Lecturer in Photography

Advert Reference Number:1647

Job Location:

Milton Keynes

Department:

Film & Media

Salary:£47,389 to £56,535

Closing Date:28 June 2026

Weekly

Working Hours:

37

Contract Type:

Permanent

Fixed Term

Contract:

End Date:

Not Applicable

Welsh Language:

Not Applicable

This is an exciting opportunity to join The Open University as a Lecturer in Photography in the School of Creative Industries. We are looking for a dedicated individual to join a team developing innovative and vocational online learning resources in Photography and digital image making.

You must be enthusiastic about our unique mission and about working in teams to develop a new curriculum which embraces the opportunities of distance learning. We welcome applications from those with teaching and industry experience who understand the various needs of students looking to study and work within Photography and wider digital media industries.

The successful candidate will demonstrate contemporary knowledge in Photography across analogue, digital, moving image and emerging media platforms. They will have the experience and ability to integrate AI‑assisted creative methods, digital and visual literacies and future‑facing photographic practices into an inclusive and industry‑relevant curriculum.

You can live anywhere in the United Kingdom, but the role is based contractually at the Open University’s Milton Keynes campus and involves attendance there at academic community and module team meetings, for which travel and subsistence are not provided.

• contribute to the delivery of high quality, distance‑learning curriculum in photography at undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
• develop engaging and accessible online module content across a range of photographic practices and visual communication theories.
• support student learning activity through the preparation of assessment materials and participation in Quality Assurance and examination processes.

• draw upon professional experience to develop vocational learning materials with an emphasis on digital techniques and future‑facing workflows.
• enhance the School and Faculty research culture through the development and delivery of traditional and/or practice‑based research.
• strengthen the school’s links with the creative industries to enable collaborations and facilitate knowledge exchange.

• engage with appropriate academic administrative tasks and play an active role within the School, Faculty and wider University, as required by the Head of School.

• An honours degree in a relevant subject.
• Experience of developing and delivering photography curriculum in an HE setting.
• Experience of professional practice in photography as demonstrated by a portfolio of creative work.
• A professional network which can be mobilised to develop collaborations, enhance curriculum design and support research and knowledge exchange.
• Evidence of excellent communication and organisational skills, including the ability to work to deadlines.
• An understanding of the ethos and values of The Open University including the principles and practice of equality and diversity, and the ability to work in a manner which aligns to these.

• A PhD or MFA in Photography or a related subject.
• Evidence of working with, and producing, innovative distance learning materials that demonstrate practical and vocational skills.
• Experience of building ethical and sustainable photography practices across a range of genres.
• Understanding of AI‑assisted and synthetic image creation and digital post‑production workflows.

At The Open University, we offer a range of benefits to recognise and reward great work, alongside policies and flexible working that contribute towards a great work life balance.

We are open to discussions about flexible working. Whether it’s a job share, part time, compressed hours or another working arrangement. Please reach out to us to discuss what works best for you.

It is anticipated that a hybrid working pattern can be adopted for this role, where the successful candidate can work from home and the office. However, as this role is contractually aligned to our Milton Keynes Office, it is expected that some attendance in the office will be required when necessary and in response to business needs. We’d expect this to be once per month on average.

Full‑time working based from our Milton Keynes site is also supported if this is preferred by the candidate. Expenses associated with travel to our Milton Keynes site are not reimbursable.

Interviews are likely to be held in the week commencing 20th July 2026.

To apply for this role, please submit the following documents:

• CV
• Supporting statement of up to 1000 words clearly demonstrating how you meet the essential criteria for the role.