Programme Director, International Foundation Programme

Joining the departmental Executive team, you will work with the Director of Warwick Global Academy/Head of Department and the Director of Education/Deputy Head of Department to lead the launch of the newly revised Warwick International Foundation Programme (IFP) and lead on the development and launch of variants of the IFP. Sitting on the Executive Group will allow the postholder to implement prior leadership and change experience, contributing to the strategic direction and effective operation of the department as a whole.

The successful candidate will join a dynamic and expanding team where they will:

• Innovate and Lead: Develop and reposition our existing programmes while spearheading new initiatives in collaboration with senior leadership.
• Inspire Academic Excellence: Lead and manage academic teams, ensuring high-quality teaching and an outstanding student experience with excellent outcomes for students.
• Drive Strategic Initiatives: Work closely with our Director of Education to implement cutting-edge educational strategies and quality processes.
• Foster a Collaborative Environment: Promote a collegial atmosphere that encourages team cohesion and interdisciplinary collaboration across the department and wider university.
• Advance Scholarship: Engage in the scholarship of Teaching and Learning, leading your teams and disseminating insights within and beyond the department.

This role offers an exciting opportunity to influence the academic journey of Warwick students while contributing to the growth and success of the department. You will have significant experience from within the UK HE sector of leading and directing international foundation programmes. You will also have experience of developing existing programmes and/or writing new programmes within the outlined portfolio. You will be able to demonstrate the ability to effectively lead, manage and inspire an academic team, drive both quality and innovation in academic delivery and respond to the rapidly changing international education environment. You will have a proven track record of delivering high-quality teaching to international students on international foundation year programmes, with innovative, evidence-based learning and teaching practices at its core. Additionally, your expertise should encompass digital teaching methods and a strong understanding of teaching diverse student populations.

Enhanced DBS with children’s barred list.

As a department we are growing, and this is an exciting time to join us. We have considerable experience in preparing and equipping international students to succeed in their academic studies and through our various programmes have enabled thousands of students from across the globe to progress onto degree studies. We focus on providing largely international students with the language, knowledge and skills they need to succeed on their degree programmes.

This is currently done through our well-respected Warwick International Foundation Programme along with our established Pre-Sessional programme and a revised In-Sessional offer (AEEP) to be launched 2026/7. In addition, we run the Warwick Pre-Summer School, the Warwick Summer School and have a short course offer. We are entering a period of growth and enhancement following our strategy development process and in line with the Faculty of Social Sciences Connect programme. As a result, we are launching a revised IFP curriculum and are diversifying the offer to include an Open IFP, a 4-year degree with integrated IFP. In addition, we are exploring offshore IFP and Pre-Masters delivery opportunities along with short course opportunities in Europe.

As a department we are constantly reviewing our activities with the view to improving the experience and outcomes for our students and our staff. We work to align with university-wide initiatives and strategies and along with the wider university, have been contributing to the refresh of the institutional Education and Student Engagement strategy.

As well as opportunities within the department, the University of Warwick also offers a rich array of opportunities to engage and develop as a teaching-focused academic. Our expansion and development plans align with the wider university strategic direction and we look forward to receiving applications from those with strong sector expertise who can work with us to direct our programmes and activities in this next phase.

30 days annual leave, plus 8 statutory days and 4 shut down days over Christmas. Staff training. Free eye care vouchers. Discounts at Warwick Arts Centre and Warwick Sport Membership. Access to our Employee Assistance Programme, a complete support network that offers expert advice and guidance 24/7.