Head of Department of Criminology and Sociology

Salary: £80,000 per annum (Full-Time)
Contract Type: Full Time, Permanent
Interview Date: Week commencing 4 August 2025
Location: Birmingham City University

For almost two centuries, Birmingham City University has shaped thousands of lives. We have helped redefine a city, influenced the region, and impacted further afield. From our roots as the Birmingham Government School of Design, we have forged a formidable history. 

As a teaching-intensive University, our courses are rooted in practice-based learning, and we provide wider support that sets our students up to succeed after graduation. While this is our core focus, we recognise the enduring importance of research and enterprise activity, which is acknowledged within our newly launched strategy, setting us on our path to 2030 and beyond. 

If you can see yourself joining our ambitious journey, then we certainly want to hear from you.

The role

The Head of Department will lead on delivering all operational outcomes in the School, supporting the Dean of School in aligning departmental and School activities with BCUs ambitious 2030 strategy. The Head of Department will embed all University and School initiatives in their department to ensure the realisation of the University strategy relating to learning and teaching, research and innovation, and the student experience. 

The Head of Department will lead on delivering against key metrics and outcomes for their discipline including REF, TEF, and KEF, whilst ensuring the most effective management of financial resources in partnership with the Director of School Operations.  Under the direction of the Dean, the Head of Department will support the transforming the culture to one of accountability and capability in the wider School, demonstrating outstanding leadership to engage and motivate all colleagues in the department. 

If you are excited by the prospect of joining Birmingham City University at this pivotal moment, please review the Candidate Pack for further details of the role and criteria. 

In addition to completing the application process, applicants are asked to upload an up-to-date CV (with publication history where applicable). The selection process for this role is envisaged to take place week commencing 04 August 2025 with the date to be confirmed to shortlisted candidates. 

For an informal discussion about the role, please contact our new Dean of School of Law and Social Sciences at liz.smart@bcu.ac.uk

Join us in making a difference at Birmingham City University. 

Birmingham City University is deeply committed to equality, diversity, and inclusivity at all levels in the organisation, and to addressing underrepresentation in our workforce to ensure we are truly representative of the community we serve. We welcome applications from applicants from all backgrounds and communities for this role, and particularly welcome applications from Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic applicants.

The University is proudly Disability Confident. This means amongst other things that we commit to offering a guaranteed interview to disabled applicants who fully meet the essential criteria for each role.

Please download and refer to the candidate information pack for more information about this opportunity:

Candidate Information Pack

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