Learning Designer

Buckinghamshire New University; High Wycombe; Hybrid; GBP 39,000 - 43,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

Generous holiday entitlement

Training & development support

Contributory pension scheme

Free gym membership

Job summary

Buckinghamshire New University is seeking a Learning Designer to lead and support the design, development and enhancement of high-quality learning experiences across online, hybrid, work-based and personalised programmes at the Teaching Excellence Academy.

You will work with academic teams and SMEs to embed learning design principles that support positive student outcomes, while ensuring accessibility and inclusion across delivery modes.

Qualifications

• Degree level qualification or equivalent professional experience in a relevant field (education, digital learning, instructional design).
• Evidence of ongoing professional development in learning design or pedagogy (A).
• Fellowship or CMALT recognition (A).
• Experience building blended/online learning in higher education or similar setting (A/I).
• Experience working with SMEs and delivering staff training in learning design (A/I).
• Strong understanding of accessibility, usability, copyright and inclusive design (A/I).

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with academic teams/SMEs to design programmes and learning activities across flexible provisions.
• Translate learning outcomes into inclusive, coherent experiences for online, blended and in-person delivery.
• Lead workshops and consultations on learning design with academics.
• Develop high-quality online materials using institutional platforms and content tools.
• Provide templates and guidance to support accessible learning design.
• Ensure compliance with policies and external quality frameworks in learning design.

Skills

Learning design

Blended learning

Workshop delivery

VLE / LMS

Accessibility & inclusion

Communication

Project management

Education

Degree in education / digital learning

Fellowship or CMALT

Tools

VLE/LMS

H5P

Articulate Rise/Storyline

Microsoft Office

Job description

£38,784 - £43,482 We’re not trying to fit in with the higher education status quo. We’re challenging it. We’re doing things differently - because our students, our staff, and our world need us to.

Full Time - Permanent - High Wycombe Salary - £38,784 - £43,482 We’re not trying to fit in with the higher education status quo. We’re challenging it. We’re doing things differently - because our students, our staff, and our world need us to.

So this is an exciting moment to join us. We’re boldly reimagining what a university can be: a place rooted in social mobility, a community where difference is celebrated, and an institution that empowers people to become more than they thought possible.

Job Description

Part of the BNU Teaching Excellence Academy, this role will lead and support the design, development and enhancement of high-quality learning experiences across online, flexible, work based and personalised programmes. Working collaboratively with academic teams and subject matter experts (SMEs) to create online and blended courses, to embed appropriate learning design principles to support positive student outcomes

What We Offer:

• a generous holiday entitlement (30 days per annum, plus bank holidays & closure days)
• Hybrid working (dependent on business needs)
• training & development support opportunities
• contributory pension scheme
• free gym membership for our on-site gym
• a range of staff discounts with major retailers.

If you have the qualities and attributes representative of the University’s values and ambition, we would be delighted to hear from you.

For further information about this role please contact Puiyin Wong, [e-mail]

We are committed to promoting an inclusive and diverse workplace and aim to continue building an environment where everyone thrives and can be themselves.

Please let us know if you require any adjustments or support during the recruitment process. We are happy to discuss any reasonable adjustments that would enable you to perform to the best of your abilities in your role. Please reach out to Puiyin Wong, [e-mail] if you have any specific needs or if you would like more information on how we can support you

We ensure that our interview/shortlisting Chairs complete the relevant e-learning and/or inclusive recruitment training.

If you’re considering using AI to support your application, we encourage you to question the value it adds. The use of AI tools sometimes erodes authenticity and prevents us from being able to assess the real you. We strongly recommend you prepare your application using your own skills and knowledge and that AI is only used for the purpose of review.

Closing Date: 13 Sept 2026

Interview Date: w/c 28 September 2026

If you are invited to interview for this role, you will need to provide evidence of your eligibility to work in the UK and if on a visa, current visa and status. Sponsorship is dependent on the salary level of the position.

BNU is a Disability Confident employer and as such you will be given the opportunity to declare a disability as part of the application process.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Title: Learning Designer

College/Directorate: Teaching Excellence Academy

Grade: G

Location: High Wycombe

Hours: 37

Responsible to: Senior Academic Lead for Digital Education

Responsible for: N/A

Job Purpose: Part of the BNU Teaching Excellence Academy, this role will lead and support the design, development and enhancement of high--quality learning experiences across online, flexible, work based and personalised programmes. Working collaboratively with academic teams and subject matter experts (SMEs) to create online and blended courses, to embed appropriate learning design principles to support positive student outcomes

Main Duties & Responsibilities Of The Role:

• Work collaboratively with academic teams/subject matter experts (SMEs) to design programmes, modules and learning activities for flexible, hybrid, work based and personalised provision.
• Translate learning outcomes into engaging, inclusive and coherent learning experiences across multiple delivery modes including fully online, blended and in-person.
• Deliver learning design workshops and consultations with academics (e.g., ABC, storyboarding, constructive alignment mapping).
• Lead the development of high quality online learning materials using institutional platforms (e.g., VLE/LMS, content authoring tools, video platforms).
• Provide guidance, templates and exemplars to support effective learning design across in-person and online provision, including accessibility and inclusion.
• Ensure learning design implementation aligns with institutional policies, external quality frameworks, and professional body requirements where relevant.
• Work collaboratively with SMEs to apply learning design principles in their disciplinary context
• Evaluate learning design outputs using appropriate methodologies and recommend enhancements.
• Manage learning design activities independently, ensuring delivery against agreed timelines and accessibility standards.
• Conduct editorial review and user acceptance testing of outputs prior to final delivery for quality assurance
• Contribute to wider educational development initiatives, pilots and innovation projects.
• Comply with relevant legislative and other requirements (e.g., the Data Protection Act 2018 and GDPR; Health and Safety; UKVI; and Equality and Diversity) in all working practices.
• Such other duties temporarily or on a continuing basis, as may reasonably be required.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

A = Application T = Test I = Interview

Education, Qualifications & Training

Degree level qualification or equivalent professional experience in a relevant field (e.g., education, digital learning, instructional design, media, or related discipline).

A

Evidence of ongoing professional development relevant to learning design, digital learning, or pedagogy.

A

Fellowship or recognition through a relevant professional body (e.g. AdvanceHE, CMALT)

A

Knowledge & Experience

Experience of building effective working relationships with academic and professional services colleagues.

A/I

Experience designing and developing blended, online, or flexible learning in higher education or a comparable professional/educational environment.

A/I

Experience working collaboratively with subject matter experts (SMEs) or disciplinary specialists.

A/I

Experience supporting staff through workshops, consultations or training sessions related to learning design.

A/I

Substantial knowledge of learning design principles and frameworks, digital pedagogy, and/or adult learning theories, with the ability to apply this knowledge to creating inclusive learning experiences

A/I

Good understanding of accessibility, usability, copyright, inclusive design principles (e.g., WCAG guidelines)

A/I

Good working knowledge of Universal Design for Learning or comparable approaches.

A/I

Skills

Experience producing high quality digital learning resources using common tools (such as VLE platforms, H5P, Articulate Rise/Storyline, or multimedia platforms).

A/I

Ability to communicate clearly and persuasively with a wide range of colleagues, including non‑specialists.

A/I

Excellent organisational, planning and project management skills, with the ability to work flexibly to meet multiple deadlines.

A/I

Strong problem solving skills and a proactive approach to identifying creative learning design solutions.

A/I

Ability to work both independently and as part of a collaborative team.

A/I

Digitally able and proficient in Microsoft tools

A/I

Special Requirements

The ability to travel to other BNU campuses subject to operational requirements.

I

Behavioural INDICATORS

The BNU Behaviours Framework (BBF) Is a Framework For All University Staff That Sets Out The Key Behaviours That Exemplify The DRIVE Values And Ethos Of The University. The Nine Categories Provide a Clear Steer On Behavioural Expectations That Will Help Support a Step Change In The Performance And Culture Of The University.

The Three Key Behavioural Indicators For This Post Are As Follows:

Finding solutions

Taking a holistic view and working enthusiastically to analyse problems and to develop workable solutions. Identifying opportunities for innovation.

Embracing change

Being open to and engaging with new ideas and ways of working. Adjusting to unfamiliar situations, shifting demands and changing roles.

Achieving results

Consistently meeting agreed objectives and success criteria. Taking personal responsibility for getting things done.