Games HE & Adults Lecturer
Department: Creative & Digital Industries
Salary: £34,484 - £38,811 per annum
Contract Type: Permanent Full time 37 hours per week
Starting Salary - Appointments are normally made at the bottom of the salary scale. A higher starting salary may be considered in exceptional circumstances.
Reference: REC2492 | Closing Date: Sunday 1st November 2026
The Opportunity
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced and creative Games Development professional to lead, plan and deliver outstanding teaching across our Higher Education Games Design pathway and adult learning provision.
You will provide high-quality, industry-informed teaching, assessment and learner support, helping students develop the creative, technical and professional skills required to progress within higher education and into employment. Delivery will cover specialist areas including level design, game systems, player experience, games mechanics, prototyping, production pipelines and project development.
You will use relevant industry software and games engines, including Unreal Engine, Unity, Maya, Blender and Adobe Creative Suite, to create engaging learning experiences that reflect current games design practice and industry expectations.
Working closely with the Course Leader and wider curriculum team, you will contribute to curriculum planning, assessment, quality assurance and the ongoing development and promotion of our Games Design provision.
You will also support progression from further education into higher education through taster sessions, open events, curriculum showcases, portfolio preparation and engagement activities.
About You
We are looking for a dynamic and knowledgeable games specialist who can inspire learners and bring current professional practice into the classroom, studio and project environment.
You will have recent experience of working within an educational setting in a teaching or assessment capacity and experience of delivering learning to a range of learners. You will be confident developing high-quality learning materials and providing clear, constructive feedback that supports progress, independent learning and achievement.
You will have strong knowledge of specialist games development software, including Unreal Engine, Maya and Adobe Creative Suite. Knowledge of other relevant tools, such as Unity and Blender, would support the wider delivery requirements of the role.
Organised, proactive and self-motivated, you will be able to work effectively in a fast-paced environment, manage competing priorities and build positive working relationships with learners, colleagues, employers and industry contacts. You will also demonstrate a flexible and reflective approach, embracing new initiatives and maintaining high professional standards.
Below is a list of some of the key skills, qualifications and experience we are seeking for this exciting opportunity.
Required
• Degree or equivalent qualification in a relevant subject
• Teaching qualification, or willingness to work towards a PGCE if a Level 5 teaching qualification is not already held
• GCSE Maths and English, or equivalent Level 2 qualifications
• Recent experience of working within an educational setting in a teaching or assessment capacity
• Knowledge of specialist software including Unreal Engine, Maya and Adobe Creative Suite
• Experience of delivering learning to a range of learners
• Experience of developing effective learning materials
• Experience of working with employers to inform curriculum planning
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to provide clear and constructive feedback to support student learning
• Good IT skills, including Word, Excel and PowerPoint
• Ability to develop strategies that improve attendance, retention, achievement, value added and success rates
• A professional, organised, flexible and motivational approach to work
• Ability to work independently, proactively and to tight deadlines
• Commitment to safeguarding and maintaining appropriate professional relationships and boundaries with children, young people and vulnerable adults
Reasons to join us
• We offer substantial annual leave entitlement (Up to 55 days per year including bank and public holidays)
• Holiday purchase scheme to buy additional annual leave days
• Teachers’ Pension Scheme
• We invest in our people through funded CPD opportunities, regular staff development training and paid volunteering days
• Career advancement opportunities with tailored support for staff to progress
• Free Barnsley College courses to support your professional and personal development (subject to approval)
• 24/7 access to same day appointments with a GP
• Exclusive discounts and cashback for retail, dining and leisure as part of YouatWork
• Access to health cash plans as members of the Westfield Health Scheme or Health Shield
• Discounted college gym membership with on-site facilities
• Supporting employee mental health through access to free counselling services and the Foundations App
• Discounts schemes for greener travel including Northern Rail, Trainline and Cycle to Work
• Free Microsoft Office 365 for personal use on up to five machines
• Access to discounted hair and beauty therapies at our on-site salon
• On site subsidised Starbucks and food outlets offering a variety of dining options
• Free breakfast provided daily for all staff members
• Our shared purpose - We believe in transforming the lives of both our learners and staff
• Employees can enrol on a Barnsley College course of their choice free of charge, supporting both professional and personal development (subject to approval)
The Barnsley College Advantage
When you join us, you can expect to benefit from The Barnsley College Advantage. This is the advantage of:
• Being supported to achieve your personal and professional goals
• A range of flexible working opportunities
• Autonomy, Empowerment and Accountability
• Short- and Long-Term development commitments
• Access to experiencing work in a range of areas
• Working in a Value and Behaviour led organisation
• Reward and Recognition
• Having your voice heard at every level
• Comprehensive Wellbeing Support
Closing date for applications is Sunday 1st November 2026. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early depending on the level of interest.
Applicants must have the right to work in the UK and be able to demonstrate this at the point of appointment. Please note that we are unable to offer Skilled Worker visa sponsorship for this position.
Barnsley College is committed to creating a dynamic and diverse workforce and welcomes applications from all candidates regardless of their gender, disability, age, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or faith. Disabled applicants who meet the minimum essential criteria will be guaranteed an interview. The College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure from DBS.
Please be aware that it is a Criminal offence to apply for this post if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity in connection to children.
We are committed to sustainability, embedding environmentally responsible practices across everything we do and preparing our learners for a low carbon future. Find out more about our approach: View our Sustainability Strategy