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Head of Education and Interdisciplinary Studies
School of Human and Social Sciences
Salary:
£61,843 to £69,602
per annum
Release Date:
Monday 18 September 2023
Closing Date:
Monday 02 October 2023
Interview Date:
Wednesday 11 October 2023
Reference:
SHSS055
The University of West London (UWL) is ranked the best modern* university (non-specialist) in London in the Complete University Guide 2023.
We were also named University of the Year for Student Experience and Teaching Quality in The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023, being described by the editor as “regularly among the top-performing universities” and proving that “it is possible for a London-based institution to achieve outstanding levels of student satisfaction beyond other universities”.
*University status awarded in or after 1992
The School
The School of Human and Social Sciences is a multidisciplinary school that empowers and equips students to shape a sustainable, just and healthy society. The School has recently expanded its disciplinary coverage and now delivers a portfolio of education, research and enterprise activity across psychology, criminology, education & early years, forensic science, addiction studies, nutritional therapy, and politics & international relations. The University is committed to the continued growth of the School of Human and Social Sciences with recent investments in portfolio developments, new equipment and staff. Our forecast revenue in 2022/23 is £13.1m.
Our course portfolio leads to awards from foundation level to taught postgraduate and research degrees (including professional doctorates). It reflects a long-standing, institutional commitment to inclusion: most taught courses offer a September and a February intake, while UG courses are accessible via a broad-based foundation year. In 2022/23 we have 1650 students (1330 FTE). We also validate a small number of UG and PG courses delivered internationally.
Offering a high-quality student experience is of paramount importance to us and we have an excellent reputation for student-centered education. In the 2021 NSS we were rated first in London for overall satisfaction in education. We are second in London for forensic science in the 2022 Complete University Guide and fourth in London for psychology in the 2022 Guardian league table. The Guardian also ranks us top nationally for value added in forensic science. Our courses are accredited or recognised by professional bodies such as Addiction Professionals, the British Psychological Society, the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences and the Nutritional Therapy Education Commission. Our activities in criminology and forensic science benefit from facilities including mock crime scene rooms, mock courtroom, and forensic investigation labs.
The curriculum across our course portfolio is underpinned by our developing research and enterprise profile. Most of our academic staff are research active, contributing to submissions to four units of assessment in REF 2021 and contributing to one of the most significant improvements in GPA of any HE institution. In 2022/23 we forecast contract revenue of nearly £650 from business, charities (e.g. the Woodward Charitable Trust), local authorities (e.g. the Office of the Mayor of London) and national government (e.g. the Home Office).
The Role
To support our exciting development and growth aspirations for our Education and Interdisciplinary Studies subject area, we are looking to strengthen our academic staffing through the appointment of a Head of Education and Interdisciplinary Studies. We welcome applications from suitably qualified and experienced candidates who track record of leadership and management and are also able to contribute to research, enterprise and external engagement, alongside curriculum development and delivery.
We are looking for an individual to provide academic leadership and management across the subject area, focusing on developing and resourcing academic activity with a particular emphasis on new course developments, quality assurance and enhancement of the student experience.
The successful candidate will work closely with the Head of School and other Heads of Subject to shape and deliver the strategic plan for the School in line with University strategies, policies and procedures. They will also strengthen our research and enterprise profile through securing funding for and delivering projects, and disseminating findings through presentations and publications and contribute to relevant teaching activities. The precise mix of duties and objectives will be determined on an individual basis.
The Person
You will have a higher degree in a subject relevant to Education or Interdisciplinary Studies and Fellow/Senior Fellow status with the HEA and/or equivalent demonstrable experience/qualification.
The successful candidate will need to have a collegiate and facilitative leadership style which motivates colleagues and gains their trust and respect. You will also have significant curriculum development and Quality Assurance/Enhancement experience. In addition, it is expected that the post holder will have previous experience of the management and leadership of staff, financial planning, strategic planning and academic leadership.
Team working and commitment to excellent student experience are critical components to this post. Experience of delivering strategic change and of supervising doctoral students to completion is desirable.
How to Apply
To apply click on ‘Apply Online’ and fill out the application form. Further information about the application process can be found here: https://jobs.uwl.ac.uk/display.aspx?id=1253&pid=0
Please email hr.recruitment@uwl.ac.uk if you need any assistance with the application process.
Interviews will be held on Wednesday 11 October 2023.
For informal enquiries about the position please contact Dr Jen Mayer, Head of School of Human and Social Sciences: Jen.Mayer@uwl.ac.uk.
Additional Information
Read more about working at the University of West London at https://www.uwl.ac.uk/about-us/how-university-works/why-work-uwl
We welcome applications from individuals who do not have a fellowship of the Higher Education Academy (HEA). Should you be successful and do not hold an HEA fellowship you will be asked to complete one within 2 years of appointment as a condition of your continued employment. Depending on eligibility this may take the form of an advanced Level 7 apprenticeship in teaching which means that you will spend 20% of your work in off-the-job study.
Our department/school is under-represented in terms of staff from BAME (Black, Asian and minority ethnic) backgrounds, of LGBT+ identities, and with disabilities. UWL is committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce, supports the gender equality Athena SWAN Charter, and is a Disability Confident Employer as well as a Diversity Champion for Stonewall, the leading LGBT+ rights organisation. We welcome applications from all sections of the community, particularly those mentioned above to increase diversity in our workforce.
Candidates must be able to demonstrate their eligibility to work in the UK in accordance with the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006.
Please be advised that it is expected that appointment within a grade will normally be at the minimum point.
The University of West London reserves the right to close the role prior to this date should a suitable applicant be found.
Further details: