Assistant Professor, Computing

Job Description

The Heriot-Watt Global College is the academic unit responsible for delivering the Bachelor Degree Accelerator Foundation Programme in Edinburgh, the Foundation Programme in Malaysia, and the Degree Entry Programme in Dubai.

The Foundation Programme in Malaysia is designed to prepare school leavers for entry into undergraduate degree programmes. The curriculum develops students' subject knowledge and academic skills, including academic writing, English language proficiency, critical thinking, assessment techniques, and examination skills.

Heriot-Watt University Malaysia offers Foundation in Science and Foundation in Business programmes, with intakes in January, April, July, and September each year.

Heriot-Watt University Malaysia is seeking to recruit enthusiastic and committed academics to join the Foundation Programme team on a one year fixed-term contract. Successful candidates will have experience teaching in Higher Education at Foundation and/or Undergraduate levels and will be expected to contribute to the delivery of a high-quality learning experience that supports student success.

The role requires close collaboration with colleagues across Heriot-Watt University's global campuses to ensure consistency in academic standards and the continued enhancement of programme delivery. Academic staff may also have opportunities to contribute to teaching within degree programmes across a range of Schools. The post holder will be expected to demonstrate broad knowledge within their discipline and a commitment to academic excellence.

The position is based at the University's campus in Putrajaya, Malaysia. As all programmes are delivered in English, fluency in English is essential.

All new academic staff will participate in an induction programme that introduces Heriot-Watt University's values, academic standards, and teaching practices, while providing practical experience in the preparation, delivery, and assessment of learning.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

1. Undertake teaching and assessment duties for Computing courses and support colleagues in the delivery of courses and other activities in the Foundation in Science and Foundation in Business programmes at Heriot-Watt University Malaysia.

1. Develop relevant materials in appropriate formats for the above programme. Contribute to the content, design and delivery of the curriculum, and the quality of teaching and learning, in consultation with colleagues and within the international structures and mechanisms established by the University. Support the accreditation processes of the MQA.

1. Mentor and supervise students, providing effective, well documented and timely feedback, both formative and summative. Provide pastoral support, recognising when to refer a student for further support. Play a key role in the delivery and support of an excellent student learning and living experience at HWUM. 

    

2. Develop the level of subject expertise in line with latest development in research, and ensure these developments are reflected in teaching materials and methods.

1. Work collaboratively with colleagues in Malaysia, at other campuses, and with external networks both for the exchange of information, to share learning, and to form relationships for future collaboration.

1. Undertake a proactive role in promoting and marketing the University, ensuring the effective recruitment of students and the achievement of recruitment targets. Play a full role in Open Days and other student recruitment events.

1. Undertake administrative tasks associated with programme planning, preparation for examination boards and progression boards, etc, as instructed. Participate in relevant committees.

1. Undertake 40 hours of continuous professional development (CPD) and participate in staff development activities. 

All HWUM staff endeavours will embody our shared values of: Inspire, Collaborate, Belong, and Celebrate. 

Please note that this job description is not exhaustive, and the role holder may be required to undertake other relevant duties commensurate with the grading of the post and its general responsibilities. Activities may be subject to amendment over time as the role develops and/or priorities and requirements evolve.

Person Specification

This section details the attributes e.g. skills, knowledge/qualifications and competencies which are required in order to undertake the full remit of the role.

Education & Qualifications

Essential

• Masters degree in Computing/IT or relevant area

Experience

Essential

• 5 years teaching experience in higher education, preferably inclusive of experience at Foundation or pre-university level in the relevant subject

   

Competencies, Skills & Knowledge

Essential

• Fluent in written and spoken English.
• Ability to apply student-centred learning pedagogies and use of technology in teaching delivery.
• Knowledge of object oriented programming with Java/Python, web development and SQL.

Special Factors

Essential

• Demonstrates both professional and personal integrity.

Essential Criteria – these are attributes without which a candidate would not be able to undertake the full remit of the role.  Applicants who do not clearly demonstrate in their application that they possess the essential requirements will normally be eliminated at the short-listing stage.  

Desirable Criteria – these are attributes which would be useful for the candidate to hold.  When shortlisting, these criteria will be considered when more than one applicant meets the essential criteria.   

Other Relevant Information  

We aim to hold interviews at the Malaysia Campus in Putrajaya on the week of 14 December 2026. 

For more information about Malaysia Campus, please visit http://www.hw.edu.my.  

For information about Purpose-Driven Education, please see our website: https://www.hw.ac.uk/malaysia/about/purpose-driven-education.htm 

Application Process

Applications should be submitted to Careers system.   

Applications must be submitted by 12 December 2026. We may close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applicants. We therefore encourage you to submit your application promptly. If you are not contacted by the selection committee by 18 December 2026 then please assume that on this occasion your application has been unsuccessful. 

The University is committed to equality of opportunity.