Head of Psychological Sciences

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-centred 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 Science and the Nutritional Therapy Education Commission. Our activities in psychology benefit from facilities such as an EEG, eye-tracker, biopacs, VR headsets, an observation lab and a forensic investigation lab.

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 Psychological Sciences, we are looking to strengthen our academic staffing through the appointment of a Head of Psychological Sciences (psychology and addiction 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 psychology and addiction studies, focusing on developing and resourcing academic activity with a particular emphasis on 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

This is an exciting opportunity for suitably qualified and experienced candidates who hold a PhD in psychology and have a track record in leadership, research and relevant HE curriculum development and delivery experience. Additionally, candidates are expected to be able to work flexibly and as part of a team and to be prepared to support students in reaching their full potential.

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.

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