Head of the School of Area Studies Sociology History Politics and Literature
The University of Portsmouth is a global employer of choice where exceptional people create, share and apply knowledge that makes a difference.
Experience the pride of being part of a select group – one of only four universities in the south-east of England to achieve a prestigious Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework. Additionally, we proudly rank among the top 140 universities globally in the Times Higher Young University World Rankings.
Ambition, Responsibility and Openness drive our every endeavour. Join our esteemed institution with a proven track record of success, and where dedication to excellence is key. We want people to make their mark in a professional community that truly values people, innovation, and achievement.
The Role:
As a Faculty Executive member, the Head of School (HoS) shapes the strategic and financial direction of the Faculty, overseeing its implementation at the School level. This role encompasses substantial staff management, development, and workload coordination, all aligned with broader University and Faculty plans, and evolving priorities. The HoS plays a pivotal role in advancing Faculty and University objectives, such as student recruitment, diversified teaching offerings, academic partnerships, and enhancing research and innovation. The Head of School ensures the Faculty's objectives persist and evolve to fulfil local enhancement plans throughout the post's duration.
Key Responsibilities:
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Provide leadership of the academic provision, including education, research and innovation and curricula development. Maintaining and enhancing the ongoing quality of all School activities, ensuring the quality of the student experience from initial marketing and recruitment stages through to graduation, including the implementation of quality assurance processes and the maintenance and enhancement of academic standards.
- Determine and manage an effective organisational and committee structure within the School and managing this structure to ensure fitness for purpose. Establishing, implementing and reviewing local policy within the wider University framework and seeking compliance with general University policies and regulatory framework.
- Establish, implement and review School strategic plans in line with those of the Faculty and University and in the context of managing this within revenue budgets; producing financial and investment plans, encouraging income-generating activities and managing the School infrastructure and equipment needs. Acquiring and managing resources (academic staff, finance, space and equipment).
- Make a substantial contribution to the School’s reputation for research and/or innovation excellence. Strengthen leadership in the Faculty and School in these areas, including contributing to the developing internal and external networks necessary for collaborative activity and funding.
- Manage academic staff, ensuring that effective annual staff performance reviews are conducted and staff development plans implemented, as well as providing leadership across the School in delivering the Athena SWAN action plan. Leading and motivating groups of people within the School to facilitate and encourage a high level of performance.
- Represent the School to the University and fulfilling an ambassadorial role by maintaining and enhancing the standing and reputation of the School to external academic, professional and employer communities and to potential students. Making a wider contribution to the success of the University through participation in Faculty and University-wide governance and development activities.
- Ensure the school continues to evolve its portfolio and meet university and faculty KPIs,. Alongside this, ensure the school’s continual readiness to meet external audit and professional body requirements including, but not limited to, Ofsted, OfS, British Council and CMIL
- Engage in teaching and curriculum development, oversee postgraduate dissertations and PhD students, and actively secure external research funding from various sources, including research councils, government bodies, and industry.
Whilst there is a need to be in Portsmouth a few days a week, hybrid working is available for this role.
Interview dates:
First stage interview (phone call): 18 August 2026
Interview & Assessment (In person): 04 September 2026
If you have any queries regarding this position, please contact Dr Eric Baumgartner at
[email protected]
Discover the advantages of joining our university. We offer a range of attractive benefits and opportunities to enhance your work experience:-
Competitive salary, including incremental progression within your scale.
- Generous pension scheme.
- Generous leave entitlement of 32–35 days a year, plus bank holidays, and an additional Christmas closure.
- Family-friendly policies supporting flexible working.
- Staff discounts and loyalty schemes.
- Staff car parking and discounted public travel.
- Excellent training and development opportunities.
- Staff wellbeing programmes.
- Recreation facilities, including discounted gym membership, food on campus schemes, use of the Library and staff social activities.
- Discounted learning.
- Start-up business mentoring from expert entrepreneurs via our Entrepreneurs in Residence programme.
- The perks don’t stop there - click ‘apply’ for further information on My Reward and Benefits
Salary Information:
New appointments will routinely be made to the entry spine point (minimum) for the advertised grade, from where the individual will (in addition to receiving annual cost-of-living-related increases) progress through the pay range to the maximum for the grade, within a reasonable timeframe. This ensures fairness, consistency and transparency in our pay structures. A higher starting salary or market supplement may be available for a truly exceptional candidate when circumstances fully justify a departure from our normal policy.
UKVI Statement
Prior to submitting your application, kindly ensure that you can either demonstrate or acquire the necessary right to work in the UK. If you currently do not possess the right to work in the UK, please be aware that our offer of employment is conditional upon you obtaining it.
ED&I Statement:
We are committed to upholding the University’s values of being ambitious, open and responsible, in an inclusive working environment that promotes dignity and respect.
Please note that this vacancy may be closed earlier than advertised, so early applications are advised.
