Head of Department in Criminology and Criminal Justice (UG)

Arden University; Remote; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A modern academic institution in the United Kingdom seeks a Head of Department for its undergraduate Criminology and Criminal Justice program. The successful candidate will lead curriculum innovation, enhance student experience, and provide exceptional teaching. Responsibilities include managing academic staff, developing course content, and fostering a high-performing culture. Candidates should have a Master’s degree, relevant teaching qualifications, and a strong record in education leadership. This position offers a remote work arrangement with competitive benefits including generous holiday and pension contributions.

Benefits

30 days holiday + bank holidays and Christmas closure

Generous pension plan with company contributions

Private medical insurance

Access to Perkbox benefits

Free Arden courses for employees and discounts for family

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in a relevant field is required.
• Recognised HE teaching qualification and/or Fellowship.
• Proven industry experience in criminal justice or criminology.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage teaching practices and academic staff.
• Develop inclusive course content and resources.
• Ensure strong student outcomes and employability.

Skills

Leadership

Curriculum development

Student success strategies

Teaching and assessment

People management

Education

Master’s degree in Criminology, Criminal Justice, or related discipline

PhD or equivalent Level 8 qualification

Job description

Overview

The Head of Department is an academic leader responsible for the undergraduate Criminology and Criminal Justice program, driving student experience, curriculum innovation and delivering high-quality teaching. This role operates primarily on a remote working arrangement, requiring minimal travel to the Coventry campus.

Responsibilities

• Lead the delivery of outstanding teaching, feedback, and assessment practices that underpin student success.
• Develop engaging, inclusive, and intellectually stretching course content and digital learning resources.
• Drive exceptional outcomes in continuation, completion, progression, and graduate employability.
• Line manage Senior Lecturers and other academic staff, fostering a collaborative and high‑performing culture.
• Recruit, support and develop exceptional academic talent within the department.
• Contribute to teaching and academic activities aligned to your expertise.
• Represent Arden University at internal and external events, and collaborate with colleagues to enhance our academic portfolio.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Criminology, Criminal Justice, or a related Social Science discipline.
• Recognised HE teaching qualification and / or Fellowship (PGCert HE, FHEA, SFHEA, PFHEA, QTLS / QTS).
• Relevant industry or professional experience related to criminal justice or criminology.
• Proven ability to lead and develop academic teams to deliver high-quality teaching, learning, and research.
• Strong leadership, people‑management and motivational skills.
• A track record of successfully leading academic programmes with strong student experience, student outcomes, and TEF‑aligned performance.
• A PhD or equivalent Level 8 qualification.
• Management or leadership training / qualification.

Benefits

• 30 days holiday + bank holidays and Christmas closure.
• A generous Aviva pension plan, with company contributions starting from 7 %.
• Private medical insurance.
• Access to Perkbox benefits.
• Study any Arden course for free, with discounts for family and friends.

Equity, Diversity & Inclusion