ABOUT US

At the heart of our Strategy for 2030 and Beyond, it is our mission to enable our students to transform their lives and to achieve their potential. Through our education and research, and the roles our graduates go on to play in the world, we not only support individuals to transform their lives, but we also play a part in transforming society.
Located in the centre of the UK’s second city, we are a university with a long heritage of innovation and of making, dating back to our origins in 1843 when we were founded as the Birmingham Government School of Design.
Our heritage of making through innovation and its application through knowledge exchange, and of creative research and practice, today finds it expression in our STEAM agenda, in our research and enterprise, and in our commitment to challenge-based learning. Working across disciplines, and delivering impactful research and enterprise, interdisciplinarity is at the heart of the continuing transformation of our academic portfolio.

THE ROLE

The Head of Department will lead on delivering all operational outcomes in the School, supporting the Dean of School in aligning departmental and School activities with BCUs ambitious 2030 strategy. The Head of Department will embed all University and School initiatives in their department to ensure the realisation of the University strategy relating to learning and teaching, research and innovation, and the student experience.
The Head of Department will lead on delivering against key metrics and outcomes for their discipline including REF, TEF, and KEF, whilst ensuring the most effective management of financial resources in partnership with the Director of School Operations. Under the direction of the Dean, the Head of Department will support the transforming the culture to one of accountability and capability in the wider School, demonstrating outstanding leadership to engage and motivate all colleagues in the department.
If you are excited by the prospect of joining Birmingham City University at this pivotal moment, please review the Candidate Pack for further details of the role and criteria.
In addition to completing the application process, applicants are asked to upload an up-to-date CV (with publication history where applicable). The selection process for this role is envisaged to take place week commencing 04 August 2025 with the date to be confirmed to shortlisted candidates.
For an informal discussion about the role, please contact our new Dean of School of Law and Social Sciences at liz.smart@bcu.ac.uk