Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead English language support for transnational education programmes in China.
- Company: University of Wolverhampton, dedicated to global education and international partnerships.
- Benefits: Opportunity to shape academic pathways and engage in international travel.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on students' academic journeys in a dynamic global context.
- Qualifications: Postgraduate qualification in TESOL or related field and experience in UK higher education.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with a focus on accountability, resilience, inclusivity, and ambition.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
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 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 standards 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.
Academic Lead - English Language Support (China) 0.5 FTE employer: The University Of Wolverhampton
Contact Detail:
The University Of Wolverhampton Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Academic Lead - English Language Support (China) 0.5 FTE
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, especially those involved in English language support or transnational education. A friendly chat can lead to opportunities you might not find on job boards.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the University of Wolverhampton and its approach to English language programmes. Show us that you understand their values and how you can contribute to their mission in China.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation. It keeps you fresh in their minds and shows your enthusiasm for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for the best chance at landing the job. We make it easy for you to showcase your skills and experience directly to the hiring team, so don’t miss out!
We think you need these skills to ace Academic Lead - English Language Support (China) 0.5 FTE
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Academic Lead role. Highlight your experience in English for Academic Purposes and any relevant qualifications, like your TESOL or DELTA. We want to see how your background aligns with our needs!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: This role is all about academic leadership, so don’t shy away from sharing examples of how you've led curriculum design or assessment processes in the past. We’re looking for someone who can steer our Pre-sessional English provision with confidence.
Demonstrate Your Knowledge of Quality Assurance: Since this position involves ensuring compliance with academic standards, make sure to mention your familiarity with UK higher education quality assurance frameworks and CEFR benchmarks. We need someone who knows their stuff!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us you’re keen on joining our team at the University of Wolverhampton!
How to prepare for a job interview at The University Of Wolverhampton
✨Know Your Curriculum Inside Out
Make sure you’re familiar with the Pre-sessional English curricula and how they align with CEFR and IELTS standards. Be ready to discuss specific examples of curriculum design and assessment practices you've implemented in the past.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare to talk about your experience in academic leadership, especially in overseeing English language programmes. Think of instances where you’ve led moderation processes or chaired assessment meetings, and be ready to share how you ensured academic rigor.
✨Understand the TNE Landscape
Brush up on Transnational Education and its challenges, particularly in the context of China. Be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to the strategic development of scalable English language pathways that meet international benchmarks.
✨Communicate Effectively
Since this role involves liaising with various stakeholders, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Highlight your communication skills and provide examples of how you’ve successfully collaborated with academic representatives or external examiners.