Head of Programme / MSc in Gestalt Psychotherapy

A unique opportunity has arisen as we grow and prepare to meet our strategic objectives as set out in our new strategic plan, Central to this is the aim of helping to support The Metanoia Institute transcend barriers and make therapy accessible to every corner of society, using our influence to create impactful and positive change.

We are looking for an exceptional individual to act as our Head of Programme for the MSc in Gestalt Psychotherapy. The Gestalt programme provides a thorough theoretical base to Contemporary Gestalt therapy alongside a scrupulous process of experiential and clinical training. Whilst the professional development of competent practitioners is the focus of the training, creativity, experimentation and enjoyment are also important.

Founded in 1984  The Metanoia Institute was one of the first institutions to offer professional, humanistic oriented programmes in psychotherapy and counselling in the United Kingdom. In 1994 the Institute commenced its longstanding and collaborative relationship with Middlesex University, the degree validating partner. Now, as a mature and successful higher education provider, the Institute is preparing to take on the overall responsibility for these programmes and is progressing an application for Degree Awarding Powers.

 The Role

Providing academic leadership and innovation in learning, teaching and programme development the Head of Programme is crucial in supporting the management and strategic planning processes of programme. They will have overall responsibility for a team of permanent and sessional tutors and provide leadership and guidance ensuring the programme excellence. 

ROLE and RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Supporting the management and strategic planning processes of the Institute.
• Maintain oversight of the recruitment, progression, and outcomes of students.
• Will be instrumental in driving positive student outcomes and PTES and Institutional evaluation survey key performance indicators.
• Line-manage a programme team to ensure the quality of provision and student outcomes.
• Responsible for; programme recruitment and admissions criteria; representation at open events, programme marketing and documentation.
• Provide leadership for learning, teaching and assessment on the programme and lead curriculum development within this modality.
• Provide for the development of student progression, outcomes and awards.
• Provide for the quality assurance standards and enhancement on the programme.
• Provide student advice and guidance.
• Recruit and liaise with external examiners
• Organise timetabling, room bookings and programme handbooks.
• The Head of Programme role may include between c16-20 days of overseeing teaching activity which could include some teaching.
• c16-20 student facing days, teaching group responsibility when necessary, marking and second marking.
• Overseeing all moderation processes and dealing with informal stages of complaints and fitness to practice processes.
• Lead the innovative design, development and delivery of high-quality programmes of study at various levels.
• Ensure that course design and delivery comply with the Institute’s, professional body and OfS’s expectations and regulations.
• Regularly review and update programme content and teaching materials, ensuring that they remain relevant and compliant with quality standards and regulatory bodies requirements. Remain aware of advances in the subject area and ensure that these are reflected in outstanding programme content.
• Set, mark, and assess coursework and examinations; select appropriate assessment instruments and assessment criteria; provide constructive and comprehensive feedback to students.
• Demonstrate leadership in the area of assessment to programme team.
• Actively maintain an understanding of appropriate and outstanding practice and pedagogy in the subject area and provide advice on study skills and the use of technology in learning and teaching to students and staff.
• Undertake and complete administrative duties required in the professional delivery of teaching and to support Registry and Academic Services in fulling their compliance requirements.
• Undertake academic advising duties and provide first-line support for students, including those relating to sensitive issues. Provide leadership in safeguarding processes and monitoring fitness to practice within the programme.
• Adopt an approachable, non-discriminatory and inclusive attitude towards staff and students. Value and promote diversity and equality in learning and teaching.
• Work in a collaborative and inclusive style with other members of the Institutes workforce in order to deliver the institutes strategic and educational plans.
• Any other duty as reasonably requested by their line manager

ESSENTIAL SKILLS and EXPERIENCE:

• A Master’s degree or equivalent clinical qualification in the modality.
• Registration as a UKCP Registered Psychotherapist
• Qualification as a Supervisor
• Excellent interpersonal skills, with the proven ability to engage with students and staff using a variety of different methods
• Excellent presentation skills, with the proven ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with students, colleagues and external audiences.
• Significant experience of high-quality teaching at undergraduate and postgraduate level.
• Successful experience of leading and developing staff
• Ability to exercise a high degree of innovation and creative problem-solving.
• Advanced level IT skills.
• A willingness to participate in support activities beyond normal management and teaching duties
• Experience of disseminating and implementing relevant policies and practices.
• Flexibility and availability
• Commitment to developing diversity and equality
• Autonomous and self-sustaining, whilst also valuing team effort and enterprise
• Good relationships with all staff and students within the Institute, on an equal basis

To apply, please submit a CV with Cover Letter to hr@metanoia.ac.uk via the 'Apply' button.

To learn more about this position, and to view the job description please visit the Metanoia Institute website: https://www.metanoia.ac.uk/ or to arrange an informal discussion about this role, please email Professor Paul McDermott, Director of Education at paul.mcdermott@metanoia.ac.uk

We believe equality, diversity and inclusion are fundamental to making Metanoia Institute a welcoming, vibrant and successful organisation. We encourage applicants from a range of backgrounds because having a diverse workforce opens up a wealth of possibilities, makes us more creative and accelerates our impact on society.