Head of Westminster School of Arts

This post is full time and permanent, working 35 hours per week. 

The University of Westminster has a long and distinctive history. Founded 185 years ago as Lon-don’s first polytechnic institution, it has become known for the many ways in which it helps students to realise their full potential, regardless of background. Westminster’s founding values are to be responsible, progressive and compassionate, with a spirit that reflects the University’s global reach and location at the heart of a world city which is home to diverse communities. Its teaching is practical, relevant, and contemporary. Providing grounded, holistic education with wide horizons and opportunities, it develops graduates who will help fuel growth and prosperity, and who become responsible citizens of the world.

Following the appointment of the Head of Westminster School of Arts as Head of College and Pro-Vice Chancellor, the University now seeks a new Head of School. 

Located on our beautiful Harrow Campus, the School is comprised of three areas: arts and emerging technologies, fashion and music, each led by a disciplinary specialist Assistant Head of School.  The undergraduate and postgraduate portfolio builds on a long history of the University as an innovator in the sector and the School has a strong reputation for practice-based research and hosts the Centre for Research in Education, Art and Media (CREAM) and a range of other research groups. Doctoral students interested in arts, fashion and music benefit from supervision by staff working at the forefront of these disciplines

The School’s unique blend of disciplines is focused upon how materiality and crafting practices be-come aligned with digital technologies and capabilities to consider and address global challenges.  Our curriculum centres on offering students industry-led teaching, learning and assessment opportunities with work-based-learning pivotal across all courses.  With an ambition for 100% employment upon graduation, our students have a range of placement, internship and study abroad opportunities alongside modules that foreground the UN Strategic Development Goals and Education for Sustainable Development.  Our graduates are renowned for their capacity to innovate and act as changemakers in the creative and createch sectors.

A key member of the Design, Creative and Digital Industries (DCDI) College Executive Group, the postholder will bring strong leadership to this diverse and dynamic School as well as contribute to the management and strategic development of DCDI and the University more broadly. An inspiring and compassionate leader, the new Head of School will focus on providing the best possible student experience, achieving outstanding graduate outcomes, continuing innovation and expansion in market-leading programmes and achieving significant growth in income and impact from research and knowledge exchange activity. A skilled communicator, with exceptional people and management skills, they will bring a track record in successful resource planning and implementation and the development of a strong and positive culture. Critically, they will evidence a passion for the School’s disciplines and demonstrate strong alignment with the values and mission of the institution.

Westminster will be delighted to hear from those who share their ambition, energy and commitment, who take ownership and lead by example, and who embrace their culture of support, encouragement and responsibility. 

To apply for this vacancy please click above. Further information can be found in the job description and person specification, which can be accessed through link below. 

Informal conversations with the Head of College, Professor Catherine Dormor, can be arranged by emailing c.dormor@westminster.ac.uk  

At the University of Westminster, diversity, inclusion and equality of opportunity are at the core of how we engage with students, colleagues, applicants, visitors and all our stakeholders. 

We are fully committed to enabling a supportive and safe learning and working environment which is equitable, diverse and inclusive, is based on mutual respect and trust, and in which harassment and discrimination are neither tolerated nor acceptable.

The University has adopted Smart Working principles to support and further our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion aims of being an inclusive, collaborative and flexible employer. Further details of Smart Working can be discussed at interview stage.

The closing date for applications is midnight on 22nd May 2025.

Interviews are scheduled to take place on Monday 16th June 2025 at our Harrow Campus, where the School of Arts is located.

Administrative contact (for queries only): Recruitment@westminster.ac.uk