Lecturer in Education (Primary) 0.6 permanent post

Advert Reference Number: 1793 | Department: Education | Location: Milton Keynes

About The Role

The School of Education, Childhood, Youth and Sport is recruiting a lecturer to join the vibrant BA (Hons) Education Studies (Primary) programme team. Colleagues contribute to global OU projects, postgraduate research supervision, the OU Mathematics Education hub, and other programmes including the Postgraduate Certificate in Education in Wales and Childhood and Youth and Early Childhood undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications.

This role offers the opportunity to:

• Develop and deliver modules and resources in the Education Studies (Primary) programme area.
• Contribute to the Faculty’s research and scholarship agenda.
• Engage in academic development and organisation within the School, Faculty, and University.

Responsibilities

• Plan, prepare, write, and update distance learning modules and resources using print, audio, video, and synchronous/asynchronous computer-mediated communication.
• Prepare tutor-marked assignments, monitor assessment, and participate in Examination and Qualification Boards.
• Engage directly with students through webinars, e-moderating forums, online conferences, and research student supervision.
• Brief, debrief, and train colleagues (Associate Lecturers).
• Contribute to decisions on curriculum, teaching, and assessment strategies, considering education policies across the UK.
• Conduct research and scholarship aligned with Faculty priorities, including seeking external funding and contributing to academic publications and conferences.
• Support broader programme and school activities as required.

Requirements

Essential:

• Higher degree (Masters or above) in Education Studies (Primary) or a related field.
• Relevant experience in HE teaching and assessment that engages and retains students.
• Recognised qualification and experience in teaching children aged 3–12 years (equivalent to at least FHEQ Level 7 or SCQF Level 10, e.g., PGCE or PGDE).
• Knowledge and experience in developing distance learning modules in Education Studies (Primary).
• Excellent spoken and written English, with the ability to communicate clearly and influentially.
• Ability to work collaboratively within and across teams to achieve shared goals.
• Proven ability to plan and organise work to meet deadlines, even under pressure.
• Experience using ICT for learning, teaching, and collaboration, with awareness of emerging technologies.
• Demonstrable engagement in research and scholarship, such as publications or contributions to learning and teaching in Education Studies (Primary).
• Willingness and ability to travel for work and live within reasonable commuting distance of The Open University in Milton Keynes.
• Ability to uphold equality legislation and University policies in role execution.

Desirable:

• Experience leading numeracy and mathematics teaching for the primary phase.
• Fellowship (or higher) of the Higher Education Academy.
• Experience contributing to external research funding or REF submissions.

Pay

£47,389 to £56,535 (pro-rata for part-time hours).

Schedule

• Weekly working hours: 22 (part-time options available).
• Contract type: Permanent.
• Hybrid working pattern supported, with some attendance at the Milton Keynes office required for meetings and business needs. Full-time on-site also an option.

Benefits

The Open University offers a range of benefits, including flexible working arrangements (e.g., job share, part-time, compressed hours). For full details, visit the Staff Benefits page.