Dean of Faculty

University of the West of Scotland

University of the West of Scotland’s purpose is to be a placemaker with its communities, driving social inclusion and reducing inequalities through education, research, and knowledge exchange.

UWS Principal and Vice-Chancellor Professor James Miller seeks an outstanding individual to join his senior leadership team.

Dean of Faculty   

A senior academic leader who sets the strategic direction of the faculty in alignment with the University strategy. Acting with integrity to ensure long-term excellence in learning, teaching and research allied to the faculty’s health, social care, and education portfolio.

The postholder will provide inspirational leadership to the faculty team and wider academic community, modelling respect in all interactions driving the highest standards of ethical academic practice and delivery of strategic and operational priorities.

This new faculty brings together our provision in health, social work and education, following a reorganisation of the current academic school structure which will take effect on 1st August 2026, and represents an exciting opportunity to lead research and teaching activities at scale across five campus locations.

See the recruitment pack attached for details of this exciting and rewarding opportunity.

About UWS

University of the West of Scotland is a placemaking institution that is proud to be an integral part of its local communities, with a national and international reach: the University has four campuses in Scotland in Ayr, Dumfries, Lanarkshire and Paisley, as well as a campus in London Docklands. UWS has almost 100 international partnerships and its student community comprises more than 100 nationalities.

UWS is committed to providing education opportunities for all, empowering individuals to reach their full potential. The University creates meaningful impact locally, nationally and globally through innovative learning and teaching, pioneering research, and transformative partnerships. UWS is committed to the UNSDGs and was ranked second in Scotland and 26th in the world for reducing inequalities in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2025. 90% of UWS research was classed as world-leading, internationally excellent, or recognised internationally in the REF (Research Excellence Framework) 2021.