Head of Subject Area (Computing, Health & Life Sciences)

University of the West of Scotland – London Campus

Full time: 35 hours per week

Contract type: Permanent

The post: Head of subject area (Computing, Health & Life Sciences)

The London Campus of the University of the West of Scotland (UWS) has been a runaway success story, having seen student numbers grow from around 20 in its first year, to now standing around 3,500 full time students only 7 years later. The key to our success is that every decision made within UWS, is made with the student’s best interest being our number one priority. 

The London campus is a truly diverse environment, which welcomes students and staff from all over the world. We pride ourselves in having created a welcoming supportive and friendly environment for all who chose to study or work with us.

Our London campus team operate from high grade, modern offices which benefit from excellent transport links, served by two DLR stations within a five-minute walk, plus stops on the Underground and Elizabeth Line 15 minutes away on foot at Canning Town.

We are currently looking to attract an experienced and passionate academic to work as a Head of Subject Area (HoSA) - Computing, Health & Life Sciences. The HoSA is a key leadership and management role with a pivotal role in helping shape the current and future agenda in UWS London. The HoSA will work closely with the Dean of London Campus to provide academic leadership integrating high quality education, research, knowledge exchange and external engagement activities for the successful delivery of the university strategy.

We are seeking a high performing individual with substantial leadership experience in higher education. This role presents an exciting opportunity to a highly experienced Director of Programmes, Director of Study or Head of Programme Management that is looking for their next step or a Head of Department/Subject Area who aspires to lead a growing, diverse and highly dynamic team. Line management experience is essential as are academic qualifications and experience in one of the cognate areas of the Subject Area and on campus presence.

As HoSA you will have devolved responsibility from the Dean of London Campus for the line management of academics in the Subject Area; through strong leadership you will maximise people potential and engagement across the full range of academic activities. You will have academic experience in one of the cognate areas of the Subject Area and will be able to plan, manage and lead the development of academic activity and quality in teaching, research, external engagement, knowledge exchange and internationalisation in the London Campus.

Areas of focus will include:

• Line managing all staff within the Subject Area
• Leading on curriculum and course design, teaching and learning plans for the designated Subject Area
• Leading on designing innovative teaching and learning
• Further development of our high-performance culture
• Developing and managing relationships with other areas of the University and external partners and stakeholders
• Shaping our on-campus activities to create an outstanding student experience

About us

UWS has had a presence in London since 2015, and our London provision has generated significant interest and seen student numbers grow dramatically over recent years. UWS London Campus, close to one of the world’s biggest financial capitals, is an exciting and vibrant place to work and study offering flexible technology-rich working and learning spaces with panoramic views of Docklands and Canary Wharf.

The London Campus - UWS London

UWS was named Higher Educational Institution of the Year in The Herald Higher Education Awards 2022 and is officially ranked by Times Higher Education in the top 600 universities worldwide (2022 World University Rankings) as well as in the top 150 universities worldwide under 50 years old (2022 Young University Rankings). University of the West of Scotland is one of Scotland’s largest and most dynamic modern universities. Our reach across the country, together with our London campus, means that UWS is a significant force in global knowledge creation, innovation, and a leading provider of undergraduate, postgraduate and research degree education. Our degrees provide students with a transformational experience; equipping them with highly sought-after graduate skills that set them up for global success in world-leading sectors, industries and businesses.

With cutting-edge courses, modern pedagogy and practical knowledge, we enable our students and staff to experience the joy of learning, teaching, research and innovation, and apply their knowledge for the benefit of others.

We offer our staff a caring and supportive environment, across five campuses, and a competitive benefits package which includes:

• 35 days of annual leave, plus a further 12 days for public/university holidays
• An additional day’s leave on your birthday
• 23% employer’s pension contribution, including death in service benefits on joining the pension scheme
• A flexible approach to working pattern and work-life balance
• Employee discount scheme across 3,500 retailers
• Access to a range of health and wellbeing resources, including occupational health, physiotherapy and access to our Employee Assistance Programme
• Professional, career and research development opportunities.

To be considered for this role please apply with a CV and a Cover Letter (preferably as the one document) highlighting how your skills and experience satisfy the essential requirements of the post. If you are unable to do so, please send your cover letter to jobs@uws.ac.uk.

Screening calls with longlisted applicants: 2^nd/3^rd September 2024

Interviews date: Thursday, 12^th September 2024

The University reserves the right to shorten/extend the closing date of any position where a high/low volume of suitable applications are received. Therefore, if you are interested in this role, an early application would be encouraged.

UWS is committed to equality and diversity and welcomes applications from underrepresented groups.

UWS is a “Disability Confident” employer.

University of the West of Scotland is a registered Scottish charity, no. SC002520.