We are looking to recruit several Associate Lecturers in Criminology, in the School of School of Social Sciences and Global Studies at the Open University.

The position is part-time (0.2 – 0.5 FTE) and would involve teaching one or more modules in the Open University’s Criminology programme. There are immediate teaching needs on:

DD105 Introduction to Criminology

DD212 Understanding Criminology

DD215 Social Research: Crime, Justice and Society

DD311 Crime, Harm and the State

DD315 Researching Current Issues in Criminology

The position is home-based, teaching only and has no fixed core hours. It is permanent, with a probation period of two years. The annual salary and workload are fixed, but there are significant workload peaks and troughs, mainly linked to providing marking and assessment feedback. As part of the role, it is expected that marking of end of module assignments will be undertaken. Other tasks may be required such as focused student support (individual and forum), such as peer mentoring and working with the module team on assessment activities and quality improvement. Some evening and weekend work will be required as this is when most of our teaching takes place. The appropriate level of FTE will be discussed at interview, and there may be the possibility of increasing the FTE later. The starting full-time salary is £38,784 paid pro rata based on your FTE. Although most of the teaching occurs between October and June, some of our modules are presented twice a year, so some also run from February through to September. The position is paid over the full calendar year.

It is anticipated that the contract will start on 01 September 2026.

Person specification

The person specification for this position should be read in conjunction with the generic person specification for an Associate Lecturer at The Open University. As well as meeting all the requirements set out in the generic person specification, you should have:

• An Undergraduate degree in Criminology or in a relevant cognate discipline aligned with criminology and including specific criminological content. Acceptable areas include (but are not limited to) interdisciplinary Social Sciences, Sociology, Social Policy, Criminal Justice and Legal studies.
• An ability to teach Criminology across all levels of undergraduate study
• An enthusiasm for, and understanding of, critical criminology, Social Harm and Zemiology.
• Experience of teaching secondary and/or primary research methods and approaches, and a commitment to interdisciplinarity as it applies to criminological theory.
• Experience of teaching students with diverse learning needs.
• The ability to grade assignments accurately and to provide constructive feedback to students.
• Experience of teaching online or an understanding of the pedagogical issues surrounding online teaching.
• An ability to encourage students to engage with scholarship and independent study (including awareness of resources).

It would be an advantage to have:

• A higher degree or Ph.D. (or equivalent).
• Experience of supporting students in preparing and completing projects/dissertations, particularly providing learning support in relation to secondary research methods.
• Experience of teaching and assessment via an online environment.
• Evidence of having taken the initiative to deliver better teaching and learning or to take advantage of new technology in teaching.
• A teaching qualification in relevant subject or HEA accreditation (or willingness to undertake this as part of staff development).