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- Tasks: Lead and develop the Foundation Year Programme, ensuring a top-notch academic experience for students.
- Company: Lancaster University, a vibrant institution committed to diversity and excellence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, responsibility allowance, and potential for salary increment based on performance.
- Why this job: Shape the future of students and enhance their transition to degree-level study.
- Qualifications: Must hold an academic contract and have leadership experience in higher education.
- Other info: Join a supportive community that values equality and diversity.
The predicted salary is between 48822 - 56535 £ per year.
Location: Bailrigg, Lancaster, UK (occasional travel to Preston).
Salary: £48,822 to £56,535 plus responsibility allowance of £2,000 per annum.
Closing Date: Friday 10 April 2026
Interview Date: To be confirmed
Reference: 0147-26
Note: This role is only available to current employees of Lancaster University.
Role Overview
We are seeking to appoint a Head of Foundation Year Programmes on a 0.4 FTE basis for an initial term of three years, renewable on performance. The position involves developing and maintaining our foundation year portfolio, currently offered in partnership with Cardinal Newman College, Preston (domestic students) and the INTO International Study Centre (international students).
Key Responsibilities
- Serve as the primary academic contact between the University and its partners.
- Ensure all students receive a high-quality academic experience preparing them for entry to relevant Lancaster degree programmes, including chairing Academic Management Boards that bring together key stakeholders.
- Collaborate with departments to develop transition plans that ease students into their degree-level study.
- Act as an ambassador for the programmes, supporting recruitment activities and promoting them to external audiences.
- Work on a secondment basis, dedicating 0.4 FTE of your time to these duties, with a responsibility allowance of £2,000 per annum.
- At the end of your term, excellent performance may be rewarded with an additional increment to your substantive salary.
Qualifications
- Currently hold an academic contract in a relevant discipline.
- Experience in higher education academic leadership and partnership coordination.
- Strong communication, stakeholder management, and programme development skills.
Application Procedure
Applications are accepted through the Lancaster Jobs portal. Submit a letter of no more than two pages explaining why you want the role and how you meet the personal specification, plus a CV. You must receive permission from your Head of Department (or School) to apply. Informal enquiries can be made to Prof. Alisdair A. Gillespie, University Academic Dean (a.gillespie@lancaster.ac.uk).
Equality and Diversity
We warmly welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of their age, religion, gender identity or expression, race, disability or sexual orientation, and are committed to promoting diversity and equality of opportunity.
Head of Foundation Year Programme - 0147-26 employer: Lancaster University
Contact Detail:
Lancaster University Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Foundation Year Programme - 0147-26
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to colleagues and connections within Lancaster University. They might have insights or even inside info about the Head of Foundation Year Programme role that could give you an edge.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the foundation year portfolio and its partnerships. Show us you know your stuff and can hit the ground running in this role!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! As the primary academic contact, you'll need to convey ideas clearly. Consider mock interviews with friends or colleagues to refine your approach.
✨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, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their applications.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Foundation Year Programme - 0147-26
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft Your Cover Letter: Start with a bang! Your cover letter should be a reflection of your passion for the role. Make sure to highlight your relevant experience and how it aligns with the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Tailor Your CV: Don’t just send a generic CV! Tailor it to showcase your academic leadership and partnership coordination skills. Use keywords from the job description to make it clear that you’re the perfect fit for the Head of Foundation Year Programme.
Get Permission First: Before you hit 'apply', remember to get the green light from your Head of Department. It’s a crucial step, so don’t skip it! This shows respect for your current role and ensures you’re on the right track.
Apply Through Our Website: Make sure to submit your application through the Lancaster Jobs portal. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Lancaster University
✨Know Your Programme Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the Foundation Year Programme and its objectives. Familiarise yourself with the current partnerships, especially with Cardinal Newman College and INTO International Study Centre. This will help you articulate how you can enhance the academic experience for students.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head of Programme, you'll need to demonstrate strong leadership abilities. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led teams or projects in higher education. Highlight your stakeholder management skills and how you've collaborated with various departments to achieve common goals.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving and decision-making skills. Think about potential challenges in managing the Foundation Year Programme and how you would address them. Practising these scenarios will help you respond confidently during the interview.
✨Engage with Your Interviewers
Remember, interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the role and the university's vision for the Foundation Year Programme. This shows your genuine interest and helps you gauge if the position aligns with your career goals.