About the Job
Part Time: 0.8FTE (29.6 hours per week)
Interview Date: TBC June 2026
This is an exciting opportunity to join the University of Northampton as Course Lead for our BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy Degree Apprenticeship programme, offered on a 0.8 FTE (4 days per week) basis. This innovative programme is part of our expanding physiotherapy and apprenticeship provision, with its first cohort nearing the end of Year 1.
As Course Lead, you will provide academic leadership for the apprenticeship route, working closely with BSc and MSc Physiotherapy Course Leads to deliver a high-quality, coherent physiotherapy portfolio that meets the needs of students, employers and the wider healthcare workforce.
We are seeking an experienced and motivated academic to undertake this Senior Lecturer post, with commitment to course leadership. You will lead the development and delivery of the apprenticeship programme, ensuring it meets professional, regulatory and apprenticeship standards, while contributing to teaching across all physiotherapy routes.
A key aspect of the post will be providing clear direction and support to the physiotherapy academic team, fostering a positive, organised and inclusive course environment. You will be responsible for driving performance across key indicators, ensuring effective planning, delivery and continual enhancement of the programme in collaboration with the wider physiotherapy portfolio.
You will support and guide the academic team, fostering an inclusive and well-organised learning environment, and driving performance and continuous improvement. The post includes engagement with quality assurance processes and close collaboration with internal teams and external partners, including employers.
Building partnerships is key, particularly in apprenticeship delivery, alongside ensuring an positive student experience aligned with university and Ofsted requirements. You will be supported by senior faculty colleagues and work collaboratively within an established course lead network.
We want you to be able to complete your work in a way that best supports UON and our students, as well as you as an individual. We understand this may vary between different areas of the university and between academics. With Smarter Working you can work with increased flexibility, if you would like to, which can facilitate greater productivity, work-life balance and autonomy.
This post is subject to a background disclosure check by the Disclosure and Barring Service before any appointment can be confirmed.
About You
You will be a qualified Physiotherapist, registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), with a proven foundation in contemporary clinical practice and a commitment to ongoing professional development.
You will bring experience of higher education, or demonstrate clear readiness to operate at this level, with the ability to contribute to high-quality teaching, learning and assessment. You will be able to evidence successful delivery of positive learning environments, for example through student outcomes, student voice feedback and/or recognition such as Advance HE Fellowship (or a willingness to work towards this).
As a course leader, you will demonstrate leadership capability, with the ability to support and develop a team of academic staff to deliver a positive student experience. You will be confident in navigating complex challenges, providing clear pragmatic solutions while working within university policies and professional requirements.
Demonstrating the ability to work with course and module level data including student feedback, progression, attainment and completion metrics to evaluate performance and drive quality enhancement. The ability to synthesise this information into clear, actionable improvement plans, working collaboratively with the Head and Deputy Head of School, will be essential.
A high level of communication skills, alongside the ability to engage with external stakeholders in support of course quality, admission numbers and sustainability is key.
You will be highly organised, able to manage competing priorities and confident working in fast paced environments. Ensuring the course meets the needs of placement providers, employers and professional bodies, while recognising when to escalate concerns.
A collaborative and collegiate approach will be essential to this post, particularly in working alongside other Physiotherapy Course Leads to ensure a coherent and high-quality portfolio for staff and students.
Qualifications
Essential
- Degree qualification or equivalent in relevant subject area of Physiotherapy
- Registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)
- Professional Recognition as HEA Fellow (D2) or willingness to achieve
Desirable
- Master’s degree in relevant subject
- Doctorate in relevant subject, completed or within 12 months of completion
Faculty of Health, Sport & Behavioural Sciences
The School of Health is a high-performing centre for Allied Health Profession (AHP) education, recognised for inspirational teaching, professional outcomes, and a consistent positive student experience.
We are proud of our exceptional National Student Survey 2025 results, with satisfaction rates of 95% in Paramedic Science, 92% in Podiatry, and 91% in Occupational Therapy, contributing to our ranking as one of the top three providers of Health Professions education in the UK. Our portfolio spans undergraduate, postgraduate, and CPD programmes, supporting learners at every stage of their professional journey. We currently offer established courses in Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, Paramedic Science, and Podiatry, all underpinned by effective partnerships and a commitment to contemporary, practice-focused education.
Looking ahead, the school is undergoing a significant period of growth, with three new undergraduate degrees in development: Dietetics and Nutrition, Speech and Language Therapy, and Operating Department Practice. These additions reflect our ambition to meet future workforce needs and to expand our multi-professional learning community.
Our modern campus provides specialist teaching spaces, immersive simulation environments, and authentic clinical facilities, giving students access to high-quality, applied learning experiences that mirror real-world healthcare practice.
About Us
At the University of Northampton, we are committed to supporting aspirations, creating opportunities, and delivering meaningful impact. Our people are at the heart of everything we do, and we foster a progressive, inclusive environment where excellence thrives for our students and staff.
Our People
Our staff are our greatest asset. We are dedicated to building an inclusive community that values diversity, promotes wellbeing, and supports personal and professional growth. By developing a first-rate People Strategy, we aim to attract and retain top talent, enhance career progression, and ensure that every colleague feels empowered to achieve their best.
Our Values
- Inclusivity: We celebrate diversity and ensure that everyone has the opportunity to excel.
- Sustainability: We are committed to becoming a net zero carbon institution, taking collective action for the benefit of society and the environment.
- Aspiration: We strive for excellence in all we do, empowering our staff, students, and partners to reach their highest potential.
- Trust: We build relationships based on respect, transparency, and shared goals.
Together, we are creating a future where our community, our work, and our impact truly make a difference.
Right to Work
All candidates will be asked to provide proof of eligibility to work in the UK at interview. The University can consider Skilled Worker visa sponsorship for this position subject to eligibility requirements of the points-based system being met.
Equality
We welcome applications from individuals from underrepresented groups.
The University of Northampton is committed to providing a vibrant, ethical, and sustainable environment that values equality, diversity, and inclusion. Our commitment ensures an inclusive atmosphere for staff, students, and the public. We manage equality and diversity through key committees and formal policies, extending our responsibility to subsidiary companies and partnerships.
Together @ UON
Our Commitment to Equality and Inclusion
Together @ UON affirms our dedication to creating an environment that celebrates diversity and promotes equality. We aim to foster a space where all can thrive, aligning with our mission to transform lives and inspire change.
Commitments Include:
- Creating an Inclusive Environment: Adopting a zero-tolerance approach to discrimination and ensuring all activities are inclusive.
- Supporting Students and Staff: Strengthening mental health support, enhancing disability confidence, and ensuring academic and professional support.
- Tackling Inequalities: Involving students in recruitment, integrating forums for equality data analysis, and supporting networks for protected characteristics.
UON’s Major Commitments:
- Disability Confident
- Standalone Pledge
- IHRA Working Definition
For more details, visit: Equality and Diversity at UON
