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: Dynamic environment with opportunities for professional growth and collaboration.
- 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)
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.
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!
- 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.
Closing Date: Tuesday 10th March
Interview Dates: Wednesday 18th / Thursday 19th March (On‑Line)
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.
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 (PG) in Newcastle upon Tyne employer: Arden University
Contact Detail:
Arden University Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Department in Criminology and Criminal Justice (PG) in Newcastle upon Tyne
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the criminology and criminal justice field. Attend events, webinars, or even local meet-ups to get your name out there and learn about potential opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Arden University and its values. Understand their approach to digital education and student experience so you can align your answers with what they’re looking for.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Be ready to discuss your experience in managing teams and driving academic success. Use specific examples that highlight your ability to enhance student outcomes.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, you’ll be part of our mission to make education accessible for everyone.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Department in Criminology and Criminal Justice (PG) in Newcastle upon Tyne
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Head of Department role. Highlight your experience in Criminology and Criminal Justice, and show how your leadership skills align with our values at Arden University.
Showcase Your Passion: We want to see your enthusiasm for enhancing student experiences and outcomes. Share specific examples of how you've driven innovation in curriculum design or improved teaching practices in your previous roles.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and structure your thoughts logically. This will help us quickly understand your qualifications and fit for the role.
Apply Early!: Don’t wait until the last minute to submit your application. We encourage you to apply through our website as soon as possible to avoid missing out on this exciting opportunity!
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 in relation to 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, particularly in managing academic teams. Think about times when you've successfully 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 at the end of your 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.