Head of Department for Psychology and Counselling

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This role operates primarily on a remote working arrangement that will require little to no travel into our Coventry head office or Campus locations. 

We are looking for an experienced and inspiring Head of Department to lead and develop relevant programmes and partnerships across our Blended and Distance Learning provision, within our rapidly growing School of Psychology. The Head of Department will work collaboratively with three other Department Heads, each with their own portfolio, and they will join the School’s Leadership Team, which is led by the Head of School.

With a focus on developing applied and practitioner programmes, as well as leading on the development of collaborative home and international partnerships, the appointee will play a pivotal role in shaping outstanding student experiences and outcomes, as well as leading academic and operational excellence within the Department.

Key Responsibilities

As Head of Department, you will:

• Lead and embed innovative teaching, assessment, feedback, supervision, and pastoral care practices to drive student success within applied, practitioner, collaborative and accredited programmes.
• Lead the development of innovative course content and learning resources (both in the blended and online-only spaces) that challenge and stretch learners within applied, practitioner, collaborative and accredited programmes.
• Drive student progression and attainment by delivering outstanding rates of continuation and completion.
• Lead the design, development and delivery of programme curricula aligned to industry and accreditation standards, preparing students for employment or further study.
• Line manage senior academic staff within the Department and foster a sense of community across all colleagues within the Department and wider School.
• Represent Arden University externally (including internationally), promoting our programmes and values at key events, and forging collaborative partnerships and the development of new programmes both at home and internationally.

We are looking for a strong academic leader who fosters collegiality at all levels and who places students at the heart of their innovations.

Essential Skills & Experience:

• MSc (or equivalent) in Psychology, with Graduate Basis for Chartership (GBC) recognised by the British Psychological Society (BPS).
• HE teaching qualification and/or Fellowship (e.g., PG Cert HE, SFHEA, PFHEA, QTLS/QTS).
• Proven record of senior academic leadership, people management, and team-building skills.
• Successful track record of leading the development and delivery of high-quality academic programmes, and achieving high levels of student experience, outcomes, and satisfaction (TEF metrics, or equivalent).
• A proven track record of leading the development and/or operation of high-quality collaborative and/or international partnerships.
• A proven track record of working effectively with accrediting bodies.
• Demonstrated ability to develop innovative environments for teaching, research, and industry-focused activities (such as placements).

Desirable Skills & Qualifications:

• PhD or equivalent Level 8 qualification.
• Management training or qualifications showcasing leadership capabilities.
• Senior or Principal HEA Fellowship.
• Leadership in the development and/or high-quality delivery of accredited applied and/or practitioner psychology and/or healthcare programmes (e.g. BPS, HCPC, BACP).
• Experience in the development and delivery of programmes with embedded placements.
• Evidence of delivering high quality outcomes in a rapidly moving environment.
• Proficiency in, or desire to lead, innovation via the appropriate application of artificial intelligence.
• A profile of externality commensurate with leadership experience.

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