Senior Lecturer in International Education (French speaking)

The University of Sunderland offers life-changing opportunities for 27,500 students across its campuses in Sunderland, London, Hong Kong, and through global partnerships with learning institutions in 19 countries.

We're proud to be a top 30 UK university (Guardian University Guide 2026) and we are first in the North-east for student support services (Daily Mail University Guide 2026) and for teaching quality (The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026). With top-quality facilities, an inclusive culture, and a vibrant, ever-changing city, Sunderland is an exciting place to learn and work.

About the role

This is an exciting opportunity to join the vibrant School of Education and play a leading role in our International Initial Teacher Training programmes, as part of the wider Professional Development and International Education team. We are seeking a fluent French-speaking Senior Lecturer who will lead our PGCE (Distance Learning) programme delivered in French.
Our provision for International Teacher Education continues to grow and currently includes PGCE Education, PGCE Education - Early Years Teaching, the Assessment Only route to QTS, and PGCE iQTS. Alongside these, we also offer a range of education master's programmes and Level 7 short courses.

About you
As Programme Leader, you will take responsibility for the design, delivery, and ongoing development of the PGCE (DL) in French, ensuring parity with our English provision while adapting content to meet the needs of international cohorts. You will work closely with an experienced and internationally recognised team of educators, contributing to curriculum development, student support, and quality assurance processes. This role offers the opportunity to shape innovative approaches to distance learning pedagogy and assessment, while supporting trainee teachers to achieve professional recognition and success.

The successful candidate will bring extensive experience in teaching and learning and will play a central role in the planning, delivery, and assessment of the PGCE (Distance Learning) programmes, with a particular focus on supporting international trainee teachers. In this post, you will lead the delivery of the PGCE (DL) in French, ensuring that the programme mirrors the quality and standards of our English-medium provision while adapting content to meet the needs of diverse international cohorts. You will be committed to delivering high-quality, research-informed teaching that inspires, empowers, and equips trainees with practical skills to enhance their global employability. Applicants must hold Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or an equivalent professional qualification, and fluency in French, both spoken and written, is essential for leading and managing programme content in the French language.

For any informal enquiries please contact Vicky Graham. Associate Head of School for Professional Development and International Education - [email protected]

What we can offer you

Our University is not just a place of academic excellence, but also a community that embraces inclusivity and support. We value our staff and offer a rewarding package that goes beyond just salary. At the University of Sunderland, we prioritise not only your professional growth but also your happiness and well-being.

• Enjoy a generous annual leave entitlement of 36 days, along with an additional 5 closure days over the Christmas break and 8 Bank Holidays.
• Enrolment into our pension scheme, ensuring your financial security for the future.
• Access to our "My Lifestyle Benefits Platform", where you can enjoy online discounts at hundreds of retailers every day. Plus, take advantage of exclusive schemes that allow you to purchase a new car, bike, or technology at a discounted rate.
• Your health and well-being are important to us. That's why we provide access to discounted private medical insurance, health cash plans, and guidance on financial well-being.
• Maintaining an active lifestyle is made easy with discounted membership for CitySpace Fitness, our state-of-the-art facility for sports and social activities.

The closing date for applications is Sunday 4 January (23.59 GMT).