Criminal Law Lecturer Needed in Aston University – Birmingham 2025

Criminal Law Lecturer Needed in Aston University

Aston University, located in Birmingham, England, has a rich history dating back to its origins as the Birmingham Municipal Technical School, established in 1895. Over the years, it underwent several transformations, becoming the College of Technology, Birmingham, in 1951 and later achieving university status through a Royal Charter granted by Queen Elizabeth II on 22 April 1966. This charter emphasized the university’s mission to advance learning and knowledge for the benefit of industry and commerce, reflecting its strong focus on practical education and research.

As a public institution, Aston University does not have owners in the traditional sense. Its governance structure is defined by its Royal Charter, which outlines the roles of various bodies within the university. The Chancellor serves as the ceremonial head, a position held by Sir John Sunderland since May 2011.

The Vice-Chancellor, responsible for the university’s overall administration and strategic direction, is Professor Aleks Subic. The university operates under the guidance of its Council and Senate, ensuring that it fulfills its educational and research missions effectively.

Throughout its history, Aston University has been recognized for its pioneering initiatives. Notably, it introduced the integrated placement year concept over 50 years ago, allowing students to gain valuable industry experience as part of their degree programs. This approach has led to more than 73% of Aston students undertaking a placement year, the highest percentage in the UK.

In 2020, The Guardian named Aston University as its “University of the Year,” acknowledging its excellence in education and contribution to student success.

School of Law & Social Sciences

• Location: Aston University, Main Campus
• Salary Range: £46,485 – £55,295 per annum
• Grade: 09
• Employment Type: Permanent
• Work Schedule: Full-time
• Application Deadline: 23:59 GMT, Wednesday, 26 February 2025
• Interview Date: Thursday, 20 March 2025
• Reference Code: 0666-24

Aston Law School stands out as an institution that merges academic excellence with practical application, ensuring that its law graduates are well-prepared for their future careers. Our vision is to develop professionals who are ‘future-ready’ – equipped not only with theoretical knowledge but also with the ability to navigate real-world legal challenges.

Recognized as The Guardian’s University of the Year in 2020, we have achieved Gold status in both the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) and the Athena Swan Charter. Furthermore, Aston University has established itself as one of the top institutions for fostering entrepreneurship and social mobility, supporting students from diverse backgrounds in achieving academic and professional success.

We take great pride in fostering an inclusive and thriving research environment within the field of law. Our commitment to academic inquiry extends across various specializations and we encourage applications from scholars who bring fresh perspectives to legal research.

We evaluate potential candidates based on their research contributions, successful grant applications, research impact and their strategic vision for the future. As we consider applicants for a lectureship role, we emphasize long-term potential and are eager to support candidates in developing their academic careers.

Those shortlisted for interviews will be required to present their research plans and demonstrate how their work aligns with the Aston 2030 Strategy – particularly in addressing social justice issues and supporting diverse communities, spanning from the West Midlands to the global stage.

Our Undergraduate Law Programme

Aston Law School is dedicated to delivering a distinctive and cutting-edge undergraduate law programme that meets the evolving needs of the legal profession in the 21st century.

Our curriculum blends traditional legal education with innovative subjects, ensuring that students acquire not just core legal knowledge but also practical skills and modern legal competencies such as:

• Problem-solving in legal contexts
• Legal project management
• Interdisciplinary legal studies

We adopt a multifaceted teaching approach, leveraging our collaborations with other schools at Aston University, industry partnerships and strong ties with the legal profession.

We are seeking engaged and dynamic scholars to join our vibrant academic community. If you are passionate about shaping the future of legal education and legal research, we would be delighted to hear from you.

Required Expertise

A demonstrated ability to teach Criminal Law is essential for this role.

Moreover, this position’s salary range and job description are expected to qualify for Skilled Worker Visa sponsorship under the UK government’s immigration policies. You can find further details regarding visa eligibility at the official Home Office website:
Skilled Worker Visa Guidance

What We Offer

Aston University provides a dynamic and engaging work environment in the heart of Birmingham, one of the UK’s most vibrant and well-connected cities. Our campus setting is ideal for work-life balance, offering excellent transport links, cultural amenities and a supportive academic community.

Employee Benefits

We recognize the importance of workplace satisfaction and staff well-being. As part of our commitment to a fulfilling work environment, we offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

✔ Career Development & Training

We support faculty members with extensive training opportunities and professional development initiatives to enhance their teaching, research and leadership skills.

✔ Generous Annual Leave

Enjoy a competitive annual leave allowance, including:

• 30 days of bookable leave
• 13 additional days, covering bank holidays and university closure periods

✔ Discounts & Exclusive Offers

Benefit from everyday savings across various retailers, entertainment services and lifestyle activities.

✔ Family-Friendly Policies

We prioritize a healthy work-life balance, offering policies that support parents and caregivers in managing their responsibilities.

✔ Fitness & Well-being Facilities

Gain discounted membership to our on-campus gym and swimming pool, promoting staff health and wellness.

Further details on our employee rewards and benefits can be accessed through the Aston University staff portal.

Role Start Date

These positions are scheduled to commence from April 2025.

If you require further information or would like to discuss the role informally, please reach out to

• Name: Dr. Kristie Thomas
• Job title: Interim Head of Aston Law School
• Email: k.thomas5@aston.ac.uk

Aston University actively upholds equal opportunities and is deeply committed to fostering an inclusive academic and workplace culture. We welcome applications from all sections of society, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

Our commitment to inclusivity extends beyond words – we have robust diversity initiatives in place, focusing on:

• Racial equality
• Gender representation
• LGBTQ+ inclusion
• Disability support

We strongly encourage individuals from diverse backgrounds to apply and we aim to create a workplace culture where every colleague feels valued and empowered.

✔ Anonymous Shortlisting Process

To ensure a fair and unbiased recruitment process, Aston University practices anonymous shortlisting.

This means that:

• Personal details (e.g., names, addresses) are removed from application forms before they reach the shortlisting panel.
• CVs are NOT considered during the shortlisting process.

This approach reinforces our commitment to equality, fairness and transparency in hiring decisions.

For more information on our diversity policies, please visit:
Inclusive Aston

Flexible Working Options

We recognize the importance of flexibility in today’s workplace and support various working arrangements. If you have specific flexible working preferences, we encourage you to discuss them with the hiring manager during the application process.

If you require alternative formats for the job description or the application form, please contact our recruitment team at:
recruitment@aston.ac.uk

Why Choose Aston University?

Aston University is an outstanding academic institution, known for its excellence in teaching, research and industry engagement.

By joining Aston Law School, you will become part of a forward-thinking faculty that prioritizes:

• Academic excellence with real-world relevance
• A diverse and inclusive work culture
• A commitment to addressing social injustices
• Career development and mentorship
• Collaboration with legal professionals and industries

We look forward to receiving applications from passionate scholars who are eager to contribute to our vision of the future of legal education.

Apply Now

Application Deadline: Wednesday, 26 February 2025 (23:59 GMT)
Interview Date: Thursday, 20 March 2025
Start Date: April 2025 onwards

Submit your application today!

For more details, visit the Aston University Careers Page or contact our recruitment team.

Shape the future of law with Aston University!