Academic Registrar

Are you an experienced higher education professional with a passion for academic administration and leadership? Arts University Plymouth is seeking to appoint a highly capable Academic Registrar to lead and manage our University’s Registry function.

In this senior role, you'll draw on your extensive experience in academic administration and knowledge of UK HE regulations to oversee key academic processes, lead a dedicated team, and ensure compliance with institutional and sector-wide requirements. The Academic Registrar reports directly to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, and will regularly attend the Vice-Chancellor’s Management Group.

The Academic Registrar plays a critical leadership role in ensuring the University complies with Office for Students (OfS) regulations, promotes continuous improvement, and delivers an excellent student experience. This position supports the University's strategic goals by overseeing all aspects of higher education registry services.

About the Role:

• Managing academic regulations, assessment boards, external examiners, timetabling, bursaries, hardship funds, and educational visit administration.
• Leading quality assurance processes, including course validation, revalidation, and monitoring for both undergraduate and postgraduate programmes—on-campus and with academic partners.
• Ensuring staff and students understand and comply with academic regulations, including handling queries, feedback, and delivering training or communications as needed.
• Overseeing the administration of Department for Education funds for Pre-Degree financial support and supporting Pre-Degree quality and exam management.
• Participating in key university committees such as Academic Board, Academic Standards and Quality Committee, and Learning and Teaching Committee, with responsibilities for producing clear reports and presentations.

About You:

• You will have experience in a significant leadership role within UK higher education
• Strong knowledge of academic regulations, programme structures, validation, and HE policy
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and organisational skills
• Proficiency in data management, reporting tools, and IT systems
• Integrity, professionalism, and the ability to work under pressure

In return you’ll receive:

• 30 days annual leave per annum plus bank holidays, and closure efficiency days
• Access to a supportive Employee Assistance Programme including counselling sessions, Menopause support & financial coaching resources
• Enrolment onto a generous Local Government Pension scheme
• Additional benefits such as a cycle to work scheme and discounted bus tickets

Please refer to the role profile for more information.

Closing date:  Sunday 20th July 23:59 however AUP reserves the right to end the advertisement window early in the event of high levels of interest.  Please apply early to avoid disappointment.

Interviews are anticipated to take place w/c 28th July. 

The successful candidate will be willing to contribute to our ambitions and international profile as an innovative, sustainable and inclusive arts university.

Arts University Plymouth requires all applicants to be eligible to work in the UK with no restrictions, as we are unable to offer sponsorship/work visas at this moment in time. You will be required to provide proof of Right to Work at interview stage.

If you are interested in the role and would like to find out more, please feel free to contact:

Margaret Campbell, Academic Registrar: mcampbell@aup.ac.uk

Arts University Plymouth has a strong commitment to the safeguarding & welfare of young people & vulnerable adults. A satisfactory DBS disclosure at Enhanced Level will be required from successful candidates as a condition of appointment.

We celebrate equality, diversity and difference, and welcome candidates from all communities.

In the event that the University has employees eligible for redeployment at the time of shortlisting, these candidates may be entitled to a priority interview.

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