The University of Wolverhampton is seeking to appoint an experienced and academically credible Academic Lead – English Language Support (China) to provide academic leadership for our in‑country Pre‑sessional English (PSE) provision supporting Transnational Education (TNE) programmes in Mainland China.
This senior academic role sits within the Global Opportunities Office and will play a critical role in ensuring that English language preparation programmes delivered with Chinese partner institutions meet the University’s academic standards, quality assurance requirements, and international benchmarks.
The Role
The Academic Lead will act as the University’s academic authority for Pre‑sessional English provision in China, ensuring that curriculum design, assessment practices, and progression standards align with University regulations, the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), and recognised IELTS equivalency frameworks. You will provide oversight of curriculum development, assessment design, moderation processes, and tutor approval, ensuring that all delivery is academically rigorous, compliant with University quality frameworks, and supportive of student progression onto TNE programmes. Working closely with colleagues across the University and with academic representatives at partner universities in China, the role will contribute to the strategic development of scalable English language pathways aligned with the University’s expanding international partnership portfolio.
Key Responsibilities
* Provide academic leadership and governance for Pre‑sessional English delivery across China‑based partners.
* Design, approve, and periodically review 4‑week and 8‑week PSE curricula.
* Ensure alignment with University academic regulations, CEFR descriptors, and progression standards.
* Develop and approve assessment tasks, marking criteria, and grading descriptors.
* Lead moderation, calibration, and standardisation processes to ensure marking consistency.
* Chair assessment review meetings and confirm progression decisions.
* Liaise with External Examiners and respond to academic recommendations.
* Approve and support locally appointed tutors, including induction and ongoing academic training.
* Monitor student performance data and progression outcomes across partner institutions.
* Produce annual academic quality reports and support internal and external academic reviews.
* Contribute to the strategic development of English language pathways within the University’s TNE portfolio.
The role will include periodic international travel to China, including one annual in‑country monitoring visit (subject to approval).
About You
You will be an experienced academic professional with strong expertise in English for Academic Purposes and UK higher education quality assurance frameworks.
You Should Have
* A postgraduate qualification in TESOL, Applied Linguistics, English Language Teaching, or a related field.
* A recognised professional qualification such as DELTA, MA TESOL, or equivalent.
* Significant experience in Pre‑sessional or Academic English provision within UK higher education.
* Experience in curriculum design, language assessment development, and academic standard governance.
* Strong knowledge of CEFR benchmarking and IELTS equivalence frameworks.
* Experience working in Transnational Education (TNE) or international partnership contexts.
* Excellent communication skills and the ability to exercise sound academic judgement.
Experience working with Chinese partner institutions or within East Asian higher education systems would be an advantage.
Why Join Us
The University of Wolverhampton is committed to delivering high‑quality global education and developing sustainable international partnerships. This role offers an opportunity to shape English language pathways supporting an expanding portfolio of transnational programmes in China.
Our staff demonstrate the University’s core values of being Accountable, Resilient, Inclusive, and Ambitious, and we are committed to creating a collaborative and supportive working environment.
Recruitment Statement
Freedom of Speech and Academic Freedom
The University of Wolverhampton recognises and protects the rights to freedom of speech and academic freedom, within the law.
We are committed to ensuring that lawful expression of ideas, beliefs and opinions — including those that may be controversial or unpopular — does not result in disadvantage in recruitment, employment or progression.
An offer of employment at the University of Wolverhampton will never be denied based on an individual’s lawful expression of their beliefs, ideas or opinions.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
* preventing unlawful discrimination and harassment.
* promoting equality of opportunity.
* fostering an inclusive environment where colleagues are treated with dignity and respect.
We strive to create a workplace in which colleagues have the confidence and freedom to be themselves, while working professionally and in accordance with equality legislation and University policies.
Guidance on AI‑Assisted Applications
We recognise that applicants may use AI tools to support the preparation of their applications. However, submissions must reflect your own experience, achievements and motivations.
We want to understand what you personally bring to the role. Please ensure your application accurately represents your own voice and capabilities.
Flexible Working
We recognise the value of flexible working arrangements and are open to discussion wherever possible.
Benefits
* Competitive salaries
* Standard Life Pension scheme – with employer contribution of up to 12% to the University’s defined contribution scheme.
* Long Service Recognition – £200 gift voucher, certificate, and afternoon tea with Vice Chancellor for 25 & 40 years of service.
* Free Will Writing Service – Complimentary will drafting for employees and their partners.
* IT & Mobile Discounts – EE Perk (20% off for family & friends) & software discounts.
* Supporting Your Health & Wellbeing
o Wellbeing and Mental Health Support – 24/7 access to EAP service, free counselling sessions, wellbeing support resources and Occupational Health Service.
o Gym memberships discounts – at our Walsall Campus and discounts at WV Active sites in Wolverhampton.
o Eyecare Support – Free eVoucher for eye tests and glasses contribution.
o Flu Vouchers – Free flu vaccinations for staff.
o Paycare Health Benefit Plan – Covers optical, dental, physiotherapy, and personal accident insurance.
o Chaplaincy & Prayer Rooms – Access to multi‑faith chaplaincy services.
* Valuing You
o Generous Annual Leave (see table below)
o Flexible & Agile Working – Flexible and Hybrid working arrangements.
o Free On-site Parking – available across campuses.
o Cycle Benefits Scheme – Save up to 42% on a bike & accessories via salary sacrifice.
o Tusker Electric Vehicle Scheme – Electric cars via salary sacrifice.
o Employee Discounts – Savings on groceries, fashion, and entertainment.
o Travel Discounts – Up to 10% off holidays through Sodexo Circles.
* Training and Development
o Staff Network and Inclusion – Access to support networks and events with our LGBTQ+, Global Majority, Disability, and Women’s networks.
o Library Access – Staff have access to books and resources at our onsite libraries.
o Staff Scholarship Scheme – Funding for part‑time higher education, up to PhD level.
o Leadership and Management Development – Access to training opportunities to support you with advancing in your career.
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