York St. John University
Lecturer in Critical Studies (Fine Art, Illustration and Photography)
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Lecturer in Critical Studies (Fine Art, Illustration and Photography)
Lecturer in Critical Studies (Fine Art, Illustration & Photography)
Location: York Salary: £39,906 to £48,822 per annum (£15,962 to £19,528 pro rata) Contract: Part-time, permanent (14.8 hours per week)
About York St John University
York St John is an ambitious, modern university steeped inYork’s historic city, offering dynamic opportunities for growth. As one of the fastest-growing universities in the UK in recent years, we’re shaping a new strategy for the next decade, built on:
- Widening opportunity through education
- Impactful research across fields
- A commitment to fairness and regional prosperity
- Inspirational, research-informed teaching
As one of seven schools at YSJ, The School of the Arts delivers a diverse academic portfolio, spanning:
- Fine Art (Art, Photography, Illustration)
- Design (Graphic Design, Interior Design, Animation, Games Design, Product Design, UXD, VR/AR)
- Performance (Acting, Musical Theatre, Music)
- Production (Media Production, Music Production, TV & Film, Journalism, Sports Journalism)
With a vibrant postgraduate taught (PGT) and thriving postgraduate research (PGR) community, the School emphasises:
✔ Student-centred learning and applied creative practice ✔ Live industry briefs and critical challenge ✔ Curriculum decolonisation and inclusive pedagogies ✔ Interdisciplinary research and rigorous supervision ✔ A supportive, 70-strong team dedicated to excellence in teaching and research
The Role: Lecturer in Critical Studies
We’re inviting applications for a permanent, part-time (14.8 hours per week) position to join our Fine Art department, delivering critical studies modules for undergraduate and postgraduate students in Art, Illustration, and Photography.
Key Responsibilities
- Design, develop, and deliver lecture-, seminar-, and tutorial-based learning with a focus on theoretical, historical, and contextual frameworks within contemporary visual practices.
- Contribute to module assessment strategies and support curricular innovation, ensuring students achieve recognised standards (e.g., recent winners of the 2025 Association for Art History UG Dissertation Award and the 2026 Henry Moore Institute PG Dissertation Award).
- Supervise research projects, provide pastoral and academic support to students, and foster a collaborative research environment.
- Engage in research activities to produce scholarship and secure funding opportunities relevant to the School’s portfolio.
- Participate actively in academic citizenship, including programme review, research communities, and professional development in the School and across York St John.
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Person Specification & Requirements
Essential Criteria
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A PhD (or near-completion) in Art History, Theory, or practised research.
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Proven experience teaching Critical Studies modules at undergraduate degree-level, with expertise in art-historical and theoretical discourse.
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Competence to engage A1-Level practice-based students in complex theoretical debates clearly, creatively, and critically (on a Level 3 or 3+ Department award).
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A robust history of scholarly research and publication, with an ability to extend the School’s research contributions.
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Additional desirable skills include:
- Deployment of multiple methodologies (feminist, decolonial, feminist avvicritical, discursive, etc.) appropriate to diverse practice disciplines.
- Experience with interdisciplinary supervision separate from creative research.
Core Areas of Knowledge
- Understanding of the evolving discourse among creative artists and their communities.
- Awareness of the interconnectedness of contemporary art practices across disciplines.
- Ability to develop contextual frameworks within a broader international art-historical and theoretical landscape.
Application Process
Selection Process:
- Presentation at interview of your approach to Critical Studies, tailored to the department's requirements.
- Observed teaching session (details provided to shortlisted candidates).
Deadline & Timeline:
- Closing Date: 07 August 2026 (unless previously filled due to volume).
- Provisional Interview Date: 07 September 2026. Processing may take time; waitlisted candidates will only hear after submission.
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Equalities & Inclusion:
- Comprehensive support is available for candidates with disabilities or neurodivergences throughout applications. Priorities extend to underrepresented groups, and flexible working/accelerated structures are optional.
- Term of arrangement can align with shared workloads for job-sharing possibilities.
Contact for Enquiries:
Informal questions? Email Helen Turner at h.turner@yorksj.ac.uk or HR at vacancies@yorksj.ac.uk.
Support for Applicants:
- Use our application guidance [link] for tailored application expertise.
- Seek alternative adjustments: My Computer My Way (via vacancies@yorksj.ac.uk).
- CVs are not accepted—complete the work-related questions directly.
Why Join York St John?
Benefits include:
- Standard annual leave: Fourteen days per annummer + five discretionary closure days at Christmas.
- **Pro-rated disability and carer leave (for employees with disclosures/disabled dependants).
- Employer pension contributions.
- Health cash plan after six months.
- Employee Assistance Programme for work-life balance support.
- Paid leave for Armed Forces Reservists.
- On-campus courses and tutorials in digital skills and new software.
- Relocation expenses and visa application reimbursements (where applicable).
- Vibrant campus community, student/staff resources, and sustainability initiatives.
Further highlights: 🔸 Read staff testimonials & working culture 🔸 Explore broader institutional approach in our 'Further Information' PDF
Apply online by Wednesday 15 July 2026. First interviews: Monday 07 September 2026.
(Application queries per HRord for last-minute support.)
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