At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and innovate in Criminology and Criminal Justice education, enhancing student experiences.
- Company: Join Arden University, a forward-thinking institution committed to accessible education.
- Benefits: Enjoy 30 days holiday, private medical insurance, and free courses for you and your family.
- Other info: Remote working with opportunities for career growth in a dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Be a driving force in shaping future criminologists and criminal justice professionals.
- Qualifications: Master's degree in relevant field and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 59660 - 70507 £ per year.
Salary: £59,660 - £70,507 per annum
Employment type: Permanent
Hours per week: 37
Reporting into: Head of School - Criminology, Criminal Justice and Law
Department: Criminology and Criminal Justice (PG)
This role operates primarily on a remote working arrangement that will require little to no travel into our Coventry head office or campus locations. Our working model arrangements are a non-contractual benefit so please note that an Arden work location is added to our employment contracts.
About Arden University:
We are an aspirational and multi-award-winning university, delivering rapid growth with ambitious plans to disrupt the HE sector through our passion for innovation and digital education. Our vision is to become the first-choice university for career-focused lifelong learners worldwide, ensuring that everyone, everywhere can access higher education. There has never been a more exciting time to join Arden University, as we expand into new disciplines, forge worldwide partnerships, and expand our locations.
About our Department:
Our Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice (Postgraduate Programmes) is a dynamic academic community with deep expertise across criminology, law enforcement and criminal justice practice. Our team is committed to digital innovation, teaching excellence, and building strong industry and employer links to ensure students graduate with the skills and confidence to succeed in criminal justice careers.
About the Opportunity:
We are looking for a student-centred Head of Department to lead our Postgraduate Criminology and Criminal Justice provision. This is an exciting opportunity for an academic leader who is passionate about enhancing student experience, student outcomes, and driving innovation in curriculum design and delivery.
In this role, you will:
- Lead the delivery of outstanding teaching, feedback, and assessment practices that underpin student success.
- Develop engaging, inclusive, and intellectually stretching course content and digital learning resources.
- Drive exceptional outcomes in continuation, completion, progression, and graduate employability.
- Line manage Senior Lecturers and potentially other academic staff, fostering a collaborative and high-performing culture.
- Recruit, support, and develop exceptional academic talent within the department.
- Contribute to teaching and academic activities aligned to your expertise.
- Represent Arden University at internal and external events, and collaborate with colleagues to enhance our academic portfolio.
About You:
We are looking for an experienced academic with strong leadership abilities and a deep understanding of Criminology, Criminal Justice, and the wider Higher Education landscape.
Essential criteria:
- Master's degree in Criminology, Criminal Justice, or a related Social Science discipline.
- Recognised HE teaching qualification and/or Fellowship (PGCert HE, FHEA, SFHEA, PFHEA, QTLS/QTS).
- Relevant industry or professional experience related to criminal justice or criminology.
- Proven ability to lead and develop academic teams to deliver high-quality teaching, learning, and research.
- Strong leadership, people management, and motivational skills.
- A track record of successfully leading academic programmes with strong student experience, student outcomes, and TEF-aligned performance.
Desirable:
- A PhD or equivalent Level 8 qualification.
- Management or leadership training/qualification.
Why Arden:
At Arden, you will become a part of a passionate and dedicated team who are committed to removing unnecessary barriers to learning and making education more accessible. Our people work hard to ensure our students' journeys are the best they can possibly be, as such we want to reward our people with fantastic benefits. Employees benefit from:
- 30 days holiday + bank holidays on-top, and even a Christmas closure
- A generous Aviva pension plan, company contributions starting from 7%
- SimplyHealth plan option
- Private Medical Insurance
- Access to Perkbox benefits
- Study any Arden course for free, with a discount for all family and friends
- Plus, other excellent benefits
- Our 'Golden Ticket' which allows you to gift anyone in your life a free Arden education
Our Values:
Stand out, Progressive, Accessible, Resourceful, Kindness, reflect who we are as an institution, a team and as individuals. If they also reflect you and you are excited by the chance to be the driving, creative force within a growing business, we want to hear from you. There has never been a more exciting time to join Arden University, as we expand into new disciplines and locations.
Closing Date: Tuesday 10th March
We reserve the right to close this vacancy before the specified closing date should we receive sufficient applications or in order to respond to business needs. In order to avoid missing an opportunity to apply please submit your application as early as possible.
If you are a current Arden student or have an upcoming course with us, you are not eligible to apply for Student Experience roles due to a conflict of interest related to system access.
Equity, Diversity & Inclusion:
Arden University is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer. This means that if you have a disability, as defined by the Disability Equality Act 2010, you may be guaranteed an interview if you meet the essential criteria for the role. If you wish to be considered under this scheme, you can indicate via the application form below. By doing so, you are also consenting for this information to be shared with the hiring team. For more details on what qualifies as a disability under the Disability Equality Act 2010, please refer to the guidance here.
As an Equal Opportunity Employer we celebrate diversity and are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. Therefore, we make sure that our recruitment and selection processes never discriminate based upon people's age, disability, gender, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation, or other personal circumstances, and actively welcome applications from all groups.
Sponsorship statement:
Please be aware that some roles may not meet the points requirement for a sponsored Skilled Worker visa under the points-based immigration system. However, we welcome applications from candidates who do not currently have the right to work in the UK but may be eligible for a visa through an alternative route.
Head of Department in Criminology and Criminal Justice employer: Arden University
Arden University is an innovative and award-winning institution that prioritises accessibility and student success, making it an exceptional employer for those passionate about education. With a strong commitment to employee development, generous benefits including 30 days of holiday, private medical insurance, and opportunities for professional growth, Arden fosters a collaborative and inclusive work culture that empowers its staff to make a meaningful impact in the field of Criminology and Criminal Justice. The remote working arrangement allows for flexibility, ensuring a healthy work-life balance while contributing to a dynamic academic community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Department in Criminology and Criminal Justice
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the criminology and criminal justice field. Attend relevant events, webinars, or even local meet-ups to get your name out there and learn about potential job openings.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Arden University and its values. Understand what makes us tick and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with our mission to enhance student outcomes and drive innovation.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Be ready to share examples of how you've successfully led teams or projects in the past. We love candidates who can demonstrate their ability to inspire and develop others.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our dynamic team at Arden University.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Department in Criminology and Criminal Justice
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in Criminology and Criminal Justice. We want to see how your background aligns with our mission at Arden University, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant skills!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:As a Head of Department, strong leadership is key! Use your application to demonstrate your past experiences in leading teams and driving student success. We’re looking for someone who can inspire and motivate others, so let that shine through.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your achievements and qualifications are easy to read. Avoid jargon unless it’s necessary, and remember, less is often more!
Apply Early!:Don’t wait until the last minute to submit your application. We might close the vacancy early if we find the right candidate, so get your application in as soon as you can through our website. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Arden University
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you have a solid understanding of Criminology and Criminal Justice, especially the latest trends and challenges in the field. Brush up on your knowledge about digital education and how it can enhance student outcomes, as this is a key focus for the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership experience and how you've successfully managed academic teams. Think about specific instances where you've driven innovation in curriculum design or improved student experiences, as these will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Engage with the Values
Familiarise yourself with Arden University's values: Stand out, Progressive, Accessible, Resourceful, and Kindness. Be ready to discuss how these values align with your own beliefs and how you can embody them in your role as Head of Department.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare insightful questions to ask during the interview. This could include inquiries about the department's future plans, how they measure student success, or what support systems are in place for staff development. It shows you're genuinely interested and engaged.
