IFSA Pre-Sessional Instructor: Public History of Scotland

IFSA Pre-Sessional Instructor: Public History of Scotland since 1707 August-September 2025

Location: Edinburgh

Pay: Competitive

Hours: Part time

Contract Type: Fixed Term / Consultancy Contract

The Institute for Study Abroad (IFSA) is seeking an instructor to teach a course entitled Public History of Scotland since 1707 for an autumn pre-sessional term (August-September) in Edinburgh.

This course introduces a small cohort of second- to fourth-year study abroad students from a California liberal arts college to the history of Scotland from the Act of Union to the present day through the lens of public history. Set to prepare students for an autumn semester as visiting students at the University of Edinburgh the contextually relevant course material explores how key events in Scottish history are remembered represented and debated in public discourse museums monuments and national identity. Students will engage with themes such as contested histories commemoration cultural memory and the role of public institutions in shaping historical narratives.

The course is part of IFSAs commitment to immersive place-based learning and will be taught in person in Edinburgh and include co-curricular activities such as walking tours museum visits and site-based analysis. The instructor will be responsible for delivering around 36 in-person contact hours across the pre-sessional term assessing student work and supporting at least two co-curricular activities that align with the courses learning objectives.

This is an excellent opportunity for faculty postdocs and advanced PhD students with expertise in Scottish history public history or related fields. The successful candidate will have a minimum of a masters degree in a relevant subject and be at least two years into a PhD. Experience teaching in UK and/or US higher education settings is essential. Familiarity with study abroad education and experiential learning is highly desirable.

Session dates: 18th August 5th September 2025

Teaching hours: 12 hours per week over 3 weeks (36 contact hours total). The course will be delivered in three weekly sessions (dates and times to be confirmed). Instructors are also expected to hold one office hour per week.

Please note: Candidates must have the right to work as self-employed in the UK. This post is not eligible for visa sponsorship or PAYE.

Interested applicants should submit a CV and cover letter as soon as possible. Interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

For questions or further information please contact Dr. Madison Rolls Director of Scotland Programmes: mrolls@

Essential Criteria

• At least 2 years of work toward a PhD in a relevant subject area (e.g. History Public History Scottish Studies)
• Experience teaching at university level
• Understanding of teaching principles in a diverse classroom environment
• Commitment to and experience of fostering active learning
• Familiarity with using Virtual Learning Environments
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills

Desirable Criteria

• Recognised teaching qualification (e.g. Fellowship of Advance HE or similar)
• Experience delivering teaching to US study abroad students

• Familiarity with US assessment and degree program structures
• Experience designing and leading co-curricular or experiential learning activities