Head of Department - Foundation Degrees

London weighting: £4,000 per annum (if applicable)

Hours per week: 37

Reporting into: Head of School – Foundation Degrees

Faculty: Faculty of Foundation Studies

Read the full job description and explore our excellent benefits.

This role operates on a hybrid working arrangement, combining remote working with attendance at our campuses. Arrangements may change in line with business requirements. Hybrid working is a non-contractual benefit, and an Arden work location will be included in your employment contract.

Travel will be required into the following locations:

• Birmingham
• Leeds
• London
• Manchester
• Newcastle

About Arden University

We are an aspirational, multi-award-winning university with ambitious plans to disrupt the higher education sector through innovation and digital education. Our vision is to become the first-choice university for career-focused lifelong learners worldwide, making higher education accessible to everyone, everywhere.

It’s an exciting time to join us as we expand into new disciplines, develop global partnerships and grow our locations.

About our Faculty

The Faculty of Foundation Studies is Arden University’s gateway into higher education, supporting students from admission and induction through to achievement and progression. Bringing together Foundation Year, Foundation Degree, new-student induction and academic admissions activity, we provide accessible pathways for students from diverse backgrounds.

Our purpose is to widen participation and prepare every student to succeed. Through applied, supportive and career-focused teaching, we develop students’ academic, digital and professional skills, confidence and sense of belonging.

You’ll join a collaborative and growing academic community committed to excellent teaching, inclusive curriculum design and evidence-informed student support. We are developing discipline-aligned Foundation Year routes, expanding our Foundation Degree portfolio and embedding employability, enterprise and responsible AI across the student experience.

About the Opportunity

As Head of Department for Foundation Degrees, you’ll provide academic leadership across programmes including the FdA Business and Innovation, FdSc Health and Care Management, and FdSc Computing and Digital Futures.

You’ll shape the department’s development, lead a high-performing academic team and improve student experience, achievement and progression.

Driving excellence in teaching, learning and assessment, you’ll ensure programmes equip students with the knowledge and skills to progress into further study or employment. Working across the Faculty and wider University, you’ll champion inclusive, student-centred approaches, use performance data to drive improvement and take ownership of departmental quality and student outcome targets.

About You

You’ll bring a strong track record of leading degree-level programmes in higher education and delivering positive student outcomes, including continuation, progression, completion, graduate employment and student satisfaction. You’ll also understand the challenges facing higher education and Foundation Degrees, with experience recruiting and supporting academic and professional staff.

Essential Skills & Experience

• Master’s degree or equivalent.
• Higher education teaching qualification and/or Fellowship (e.g. PG Cert HE, SFHEA, PFHEA, QTLS or QTS).
• Proven leadership, people management and team-building skills.
• Experience leading academic programmes and delivering strong student experience, outcomes and satisfaction (TEF metrics).
• Ability to develop innovative teaching, research and industry-focused environments.

Desirable Skills & Qualifications

• PhD or equivalent Level 7 qualification.
• Management training or qualifications demonstrating leadership capability.

Why Arden?

Our people are passionate about removing barriers to learning and making education accessible. We recognise their contribution through a range of benefits, including:

• 30 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays and Christmas closure.
• Aviva pension, with employer contributions starting at 7%.
• BUPA Cash Plan and private medical insurance (for eligible roles).
• Perkbox benefits.
• Free study on any Arden course, with discounts for family and friends.
• Our ‘Golden Ticket’, offering someone in your life a free Arden education.
• Plus, other excellent benefits.