Lecturer Film Studies in Leeds

Working Hours: 12

City/Town: Leeds

Closing Date: 26/08/2026

Job Category: Group Member

Campus: At Leeds Conservatoire, there are plenty of benefits available to our staff members, here are just a few:

• Annual leave entitlement - If you work full time, you'll get at least 35 days plus bank holidays (pro rata for part time staff).
• The People’s Pension Memberships and discounts - employees can sign up to various membership cards and discount schemes such as TOTUM card (formerly NUS card). Staff can also receive discounted tickets to ‘The Venue’.
• Travel and commuting - discounted travel available through Metro card, Northern Rail, First Bus, Arriva Bus and Cycle to work schemes.
• Learning and development opportunities - including staff development days.
• Flexible and hybrid working opportunities - this will vary depending on role requirements.

About the Role

We are looking for a knowledgeable and engaging lecturer to deliver a range of film & TV studies, screen narrative and industry-focused modules within the BA (Hons) Music (Film Music) pathway at Leeds Conservatoire. This role focuses primarily on the film, director, narrative, aesthetic and industry aspects of the programme. This is not principally a practical film music composition or music production teaching role. It is intended for a lecturer-practitioner with professional experience as a film/TV director, bringing a director-led perspective to the study of narrative, aesthetics, industry practice and the relationship between image, story and music.

The successful applicant will teach across the outgoing degree structure and a new degree curriculum that is being introduced progressively. The modules associated with the role are:

• Film Music in Context 2 — Year 2 core module
• Professional Studies 2 — Year 2 shared optional module, available to students across the BA Music pathways
• Professional Studies 3 — Year 3 shared optional module, available to students across the BA Music pathways
• BA (Hons) Music (Film, TV & Games Music) – new degree
• Understanding Film Narratives — Year 1 core module
• Industry in Context — Year 1 core module
• Understanding Aesthetics and Meaning in Film — Year 2 core module
• Advanced Aesthetics and Meaning in Film — Year 2 core module

Film Music in Context 2 is a shared module delivered alongside another lecturer. The successful applicant will lead the film industry, directing, cultural and contextual elements of the module, while the musical, compositional and analytical content will continue to be delivered by an existing member of staff. All other modules within the role will be planned, delivered and assessed solely by the successful applicant. All work and hours are indicative and may change each year according to student recruitment, curriculum development and operational requirements.

What You Will Do

• Deliver lectures and seminars across Levels 4, 5 and 6, helping students understand how films and other moving-image forms communicate ideas, construct narratives and create meaning.
• Teaching will examine film as both an artistic form and a commercial industry.
• Explore the relationships between directors, composers, producers, music supervisors, production teams and audiences, while developing students’ understanding of the professional and cultural contexts in which film and film music operate.
• Teach students how to analyse film structure, visual storytelling, scripts, thematic content, genre and narrative function.
• Examine the working practices, creative approaches and influence of significant and diverse film directors and other screen practitioners.
• Develop students’ understanding of auteur theory and its application to factual, fiction, commercial, independent and global cinema.
• Explore the relationship between directors and composers and the ways in which music contributes to narrative, atmosphere, character, commercial identity and audience experience.
• Cover professional and commercial areas including production processes, career development, publishing, royalties, intellectual property and copyright.
• Examine the relationships between artistic intention, commercial considerations, production practices and audience reception.
• Plan and develop teaching materials that reflect current research, industry developments and a diverse range of screen cultures and perspectives.
• Support students in developing research skills, critical arguments and independent approaches to analysing film and television industries.
• Assess Vlogs, essays, research projects and research portfolios, providing clear and constructive written feedback.
• Contribute to moderation, second marking and academic quality-assurance processes where required.
• Coordinate Professional Studies 2 and Professional Studies 3.
• Work collaboratively with the Film, TV & Games Music team, particularly on the shared delivery of Film Music in Context 2.

About You

• A degree in a relevant subject such as Film Studies, Screen Studies, Media, Film Production, Creative Industries or a closely related discipline.
• Detailed knowledge of film narrative, storytelling, film aesthetics and the ways in which films communicate meaning.
• A strong understanding of film history, film theory and critical approaches to analysing moving-image media.
• An understanding of auteur theory and its application to a varied range of filmmakers, films and screen cultures.
• A broad understanding of the film, television and wider moving-image industries.
• Knowledge of the professional, commercial and legal frameworks that support the creative industries.
• Experience of teaching, lecturing, facilitating seminars or supporting learning in higher education or a relevant educational or professional environment.
• The ability to communicate complex theoretical, cultural and industry-related ideas clearly and accessibly.
• Experience of providing constructive formative and summative feedback.
• The ability to assess academic work, including essays, Vlogs and research portfolios.
• A research-informed, inclusive and student-centred approach to teaching.
• Excellent interpersonal, organisational and communication skills.
• The ability to motivate, support and challenge students with different levels of academic experience and confidence.

It Would Be Advantageous to Have

• A postgraduate qualification in Film Studies, Screen Studies, Media, Creative Industries or a related discipline.
• Professional or research experience in video game production.
• Professional or research experience within film, television, production, directing, screen media or the wider creative industries.
• Experience of teaching across more than one undergraduate level.
• Experience of module coordination, curriculum development or programme development.
• Specialist knowledge of global cinema, foreign-language film or international screen cultures.
• Knowledge of contemporary distribution, streaming and audience-consumption practices.
• Experience of supporting students with extended research projects and research portfolios.

About Us

Leeds Conservatoire is a successful higher education provider dedicated to music, theatre, and performance, offering a vibrant and supportive learning environment for aspiring artists. Our strong industry connections provide students with invaluable real-world experience and opportunities, equipping them for successful careers in the creative sectors. We pride ourselves on creating a rewarding and stimulating workplace for our staff, fostering collaboration and innovation within a supportive and creative community. We are committed to nurturing the next generation of artists and are proud to contribute to the vibrant cultural landscape of Leeds and beyond. At Leeds Conservatoire, we offer development opportunities, allowing our staff to thrive alongside a diverse team of leading professionals and talented students. Our state-of-the-art facilities and thriving student community further enhance our creative environment, making it an inspiring place to work and grow.

As an organisation committed to equality, diversity and inclusion, we are constantly striving to recruit staff which are representative of our student body and the wider region, to enable us to bring new voices to our community.

EQUALITY, DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION

We welcome applications from all backgrounds and select candidates on merit against the person specification. Our processes are designed to provide equal opportunity and comply with relevant equality legislation; reduce bias through structured, evidence-based assessment; make reasonable adjustments where needed so candidates can perform at their best. We are committed to a respectful working environment where people are treated with dignity, and where a range of perspectives can be expressed and discussed appropriately within the law and our policies.