Lecturer in Social Science/Politics/Sociology

Salary Salary: £50,253 - £56,535 per annum Contractual hours 35 Basis Full Time Job category/type Academic Date posted 07/05/2026 Job reference REQ000533
School of Education & Social Sciences
Fixed Term: 6 months
"This role may be eligible for visa sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa route. If requiring visa sponsorship, the successful applicant will also need to meet a range of individual criteria to satisfy Home Office requirements. If the role is offered on a part-time basis, this might also affect eligibility.
Applicants are encouraged to individually assess whether they may be eligible for visa sponsorship prior to applying. More information on eligibility can be found on the Government website."
THE POST – Lecturer in Social Science/Politics/Sociology
The successful candidate will hold an undergraduate degree in Social Sciences, Sociology or Politics and be qualified to doctoral level (or near completion of a PhD). Applications are welcome from across the Social Sciences, particularly from candidates with a background in Politics and/or Sociology, including those at an early stage of their academic career. A strong commitment to high-quality, research-informed teaching is essential, along with the ability to teach at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. The post holder will be well-versed in contemporary pedagogies, including co-creation, active learning and digital education, and will contribute to module delivery, assessment, programme development and quality enhancement.
The role also requires engagement in high-quality original research, with evidence of publications appropriate to career stage and the potential to attract external research funding. The successful candidate will work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary School, contributing to interdisciplinary teaching, research, enterprise and knowledge exchange activities, and supporting excellent student outcomes and graduate destinations. Opportunities include supervising research students, contributing to enterprise and CPD activity, and engaging in international initiatives that enhance the global student and staff experience within a vibrant and supportive academic environment.
The successful candidate should have the following:

• An undergraduate qualification in Social Sciences, Sociology or Politics
• A PhD in a relevant area (or extremely close completion of such)
• Evidence of experience of learning, teaching and assessment in Higher Education
• Evidence of knowledge and understanding of contemporary pedagogies
• Evidence of published research profile commensurate with career stage (including 3/4* research outputs)
• Evidence of experience in delivering co-creative and active learning and assessment
• Evidence of familiarity with online learning environments and the principles of digital education.

ABOUT US
University of the West of Scotland is one of Scotland’s largest and most dynamic modern universities. Our reach across the country, together with our London campus, means that UWS is a significant force in global knowledge creation, innovation, and a leading provider of undergraduate, postgraduate and research degree education. Our degrees provide students with a transformational experience; equipping them with highly sought-after graduate skills that set them up for global success in world-leading sectors, industries and businesses.
With cutting-edge courses, modern pedagogy and practical knowledge, we enable our students and staff to experience the joy of learning, teaching, research and innovation, and apply their knowledge for the benefit of others.
UWS is officially ranked by Times Higher Education in the top 200 universities worldwide under 50 years old (2024 Young University Rankings).
The School of Education & Social Sciences at UWS combines sector-leading education provision with strong expertise in social science teaching and research in the west of Scotland and beyond. You will join a supportive and committed team, playing a crucial role in the School’s commitment to social justice and making a difference locally, nationally and internationally. Our students benefit from innovative, practice-focused and research-informed courses, and deep-rooted partnerships with leading organisations across the world.
We offer our staff a caring and supportive environment, across five campuses, and a competitive benefits package which includes:

• 35 days of annual leave, plus a further 12 days for public/university holidays
• An additional days leave on your birthday
• Defined benefit contribution pension scheme (including death in service benefits upon joining the scheme
• A flexible approach to working pattern and work-life balance
• Employee discount scheme across 3,500 retailers
• Fitness facilities across our campuses
• Access to a range of health and wellbeing resources, including occupational health, physiotherapy and access to our Employee Assistance Programme
• Professional, career and research development opportunities.

Interview Date: Week Commencing Monday 15th June
Please note that the appointment will be made on the first point of the salary scale (unless by exception, where evidence would need to be provided)
The University reserves the right to shorten/extend the closing date of any position where a high/low volume of suitable applications are received. Therefore, if you are interested in this role, an early application would be encouraged.
You can find out more about how the University uses your personal data as part of the recruitment process by looking at the UWS HR Applicant Privacy Notice at www.uws.ac.uk
UWS are committed signatories to the Armed Forces Covenant.
UWS is committed to equality and diversity and welcomes applications from underrepresented groups.
UWS is a “Disability Confident” employer.
University of the West of Scotland is a registered Scottish charity, no. SC002520.