Head of Department in Computing; PG

Position Overview

Salary: £59,660 - £70,507 per annum

London weighting: Additional £4,000 per annum

Employment type: Permanent

Hours per week: 37

Reporting into: Head of School Computing

Department: Computing

Hybrid work arrangement: Requires 2 days travel to the Stratford campus; travel may also be required to Manchester and Berlin campuses.

Arden University is an aspirational, multi‑award‑winning institution focused on delivering rapid growth through innovation and digital education. Our vision is to become the first‑choice university for career‑focused lifelong learners worldwide, ensuring everyone, everywhere can access higher education.

The Computing Department is dedicated to providing students with the skills, knowledge, and practical experience needed to thrive in the fast‑growing tech industry. We blend hands‑on learning with real‑world application to prepare graduates for careers in software development, cybersecurity, data analysis, IT consultancy, and more.

As Head of Department – Computing PG, you will lead and develop academic staff, drive excellence in teaching and learning, and ensure outstanding student experience and outcomes across Computing postgraduate programmes. You will play a pivotal role in curriculum development, staff recruitment and development, quality assurance, and strategic planning, ensuring programmes remain innovative, relevant, and aligned with industry expectations.

You are an inspiring, collaborative, and student‑centred leader accountable for achieving high quality features within student experience and outcomes. You will act as a role model and champion for digital‑first higher education.

• Embed outstanding teaching, feedback, and assessment practices to support student learning, progression and attainment.
• Inspire and engage course content and delivery, stretching learners to develop knowledge to their fullest potential.
• Deliver outstanding departmental rates of continuation and completion for learners, while setting programme curricula that equip learners with the skills, knowledge, and behaviours needed for professional employment or further study.
• Line‑manage Senior Lecturers and other members of the academic team.
• Recruit outstanding academic staff and, where possible, undertake teaching and related duties on programmes relevant to your expertise.
• Represent the university and its values, promoting Arden University at external and internal events and collaborating effectively with academic colleagues and key stakeholders.

• Master’s level qualification within Computing, Technology or a related subject.
• Recognised HE teaching qualification and/or Fellowship (e.g., PG Cert HE, SFHEA, PFHEA, QTLS/QTS Secondary).
• Relevant industry experience within the business world, including business development.
• Demonstrated ability to harness and develop team talents to create an innovative and engaging environment for teaching, learning, research, and industry‑focused activities.
• Proven leadership skills, effective people management, motivation and team‑building skills.
• A successful track record of leading academic programmes at different levels/modes of study, ensuring high levels of student experience and outcomes (TEF metrics) and student satisfaction.

• A PhD or other Level 7 qualification.
• Management training or qualification demonstrating the ability to lead others.

• 30 days holiday plus bank holidays, including a Christmas closure.
• Generous Aviva pension plan with company contributions starting from 7 %.
• Simply Health plan option.
• Private medical insurance.
• Access to Perkbox benefits.
• Study any Arden course for free, with discounts for family and friends.
• Other excellent benefits and the ‘Golden Ticket’ allowing you to gift education to anyone.

Stand out, Progressive, Accessible, Resourceful, Kindness – these values reflect who we are as an institution, a team and as individuals. If they resonate with you and you are excited by the chance to be the driving, creative force within a growing business, we want to hear from you.

Arden University is a Disability Confident Employer. If you have a disability as defined by the Disability Equality Act 2010, you may be guaranteed an interview if you meet the essential criteria for the role. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and celebrate diversity, committing to a workplace free of discrimination on the basis of age, disability, gender, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation or other personal circumstances.

We welcome applications from candidates who do not currently have the right to work in the UK but may be eligible for a visa through an alternative route. Some roles may not meet the points requirement for a sponsored Skilled Worker visa.