Job Description

Personal Academic Tutor

Department: Academics

Location: UKMC Sunderland Campus

Position Type: Permanent, Full-Time

Working Hours: 37.5 hours per week

Working Pattern: Monday to Friday with occasional weekend working

Reports To: PAT Manager

UK Management College (UKMC) is a growing higher education provider offering a range of business-focused and professional programmes. Our focus is on delivering practical, career-driven education that prepares students for real opportunities in industry. We work with experienced academics, established professionals, and industry partners to ensure our courses remain relevant, supportive, and high quality.

The Personal Academic Tutor plays a key role in supporting student retention, progression, and satisfaction by providing first-hand academic and pastoral support. This is a student-centred role designed to coordinate and respond to the varied needs of students across their study journey and may include the delivery of workshops and other teaching-related activities.

The postholder will act as an advisor and point of contact for students, working as a bridge between students, teaching staff, admissions, and student support services. The role is office-based and involves regular face-to-face engagement with students in a busy and fast-paced campus environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide guidance to students regarding academic and support services available to them.
• Engage and motivate students, fostering confidence and enthusiasm for learning.
• Support students in building relationships with peers and staff, promoting belonging and engagement.
• Enable students to take responsibility for their learning, progression, and achievement.
• Develop and deliver teaching and learning support through lectures, tutorials, workshops, and online sessions where required.
• Monitor student progress and attendance, providing timely advice on study skills and performance.
• Analyse student difficulties and recommend immediate support or referral to appropriate services.
• Provide basic academic support inside and outside the classroom.
• Support students with submission deadlines, mitigating circumstances, and academic regulations.
• Maintain accurate records of student contact in line with GDPR and institutional policies.
• Work closely with student support teams to create a multi-dimensional support framework.
• Liaise with academic staff regarding non-submission and student retention processes.
• Proactively identify and escalate risks to student experience or institutional reputation.
• Actively participate in enrolment and induction activities.
• Act as an advocate for students where appropriate and contribute to reference requests.
• Comply with Equality, Diversity, Safeguarding, and Health & Safety policies.
• Undertake continuous professional development to support the role.

Knowledge & Experience

• Minimum 1 year’s experience in a higher education teaching or academic support environment.
• Experience in tutoring or providing academic support to students.
• Understanding of academic regulations, mitigating circumstances, and student progression processes.
• Awareness of evidence-based teaching and learning practice.
• Experience working collaboratively with academic and professional services staff.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from a UK-recognised university.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Strong problem-solving and student-focused approach.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Flexible, approachable, and professional manner.
• Strong organisational and record-keeping skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a busy and fast-paced environment.
• Commitment to safeguarding, confidentiality, and equality of opportunity.