conduct high quality education-focused research evidenced, for example by high-quality publications, presentation of research in national and/or international fora. 9. Evidence of high self-motivation and ability to organize, plan and prioritize workload. 10. Skills in research design including quantitative and/oe qualitative research methods relevant for field. 11. Demonstrable understanding of and commitment to working within the principles of culture, equality, diversity and inclusion. Desirable criteria 1. Higher Education accreditation/qualification (e.g. Advance HE Fellowship or PGCAPHE) 2. Experience of programme leadership or similar role. 3. Understanding of the UK Higher Education environment. 4. Background and/or current programme of education-focused research 5. Experience of providing pastoral support and guidance to undergraduate students. ## Further information Candidates are encouraged to specifically address the Essential criteria listed above in their covering letter. If you apply for this position please say you saw it on Psychoneuroxy

# Job description

This is an exciting opportunity for a Senior Lecturer (Education) to join us to develop and lead a new BSc Psychology and Criminology at King’s College London (KCL). This new programme, due to launch in September 2025, is a joint venture between the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience (IoPPN) and the Dickson Poon School of Law (DPSoL); this post sits in the IoPPN, but the postholder will work closely with members of both Faculties.

The IoPPN currently has staff based at both the Denmark Hill and Guy’s campuses. DPSoL is based at the Strand campus. It is expected that this role will ultimately may ultimately be based at another one of the KCL campuses, although some flexibility in this, especially in the early stages of developing the programme, will be needed. King’s also welcomes hybrid working, and many academic staff choose to work from home for up to three days a week when not required to be on campus for teaching or other meetings.

The IoPPN is a Faculty of King's College London and the largest academic community in Europe devoted to the study and prevention of mental illness and brain disease. It produces more highly cited outputs (top 1% citations) on psychiatry and mental health than any other centre (SciVal 2021), and on this metric has risen from 16th (2014) to 4th (2021) in the world for highly cited neuroscience outputs. In the 2021 Research Excellence Framework (REF), 90% of research at the IoPPN was deemed ‘world leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’ (3\* and 4\*).The IoPPN's greatest strength is the interdisciplinary nature of both its research strategy and educational activities, providing unique opportunities for students and staff. Link to IoPPN webpage: http://www.kcl.ac.uk/ioppn/index.aspx

The IoPPN currently runs two very successful BSc programmes in Psychology and in Neuroscience and Psychology, both accredited by the British Psychological Society. It is hoped that this programme will build on these successes while developing and establishing collaborations with relevant colleagues in DPSoL.

This post will, at least initially, sit within the Centre for Education Development and Research (CEDAR) at the IoPPN. This centre is an exciting new initiative which aims to bring together colleagues with a particular interest and focus on best practice in teaching and learning, led by the Dean of Education. However, the postholder will also have an active affiliation to one of the Departments at the IoPPN (to be determined) and will work very closely with colleagues across other Departments, including the Department of Psychology and the Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences.

The Dickson Poon School of Law is one of the oldest law schools in England and recognised globally as one of the best law schools in the world. The School is ranked 15th in the world and 5th in the UK in the QS World University Rankings for Law 2023 and Complete University Guide 2024. In the 2021 Research Excellence Framework (REF) exercise, the School was rated 4th in relation to its 4\* publications and 6th for research power in the UK. The School’s teaching and research strengths include Criminal Law, Legal Philosophy, Ethics and Medical Law and is now developing its expertise in Criminology.

The appointment will be made at Senior Lecturer level on the **Academic Education Pathway**, where the primary contribution is to education (80% of role) and secondary contribution to scholarship which is primarily education-focused (20%). On average, this would be the equivalent of four days a week spent on education. The AEP contract is focused on the delivery of education, education-related scholarship, and leadership in education. The following expectations are associated with the AEP: teaching, supervision, student support, educational leadership and innovation, education-related research and administration. Promotion is possible throughout the Academic Education Pathway, up to the level of Professor (Education).

We are seeking an enthusiastic and dedicated colleague who can make a distinctive contribution to education. We are particularly interested in recruiting someone with a background in Psychology and Criminology, and/or current programme of Criminology research, pedagogical research and/or research which impacts on the student experience and creates evidence-based teaching. You should have excellent teaching and communication skills and be able to inspire and inform students.

As post holder, you will provide educational leadership from the very earliest stages on our proposed new BSc Psychology and Criminology programme. This will involve planning the programme, liaising with all relevant parties and completing relevant quality assurance processes, as well as working with marketing and other colleagues to ensure successful launch of the programme, which is currently envisaged in September 2025. You will then work with other colleagues to deliver the programme, providing leadership and mentorship as appropriate to the wider teaching team, and delivering teaching yourself as part of the programme. Although some teaching on this programme will be provided by existing members of staff within the IoPPN and DPSoL, recruitment of additional staff to work on this programme will also take place as the programme develops, and the post-holder will play a critical role in building and shaping that team.

You should be able to demonstrate relevant experience of curriculum development and assessment design, as well as teaching skills and an ability to supervise student research dissertations. You will also be able to demonstrate educational leadership and a commitment to excellence in student experience.

The scholarship component of the role stands at 20% and is expected to be substantially, although not entirely, education focused. Research interests are likely to relate to a pedagogical area or one that impacts on the student experience and/or leads to evidence-based teaching. However continued research in another field is also possible, within the framework of the role. The content of a member of staff’s workload will be decided in discussion with the Head of Department or line manager.

We particularly welcome applicants who are disabled, LGBTQ+ and/or from a minority ethnic background. We are deeply committed to embedding good equality and diversity practice into all our activities so that the university is an inclusive, welcoming and inspiring place to work and study. The IoPPN and DPSoL strive to be open and supportive communities, with a strong emphasis on working practices that promote diversity and inclusion.

This post will be offered on a full-time, indefinite contract.# Key responsibilities

**Education**

- Develop and lead the BSc Psychology and Criminology in line with Faculty and University priorities, with support of the Deans of Education, School Education Lead(s) and Head of Department.
- Ensure the delivery of a consistently excellent standard of educational provision and student experience
- Adhere to Faculty and College guidelines and regulations, implementing new requirements as they arise, and incorporating best practice from the wider Higher Education sector, and maintaining a focus on diversity and inclusion as appropriate throughout.
- Maintain academic standards on the programme, preserving and enhancing King’s reputation as a top Russell Group university
- Provide leadership and management of module leaders and other academic staff contributing to the programme
- Collaborate as appropriate with academic and professional services staff across both faculties, and the wider university as appropriate.

**Curriculum content and organisation **

- Lead on curriculum design and development, taking the latest developments in the field into account, working with the module leaders to oversee and direct the overall academic content of the programme.
- Maintain expert, up-to-date subject knowledge relevant to the programme through research-related activities or broader learning. To work with the Education Support Team and other relevant others on all aspects related to successful teaching and assessment delivery.
- Ensure that all teaching content is delivered in line with the Faculty Sensitivity Guidelines.
- Engage with the Faculty CDI and central TEL teams to keep up to date and ensure best practice is followed in relation to digital resources; ensure that this is passed through to Module Leads as appropriate.

**Assessment and feedback**

- Work with the module leaders to implement a cohesive approach to assessment across the programme in line with the broader academic objectives of the programme.
- Ensure an appropriate pattern of formative and summative assessments throughout the programme.
- Set and monitor a high standard for the programme team regarding assessment and feedback, ensuring excellent processes regarding inclusivity and well aligned learning outcomes.

**Student Experience and Feedback **

- Work with the Education Support Team Student Experience team to promote a positive experience for students academically, pastorally and socially.
- Oversee and work with a Programme Senior Tutor to ensure that all personal tutors processes are actively and appropriately followed.
- Work closely with the Faculty Student Experience Manager to ensure feedback received from a range of sources (e.g. Programme Committees, module evaluation, NSS) is considered and responded to in a coordinated and consistent manner
- Maintain oversight of module leaders’ responses to student feedback at end-of-module/ term evaluation, intervening as necessary to correct or advise.
- Identify over-arching themes in the feedback across modules and take appropriate actions to address.
- Ensure students receive timely and formal responses to their feedback

**Quality assurance**

- To work with the Education Support Team and others, as relevant, to ensure that all appropriate processes are followed and all measures are taken to ensure the consistent quality of the programme.
- To work to with others to maintain accreditation for the programme with the British Psychological Society.

**Admissions and Marketing **

- To work with the Dean of Education and School Education Leads to ensure that student targets are agreed and met.
- To act as Admissions Tutor or to oversee a colleague in this role.
- To work with colleagues in marketing and elsewhere to promote and market the programme as appropriate.

**Education meetings**

- Chair Staff/Student Liaison Committee.
- Attend BSc Programmes Committee.
- Represent the Programme at Programme Leaders’ Forum and the School Education Committee
- Lead on the Programme’s participation in Faculty wide initiatives and projects where relevant.

**Research**

- Engage in (primarily) education-focused research and link up with educators across the department, faculty, and King’s.
- Acquire grant funding for education-focused research through project grants and other sources.
- Build external collaborations, including with universities, expert centres, consortia, and organisations engaged in education research and practice which will enhance self and department’s national/international education profile.
- Contribute to the dynamic and collegiate research-led education environment at the IoPPN and DPSoL.

**Additional responsibilities**

- Actively participate in creating an atmosphere of diversity and inclusion in the department, the IoPPN and King’s.
- Adhere to faculty and college guidelines and regulations, implementing new requirements as they arise, and incorporating best practice from the wider Higher Education sector.
- Sit on appropriate departmental and faculty committees, as required, and contribute to the academic community.
- To undertake mandatory training as required by King’s.
- To ensure the development, maintenance, and dissemination of the highest professional standards of practice through active participation in internal and external CPD training and relevant development programmes.
- Undertake any other reasonable duties that may be requested by the Line Manager and/or Head of Department.

*The above list of responsibilities may not be exhaustive, and the post holder will be required to undertake such tasks and responsibilities as set out in the Programme Lead role description, which is updated regularly, and as may reasonably be expected within the scope and grading of the post.*

# Skills, knowledge, and experience

**Essential criteria**

1.       PhD in Psychology, Criminology or other area relevant to the BSc Psychology and Criminology programme.

2.       Experience of module leadership or similar role.

3.       Experience of designing and delivering excellent teaching and assessment for undergraduate students, in person and/or online.

4.       Excellent personal skills as a team player and able to evidence strong collaborative leadership skills within a team.

5.       Ability to supervise undergraduate research projects.

6.       Highly effective oral and written communication skills with the ability to convey conceptual and complex ideas and information alongside good organisational and administrative skills.

7.       Excellent IT skills and experience with virtual learning environments (e.g. Moodle).

8.       Ability to conduct high quality education-focused research evidenced, for example by high-quality publications, presentation of research in national and/or international fora.

9.       Evidence of high self-motivation and ability to organize, plan and prioritize workload.

10.   Skills in research design including quantitative and/oe qualitative research methods relevant for field.

11.   Demonstrable understanding of and commitment to working within the principles of culture, equality, diversity and inclusion.

**Desirable criteria**

1.       Higher Education accreditation/qualification (e.g. Advance HE Fellowship or PGCAPHE)

2.       Experience of programme leadership or similar role.

3.       Understanding of the UK Higher Education environment.

4.       Background and/or current programme of education-focused research

5.       Experience of providing pastoral support and guidance to undergraduate students.

## Further information

Candidates are encouraged to specifically address the Essential criteria listed above in their covering letter.