Head of School (Art,English&Creative Writing, Theatre, Film & Television) in Aberystwyth

The Role

In September 2027, Aberystwyth University will launch a new School that brings together world-leading research and teaching in English and Creative Writing, Theatre, Film and Television Studies, and Art. The development of this new School represents a critically important first step towards reimagining the Faculty of Humanities. The development of the new School provides the ideal platform for the strategic ambitious and innovative development of our teaching and researchportfolio, to maximise the impact of our University in a rapidly changing world.

Aberystwyth prides itself on providing outstanding teaching underpinned by world leading, interdisciplinary research. The new School will provide a full-service delivery across the arts and creative industries, including degree courses in English and Creative Writing, Theatre, Film and Television Studies, and Art, and will be home to internationally-renowned, innovative research work in: creative practice across literature, performance, film, fine art (printmaking, painting, illustration and photography), and curating; the history and theory of film, media and performance; the history of art and visual culture; literature and place; and Welsh writing in English.

We are now seeking a new Head to lead the new School and deliver on the University Strategy. We are looking for an inclusive, strategic and dynamic leader, who will further develop Aberystwyth’s exceptional reputation for teaching and research in the arts and creative industries, and contribute to the leadership of the Faculty of Humanities. It is an exciting time to join AU, and this opportunity provides the chance to make a significant contribution to the success of the University over the coming years. We expect you to have an outstanding academic reputation in a relevant field and a genuine passion for leadership, education and research, alongside a commitment to developing our University as an engine for regional, national and international social and economic growth.

The role will report to the Faculty Pro-Vice Chancellor (Humanities) and will be a member of the Faculty Executive.

What you’ll do

This job description is subject to review and amendment in the light of the changing needs of the University, to provide appropriate development opportunities and/or the addition of any other reasonable duties.

Academic leadership

Working with the Faculty Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Humanities:

• Provide strategic leadership for the School, establishing a senior team to guide, support and inspire its development and successful launch in 2027/28;
• Establish effective academic and management structures to support staff and deliver School objectives.
• Lead performance against Faculty and University targets, maintaining the School’s reputation nationally and internationally.
• Ensure effective use of resources, space and business continuity arrangements.

Finance

• Deliver financial and operational targets and ensure effective resource allocation across the School;
• Ensure compliance with University financial regulations and approved budgets.

Planning

• Develop and deliver School plans ensure they are aligned with Faculty and University priorities;
• Contribute to Faculty strategic planning and decision-making through membership of the Faculty Executive Committee;
• Monitor performance against agreed objectives and key performance indicators, including but not limited to the National Student Survey, Welsh medium teaching and student recruitment.

Teaching and Assessment

• Working with the Assistant Faculty Pro Vice-Chancellor for Education and Student Experience:
• Lead the delivery of high-quality teaching, learning and assessment across all programmes;
• Oversee curriculum development, quality assurance and professional accreditation requirements;
• Ensure an inclusive and supportive learning environment that promotes student success and wellbeing.

Research

• Working with the Assistant Faculty Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research:
• Foster a culture of research excellence, innovation and effective research governance;
• Lead the development of strategic research initiatives, funding opportunities and interdisciplinary collaborations;
• Support high-quality research outputs, REF preparedness and postgraduate research activity;
• Lead enterprise and income-generation activity in support of Faculty priorities.

Student Recruitment

• Working with the Assistant Faculty Pro Vice-Chancellor for Recruitment
• Develop and implement strategies to grow student recruitment across the School’s subject areas;
• Support marketing, recruitment and student experience initiatives to strengthen student outcomes and satisfaction.

Welsh Language Support

• Working with the Assistant Faculty Pro Vice-Chancellor for Welsh
• Ensure appropriate Welsh-medium provision within programmes and modules;
• Support delivery against Welsh Language Standards and University commitments to Welsh-medium education.

Managing People

• Lead, develop and support staff, ensuring effective recruitment, induction, performance management and professional development;
• Promote fair workload allocation, staff engagement and effective communication;
• Foster an inclusive, high‑performing culture that reflects the University’s equality, diversity and Welsh language commitments.

Other Responsibilities

• To undertake health and safety duties and responsibilities appropriate to the post;
• To be committed to the University’s Equal Opportunities and Diversity Policy and Welsh Language Standards, together with an understanding of how they operate within the responsibilities of the post;
• To be committed to your own development and that of your staff through the effective use of the University’s staff development and performance review

Who you are – Qualifications, Experience, Knowledge and Skills required

Essential

Qualifications

• Candidates should have an advanced degree (PhD or equivalent) in an appropriate discipline or appropriate professional qualification.
• Experience or an understanding of the following:
• Demonstrable evidence to lead change effectively.
• A successful track record of academic leadership and management, with the ability to motivate and engage others to deliver high performance.
• Providing effective control of expenditure and a thorough understanding of University’s financial regulations and procedures.
• A commitment to and evidence of a strong contribution to the development of effective Teaching and Learning Strategies.
• An effective contribution to the development of a strong School research environment.
• Proven commitment to research-led teaching.

Knowledge

• An understanding of HE external environment, in terms of sources of both teaching and research funding.

Skills:

• Excellent communication skills. Proven ability to manage and motivate staff at all levels, with evidence of a contribution to the development and performance of colleagues.
• Ability to monitor budgets in conjunction with the Faculty and Finance Office.
• Ability to interpret data and management information and use to support decision making.
• Demonstrable commitment to the University’s mission, vision and values.
• Commitment to ensuring equality and diversity and an inclusive workplace and student experience.

Welsh Language:

Oral (spoken) and Written Welsh Level A1* or evidence to demonstrate an on-going commitment to learn Welsh to this level.

Desirable

• Teaching qualification or equivalent experience.
• Experience of academic policy planning including Welsh medium provision.
• Oral (spoken) and Written Welsh Level C1*.
• * More information on Welsh Language Levels can be found at: aber.ac.uk/en/hr/policy-and-procedure/welshstandards

Benefits

• Flexible working policy
• Hybrid Working
• 36.5 – hour week for full-time roles
• Generous leave entitlements – 27 days annual leave plus bank holidays and university closed days
• Commitment to Professional Development
• Enhanced contribution to our workplace pension schemes
• Staff recognition and reward schemes
• Opportunity to learn the Welsh language for free
• Staff relocation bursary
• Maternity, Paternity, Parental and Adoption Leave
• Staff discount for gym facilities, hospitality, and retail on campus.

Please keep reading

Aberystwyth University generally supports hybrid working, allowing a mix of office-based and remote working for suitable roles to enhance flexibility and productivity. Job descriptions typically detail a primary work location alongside opportunities for flexible, remote, or home-based work, subject to service needs and manager approval.

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and communities and, those that are currently underrepresented in our workforce. This includes but is not limited to Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic candidates, candidates with disabilities, and female candidates.

We are a Bilingual Institution which complies with the Welsh Language Standards and is committed to Equal Opportunities. You are welcome to apply for any vacancy in Welsh or English and any application submitted will be treated equally.

Employment Visa

We welcome international applicants who are eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker Route.

Under the points-based system, this role meets the criteria to be sponsored by AU for an SWR application. Please be advised that AU will only support the Certificate of Sponsorship for any employment visas and will not support the payment of the employment visa for the offered candidate and/or dependants.

Any prospective candidates coming to work for AU under the SWR will require a minimum of 70 points, made up of the following:

Skilled Worker Route Points-Based System Points Meets (Yes / No)

Mandatory / Non-tradeable Criteria (50 points) A job offer from a UK licensed sponsor 20 points Yes

Job is above the minimum sponsorable skill level 20 points Yes

Appointed candidate to have appropriate knowledge of the English language* 10 points Yes

Total = 50 points

Tradeable Criteria (dependent on candidate appointed) Salary meets minimum threshold 20 points

The candidate holds a PhD in a subject relevant to the job 10 points

The candidate holds a PhD in a STEM subject relevant to the job 20 points

The advertised role is on the UK Shortage Occupation List (SOL) 20 points

*Appropriate knowledge is classed as the following:

• A national of a majority English speaking country
• Having an academic degree taught in English (if an overseas degree, must be verified by NARIC)
• Completing and passing an English language test at Level B1 or above.

For more information, please visit: https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa