Head of School of Art, Design and Architecture

Based within the Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Business, the School of Art, Design and Architecture (ADA) offers high quality, student-centred degrees, postgraduate programmes and research opportunities relevant to today’s cultural, creative, architectural and design-related industries. Students of the School gain skills and experience for their future careers, working across themes such as sustainable practice and ‘future screen’ digital and AI. The School has a growing international profile, with collaborations across the Far East, South America and Europe.

Students learn through hands-on projects with experienced practitioners who are experts in their field and join an intellectually stretching multidisciplinary learning community. In all areas there is a fundamental commitment to practice-based working and supporting students to develop as independent critical thinkers and practitioners. The School inspires a collaborative spirit through close-knit studios and invaluable opportunities to work on real-world live briefs with disciplines across the School and University.

At the University of Plymouth, innovation is at the core of our ethos – whether it's in teaching or research. We're dedicated to maintaining the highest standards in everything we do, where innovation isn't just encouraged, it's expected.

Our mission at the University is clear: advancing knowledge, transforming lives. This commitment is reflected in our inventive teaching methods, world-class research clusters, and dedication to inclusivity and social equity. We strive to support and empower our students to unlock their full potential.

The Head of School is an opportunity build upon the School’s past accomplishments and to shape its future at an exciting time, with a new structure, new immersive and virtual production programme initiatives, new research groups, and on a path for an Athena Swan Silver award. Reporting to the Executive Dean, you'll have the responsibility of setting the school's vision and direction. Approachable and visible, the Head of School is required to bring confident leadership amidst a context of rapid change within the University and higher education sector as a whole. Continued research and teaching activity is assumed in line with the role holder's substantive academic post and as agreed with the Executive Dean.

Join a vibrant international community driving artistic innovation and academic excellence! The School of Art, Design & Architecture is rapidly expanding its global presence, with partnerships spanning the Far East, South America, and Europe. Our focus on practice-based learning empowers students to become confident and collaborative critical thinkers and practitioners, with studio work and culture at the core of our approach.

This is a full-time position working 37 hours per week, the role will be for five years initially, with the potential to extend for a further two years, at which point you will move to an appropriate substantive post.

Please demonstrate how you meet the essential criteria outlined in the knowledge, qualifications, training and experience elements of the job description in your supporting statement.

For an informal discussion to find out more about the role then please contact Chris Bennewith: by email at [email protected]

Interviews are likely to take place week commencing Monday 3 June 2024 and you will be notified if you have been shortlisted or not.

Flexible working options including job share will be considered.

We offer a competitive salary package and a generous pension and holiday scheme. We also offer a range of other benefits, including ongoing development opportunities.

A summary of our comprehensive benefits can be viewed here .

The School of Art, Design and Architecture holds a Bronze Athena SWAN award in recognition of our commitment to advance gender equality in higher education.

The University of Plymouth has a strong interdisciplinary research ethos which is supported by our three strategic Research Institutes; the Marine Institute, the Sustainable Earth Institute, and the Plymouth Institute of Health and Care Research. As a member of our academic community, you’ll be expected to contribute to our recognised research strengths. Working holistically across the University, you will be challenged to innovate, collaborate and deliver impactful research contributions as part of a systems thinking approach to addressing today’s global challenges.

The University of Plymouth is a diverse, welcoming community where everyone makes a difference and is encouraged to bring their whole selves to work. To find out more about our inclusive community, initiatives such as Athena Swan and the Race Equality Charter and our range of benefits / support mechanisms such as flexible working, staff networks and enhanced maternity, paternity & adoption leave please visit our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion webpages

We particularly welcome applicants from under-represented groups such as BAME/BIPOC and LGBT+

Candidate Pack