Head of Department

This is a full time, permanent position with a starting salary from £60,996 (Associate Professor) - £73,931 (Professor) per annum, plus a £6,000 per annum Head of Department supplement.

The closing date for applications is Tuesday 23 June 2026 (midnight).

Interviews will be held at Penrhyn Road campus of Kingston University London on Friday 3 July 2026.

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 Business and Social Sciences (BSS) is seeking to appoint a new Head of the Department of Law. The University's Town House Strategy has set an ambitious growth target in terms of student recruitment for the next three academic years. BSS 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 particularly in Law.

Candidates should have strong management experience and an academic profile that is relevant to the discipline of Law. This means understanding the trends and expectations of students and employers alike. You will have an appetite for innovation and the ability to stimulate, challenge staff in productive ways. You will have the ability to contribute to the Faculty's growth and student experience agenda both through your own activities and those instigated by you across the Department.

You will have the clear understanding and appreciation of the wide range of contemporary issues in law and changes impacting on law in HE and law practice to ensure there is a relevant and meaningful portfolio that can be delivered to a high academic standard and support students who wish to pursue careers in law. The post sits within the School of Law, Social & Behavioural Sciences thus offering opportunities for inter-disciplinary work, and it is expected that the appointee will embrace this.

The successful candidate will have strong leadership and people management skills as a prerequisite as is an appetite to fully embrace Kingston University's Townhouse strategy.

The Kingston University School of Law, Social and Behavioural Sciences is based at the Penrhyn Road campus in Kingston upon Thames. The School brings together the disciplines of Law, Criminology, Psychology, and Economics, with a strong emphasis on research-informed teaching, diversity and employability. It aims to equip students with analytical, professional and problem-solving skills needed to address contemporary social and legal challenges.

We are proud of being a diverse and inclusive environment catering for the specific needs of our students.

We offer a range of benefits, including:

• 35 days annual leave (Full time equivalent)
• Employee Assistance Programme helps with any work‑related problems having a wider impact on your life and gives you access to the savings centre
• Discounts on Perks a Work
• Course fee waiver scheme and discounted courses across the University
• Learn new skills with priority access to thousands of courses via Linked In Learning
• Season ticket loans up to £10,000 to help you spread the cost of commuting and get the best value for money

Innovative:
To apply new methods or ideas to facilitate progress

Inclusive:
To value the diversity of students and staff, treating them respectfully

Enterprising:
To recognise and act on opportunities

Ambitious:
To pursue excellence for oneself, the University, and our communities

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.