AP & Head of Department of Geography, Geology, & the Environment

Faculty/Directorate

Faculty of Engineering, Computing & the Environment

School/Function

School of Built Environment & Geography

The Role

Kingston University is passionate about the power of a university education to transform lives. We strive for our staff and students to be sought-after for their academic achievements and their ability to shape society and contribute to the economy. We are an inclusive university, and our ambitious Town House Strategy drives our mission to enhance students’ life chances, support the ambitions of staff and strengthen the university’s impact on our locality, industry, policy and associated professions to enable a sustainable future – socially, economically and environmentally. With an overall Gold Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) rating, we are recognised for our commitment to high quality teaching, providing an outstanding student experience and supporting our students to achieve successful degree outcomes. 

The Faculty of Engineering, Computing & the Environment (ECE) is seeking to appoint a new Head of the Department of Geography Geology and the Environment (including Environmental Sustainability, Digital Geography, Physical Geography and subject areas that bring technology into Geography and the Environment) to lead these disciplines in a way that ensures they have the maximum impact from a societal perspective. Each of these subjects produce graduates with skills that are central to how we are evolving in light of climate change and other environmental issues. Equally, there is great scope for research and knowledge exchange to play its part in this journey. The University’s Town House Strategy has set an ambitious growth target in terms of student recruitment for the next three academic years. The Faculty of Engineering, Computing and the Environment is well positioned to contribute effectively to this target. Hence, we look forward to hearing from individuals with a successful track record of student recruitment within the higher Education Sector and in particular the Geography, Geology and the Environment disciplines.

The Person

Candidates should have strong management experience within the Higher Education sector in the UK, and a distinguished academic profile with relevance to the disciplines highlighted above. This means understanding the trends and expectations of students, employers and industry alike. You will have an appetite for innovation and the ability to stimulate and encourage staff in an effective and productive way. As Head of Department, you will have the ability to contribute to the faculty’s goals and objectives within the context of our values highlighted in the University’s Town House strategy (Innovative, Inclusive, Ambitious, and Enterprising). You will have a real-world understanding of the issues at play in subjects relevant to this post, so as to ensure there are update to date portfolio of courses and expertise  to support delivering the highest standard of education to students as well as encouraging collaboration and partnership with industry. The post sits within the School of the Built Environment and Geography thus offering opportunities for inter-disciplinary work, and it is expected that the appointee will embrace this.

The Faculty

There are few faculties across the UK university landscape as varied in their scope as the Faculty of Engineering, Computing & the Environment (ECE). We teach and research across a wide range of subjects, allowing for real cross-discipline innovation and creativity.  Our lecturers are experts – working at the forefront of their fields and actively engaged in research so they can bring advanced knowledge to their teaching. Our state-of-the-art facilities include specialist laboratories, a public outreach centre, a specialist virtual reality centre, a rocket lab, flight simulators, renewable energy lab, and 3 new labs related to electric, electronic and robotics, as well as an advanced design studio. For future scientists and engineers, this combines to create the ultimate real-life space for practical learning. For academic professionals, this all adds up to a truly vibrant, exciting environment in one of the largest and most diverse STEM faculties in the sector.

The School of Built Environment and Geography

The School of Built Environment and Geography offers industry-focused, professionally recognized undergraduate and postgraduate courses with the future skills embedded to professionally succeed in the civil engineering, construction, surveying, and geography-related environmental industry sectors.

We provide a multi-disciplinary vibrant learning environment, exploring how we’re shaping the built environment, which is sustainable, connected, smart and resilient in meeting changing needs of the professions and climate change challenges. Our education and research offerings are underpinned by the latest technologies and strengthened by active collaborations with industry leaders providing practical experience through placements as well as educational partnerships.

Further information

This is a full time, permanent position with a competitive starting salary (grade 10) plus £6,000 per annum head of department allowance.

The Head of Department aspect of the role is a 4-year term, reverting to an Associate Professor substantive position at the end of the 4 year term.

Please apply directly to Kingston University by clicking the ‘apply’ button and follow the instructions.

Applications should consist of:

– a concise covering letter (ideally no longer than two pages), addressing the criteria in the Person Specification;

– an up-to-date curriculum vitae;

– names and contact details of three referees (although referees will only be approached at the final stage of the process, and only with your express permission).

For informal enquiries, please contact Robert Brunton , Faculty PA/Support Officer or Shannah Adams , Faculty Operations Support Manager.

The closing date for applications is 14 April 2024.

Timetable

– Shortlisting: w/c 15 April 2024

– Psychometric testing: w/c 29 April 2024

– Formal Interviews: w/c 6 and 13 May 2024

If the interview dates pose a problem for you, please let us know about this at the time of application.

Bring your true self, expertise, and passion to Kingston where we are continuing to strive to build a university where authentic inclusion and belonging is at its heart. Every one of our staff and students’ identities, backgrounds and diverse experiences makes us who we are – so harness and embrace yours by applying today. We welcome applications from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds, LGBTQ+ communities and those with disabilities.

Candidates must be able to demonstrate their eligibility to work in the UK in accordance with the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006. Where required, this may include entry clearance or continued leave to remain under the Points Based Immigration Scheme. 

To apply click on ‘Apply Now’. If, for accessibility reasons, you need to apply in an alternative format, please email [email protected]  or call the HR Shared Services team on 020 8417 3118.