Head of Department of Psychology and Counselling

Salary: £80,000 per annum (Full-Time) 
Contract Type: Full Time, Permanent 
Location: Birmingham City University  

About 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 

This is an exciting opportunity to lead the Department of Psychology and Counselling as it evolves, moving from the Faculty of Business, Law and Social Sciences into the School of Life and Health Sciences – this alignment with healthcare science disciplines reflects  the University’s  strategic ambitions and focus on employability. The Head of Department will have a unique opportunity to shape and embed the department within this new context, working closely with the Dean of School to align departmental goals with the wider University. 

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 BCU's ambitious 2030 strategy. Leading to deliver against key metrics and outcomes for their discipline including REF, TEF, and KEF, the Head of Department will ensure the effective management of financial resources to achieve their goals sustainably, in partnership with the Director of School Operations. Working collaboratively with the Dean and Heads of Department in the School, the post holder will play a key role in realising positive cultural change; promoting accountability and empowering colleagues in their teams. 

Alongside the movement of the department to the Health and Life Sciences portfolio, the post holder will have the opportunity to develop and enhance the School’s offer in relation to more interdisciplinary teaching and learning, working across the School with colleagues in disciplines such as Dietetics, Speech and Language Therapy, Public Health and Sport. Applications are welcome from candidates from all Psychology and Counselling disciplines, but preference will be given to applicants with practice-based or clinical experience to reflect the School and University commitments to enhancing employability and development of the Psychology and Counselling offer in the context of Health and Life Sciences.  

It is essential that applicants hold membership of the British Psychological Society (BPS) to be considered.  

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 11 August 2025*, with a date to be confirmed to shortlisted candidates.  

For an informal discussion about the role, please arrange an appointment with  our  Dean of School of Health and Life Sciences, Hannah Abbott, by contacting Lisa Kiddie (Lisa.Kiddie@bcu.ac.uk)  

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

About Us

At the heart of our Strategy for 2030 and Beyond, it is our mission to enable our students to transform their lives and to achieve their potential. Through our education and research, and the roles our graduates go on to play in the world, we not only support individuals to transform their lives, but we also play a part in transforming society.

Located in the centre of the UK’s second city, we are a university with a long heritage of innovation and of making, dating back to our origins in 1843 when we were founded as the Birmingham Government School of Design.

Our heritage of making through innovation and its application through knowledge exchange, and of creative research and practice, today finds it expression in our STEAM agenda, in our research and enterprise, and in our commitment to challenge-based learning. Working across disciplines, and delivering impactful research and enterprise, interdisciplinarity is at the heart of the continuing transformation of our academic portfolio.