Head of Pre-Degree

Arts University Plymouth is seeking an experienced and strategic leader to take on the role of Head of Pre-Degree, providing academic and operational leadership for our Pre-Degree Further Education provision. You will be responsible for the day-to-day management, delivery, and development of programmes, ensuring high-quality teaching, a strong student experience, and a curriculum that reflects current practice and market demand.

This role will provide stability and direction during a period of change, driving performance through effective planning, clear leadership, and a focus on continuous improvement. You will lead on curriculum development, quality assurance, and assessment, ensuring readiness for external scrutiny (including Ofsted and Gatsby Benchmarks) and alignment with national standards.

You will manage and support academic and professional staff, oversee resources and budgets, and contribute to University committees and governance. A key part of the role involves enhancing student recruitment, retention, and progression, working closely with internal teams and external partners to support pathways into Further and Higher Education.

The role also includes responsibility for self-assessment and continuous improvement processes, including authoring the Self-Assessment Review (SAR) and implementing effective action plans. Teaching within the Pre-Degree provision may also form part of the role as required

About You:

• You will be a confident and proactive academic leader with significant experience in Further Education in an art and design context, and with a recognised teaching qualification
• You will have a good grasp of Further Education policy and regulation, to be able to articulate and drive change within Pre-Degree and to brief University Boards and Committees as required. 
• You will have experience of leading teams, managing staff performance, and supporting professional development, alongside strong organisational and planning skills. 
• You are confident in managing resources and budgets and are able to operate effectively within complex institutional structures.
• You have a thorough understanding of quality assurance processes, including inspection frameworks (such as Ofsted), self-assessment, and continuous improvement. 
• You will be a strong communicator and collaborator, you are able to build effective relationships across teams and with external partners. 
• You are committed to supporting student success and progression, and to contributing to the wider strategic goals of the University.

About The Role:

• Provide academic and operational leadership for Pre-Degree provision
• Oversee the day-to-day management, delivery, and development of programmes
• Ensure high-quality teaching, an excellent student experience, and a market-relevant curriculum
• Lead and support during a period of change, driving performance and continuous improvement
• Enhance student recruitment, retention, and progression outcomes
• Work collaboratively with internal teams and external partners to support progression pathways
• Lead self-assessment and continuous improvement activity, including the Self-Assessment Review (SAR)

In return you’ll receive:

• 35 days annual leave per annum plus bank holidays, and closure efficiency days
• Access to a supportive, extensive Employee Assistance Programme including 10 sessions of counselling, Menopause support, Life & Leadership Coaching, Legal Advice, and Financial Coaching
• Enrolment onto a generous Teachers Pension scheme
• Additional benefits such as a cycle to work scheme, discounted bus tickets, education sector retail offers, local gym discounts, and a staff discount site with savings of up to 10% on the high street

For more information, including essential criteria please access the role profile using this link https://shorturl.at/gjxsW. To find out more about our award-winning independent arts university, what makes us special and why Plymouth provides a spectacular backdrop for our creative community; check out our ‘working here’ pages www.aup.ac.uk/working-here.

Interviews are expected to take place on the w/c 1 June 2026.

How to Apply

To apply, please complete the online application form (via the ‘Apply’ button above). Please note that we are unable to accept CVs in place of a completed application.

*We encourage early applications, as the advert may close prior to the listed closing date due to high levels of interest. Please apply early to avoid disappointment.

If you are interested in the role and would like to find out more, please feel free to contact- Professor Stephen Felmingham, Pro-Vice Chancellor (Academic) on sfelmingham@aup.ac.uk. 

The successful candidate will be professionally active in their field and willing to contribute to our research ambitions and international profile as an innovative, sustainable and broadly inclusive arts university.

Safeguarding and Compliance

Arts University Plymouth has a strong commitment to the safeguarding & welfare of young people & vulnerable adults. All appointments are subject to a satisfactory DBS check, and you will be required to provide appropriate documentation as part of the onboarding process.

Right to Work

Applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK. We are currently unable to offer visa sponsorship. Proof of Right to Work will be required before an offer of employment is made.

Inclusivity 

We celebrate equality, diversity and difference, and welcome candidates from all communities, including applications from service people and their families as part of our commitment to the  Armed Forces Covenant.

Redeployees

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