Employed
Are you passionate about shaping the next generation of acupuncture practitioners? We’re looking for an inspiring and experienced Course Lead to guide our BSc (Hons) Acupuncture programme as we evolve into a new blended model of delivery.
Employment Type: Employed, full or part-time (negotiable)
Location: Within easy travelling distance of York (on-site presence required)
Salary: £40,622 FTE with potential for increase after 6 months
Reports to: The Principal
Contract: Permanent (subject to probation)
The NCA is a small independent teaching institution and educational charity, focused on excellence in the education and training of practitioners of acupuncture and Chinese medicine. The College is based in a large townhouse in the centre of York with excellent facilities and transport links. We operate acupuncture teaching clinics in York, Northwich and London providing high standards of clinical training for our students and subsidised acupuncture treatment for local communities. The College is registered with the Office for Students and validated by the Health Sciences University.
BSc Acupuncture
The NCA’s acupuncture course was established in 1988 and is accredited by the British Acupuncture Accreditation Board, leading to membership of the British Acupuncture Council (BAcC) which is on the accredited register of the Professional Standards Authority. Our degree and accreditation status ensures we maintain high quality in both professional and higher education standards. A new blended design of our popular programme is due to start in autumn 2026 and offers the benefits of online learning without compromising the need for hands-on teaching and clinical experience. In combination with our regional clinical hubs, our new course provides students with a flexible and effective route to becoming a professional acupuncturist.
Benefits of working at NCA:
• Working with an experienced and committed professional team.
• Up to 33 days annual leave (pro rata) including bank holidays.
• Subsidised treatment in our Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine clinics.
• Support with personal and professional development. We’re committed to supporting the wellbeing and development of our staff.
• Membership of the NCA Practitioner Hub.
• Access to discounts for working at an education facility.
• On-site parking in city-centre York.
• Opportunities to contribute to the development and progression of the College.
The Acupuncture Course Lead provides leadership for our highly regarded BSc Acupuncture course working collaboratively with:
• The teaching faculty, including the lead lecturers, sessional tutors and clinical supervisors
• The Student Services Manager, managing administrative student enquiries, registry requirements and feedback and evaluation processes
• The Acupuncture Clinic Director, responsible for the clinical learning experience for students, clinic policies and procedures, the curriculum for clinical modules, academic quality assurance for the clinic and managing the clinical teachers and supervisors’ teams.
• The Student Support Officer, providing pastoral support, information and advice to individual students, with a particular focus on specific learning differences, and information and training for staff.
• The Module Leaders, responsible for module delivery and assessment, liaising on module design and delivery, student progress and support needs.
Essential skills and experience
• Experienced acupuncturist with a qualification at degree level
• Teaching experience in higher education
• Places value in leadership through facilitating and collaborating
• Good organisation and planning skills
• IT proficiency and experience of online delivery of teaching and learning
• Excellent standard of communication skills
• Strong commitment to supporting students’ education
Desirable skills and experience
• PGCert HE or equivalent or willingness to work towards qualification
• Member of BAcC or equivalent and willing to gain membership
• Experience working in higher education management
• Practitioner of Chinese Medicine
• Strong academic background in the delivery of a clinical programme
Key Responsibilities
1. Staff leadership and performance management:
• Provide line management for the faculty
• Manage performance feedback and appraisals
• Oversee staff recruitment, training and induction
2. Academic course management and curriculum development:
• Manage overall course delivery and administration
• Facilitate curriculum review and development
• Ensure resource efficiency and budgetary control
3. Expertise in teaching, learning and assessment:
• Deliver effective teaching sessions, utilising subject expertise in one or more of the following:
• Chinese medicine systems theory and practice
• Conventional (Western) functions of the body in health and disease
• Personal and professional development
• Clinical practice and management
• The mechanisms of acupuncture
4. Formal academic governance and policy adherence:
• Chair key course committees (e.g. Boards of Study, Student Progress Committee).
• Ensure maintenance of quality assurance, accreditation and validation.
• Ensure alignment with the UK Higher Education regulatory framework.
5. Student welfare, guidance, and recruitment support:
• Act as academic advisor/personal tutor, offering guidance and support.
• Facilitate appropriate referrals for students needing additional support.
• Participate in student recruitment activities (e.g., interviews, open days).
• Contribute subject expertise to marketing content.
The Acupuncture Course Lead role involves the ability to delegate tasks to other members of the team.
Application process: Please upload a covering letter explaining why you are interested in the role, along with your CV and two referees.
If you have any questions or would like to hear more about the job or the college, please email hr@nca.ac.uk to arrange an online or in-person meeting with Harriet Lansdown, Interim Principal.
Closing date: Wednesday 7th January 2026.
Interview invitations sent by: Friday 9th January 2026.
Interviews held: Tuesday 20th January 2026, in person at the College (with possibility for online interview in exceptional circumstances only)
To apply for this position, please fill in the information below.