Lecturer in Visual Communication and Digital Direction

The University of Lancashire invites applications for a Lecturer in Visual Communication and Digital Direction to teach on BA (Hons) degree programmes at the HBU-UCLan School of Media, Communication and Creative Industries during the 2026–2027 academic year.

This role is primarily based in China. Applicants should be prepared to spend two 18-week teaching sessions per year in-country delivering face-to-face teaching.

About HBU-UCLan

HBU-UCLan School of Media, Communication and Creative Industries is a Sino-foreign joint school partnership between Hebei University, China, and the University of Lancashire, UK, approved by the Ministry of Education of China.

Located in the historic city of Baoding, approximately 40 minutes from Beijing by high-speed rail, the city is rapidly developing as an emerging commuter hub for Beijing and northern Hebei Province.

Established in 2014, the Joint School celebrated its 10th anniversary in 2024. As of March 2026, HBU-UCLan has approximately 800 students, with planned growth to 1,200 students over the coming years.

Students are enrolled in the following University of Lancashire programmes:

• International Foundation Year
• BA (Hons) Animation
• BA (Hons) Creative Advertising
• BA (Hons) Film-making
• BA (Hons) Graphic Design
• BA (Hons) Interior Design
• BA (Hons) Media and Television Production

Postgraduate programmes currently offered include:

• MA Interior Design
• MA Music Industry Management & Promotion
• MA Animation (subject to validation, planned launch September 2027)

The Joint School moved into a purpose-built Arts, Design and Media building in 2022, providing industry-standard facilities for teaching, research, and professional practice.

The University of Lancashire’s Research Centre for Cultural Preservation through Creative Practice is also based in China, creating opportunities for staff to develop research profiles in a dynamic international environment.

The Role

We are seeking an inspiring and resourceful Lecturer in Visual Communication Design with strong and transferable digital capabilities to join the undergraduate teaching team.

This role is suited to a creative educator and practitioner with expertise in visual communication, digital culture, and contemporary media practice. Candidates should have a strong understanding of evolving trends across:

• Visual Communication and Graphic Design
• Creative Advertising
• Social and Interactive Media
• Immersive Media and Emerging Technologies
• AI and Synthetic Media
• Influencer Marketing and Consumer Behavior Analytics

The successful candidate will contribute to:

• Curriculum design and course development
• Teaching and assessment
• Module leadership where required
• Research and scholarly activity
• Trend analysis and future-focused curriculum innovation

This is an excellent opportunity to join a highly motivated international team and contribute to a distinctive cross-cultural creative education environment.

The role also offers support for PhD study at the University of Lancashire (subject to conditions).

Education, Qualifications & Experience

• A good honours degree in Design, Communications, or a closely related discipline
• A Master’s degree in a relevant subject area
• Strong digital literacy and experience delivering successful visual and digital campaigns
• Creative, ideas-led professional practice
• A minimum of two years’ higher education teaching experience in Graphic Design, Visual Communication, or a related field (required for Chinese work visa eligibility)

Benefits

• £31,515 annual remuneration (pro rata)
• £2,000 travel allowance for two return flights per academic year (pro rata)
• £200 health insurance contribution per academic year
• £4,000 annual accommodation allowance (pro rata)
• Assistance with accommodation arrangements
• Visa-related cost support

Visa Requirements

This role is subject to Chinese Labour Law and Hebei Provincial Government regulations.

• Applicants must hold a Master’s degree in a related discipline
• A minimum of two years’ relevant higher education teaching experience is required for visa eligibility
• Successful candidates must complete a criminal record check and health check to obtain a Chinese work permit and Z visa
• Provincial regulations may restrict work visa eligibility for applicants aged 60 or above

How to Apply

Informal enquiries may be directed to Professor Sion Hughes, Academic Head, at [email protected].

Applications should be submitted in PDF format to [email protected] and include:

• Cover letter outlining suitability for the role
• Current CV
• Contact details for two referees (references will only be requested for the selected candidate)

Applicants must meet all essential criteria listed in the job description and person specification to be considered for interview.

Important Notice

This role is offered on a consultancy (independent contractor) basis and does not constitute employment with the University of Lancashire.