Head of Subject Computer Science

Birmingham Newman University; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK university in Birmingham seeks a Head of Subject in Computer Science to lead development, growth, and strategic ambitions for the discipline. This role involves academic leadership, driving student recruitment, and ensuring high-quality teaching aligned with industry standards. Candidates should have a postgraduate qualification in Computer Science, strong academic leadership experience, and a track record of successful student engagement. This position offers excellent benefits and the opportunity to shape the future of Computer Science education.

Benefits

35 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Pension scheme

Free on-site parking

Discounted travel scheme

Cycle to work scheme

Occupational health and counselling services

Qualifications

• Proven experience leading academic teams and programmes in higher education.
• Strong understanding of contemporary computing education and UK digital skills agenda.
• Track record of achieving growth in student recruitment and programme development.

Responsibilities

• Drive recruitment and market growth across undergraduate and postgraduate cohorts.
• Lead engagement with regional employers and industry partners.
• Ensure resources empower students to gain industry-aligned skills.
• Promote research-informed teaching and support pursuit of BCS accreditation.
• Oversee quality assurance and enhancement of Computer Science provisions.

Skills

Academic leadership

Curriculum development

Student recruitment

Stakeholder engagement

Quality management

Education

Postgraduate qualification in Computer Science or related discipline

Doctoral qualification (desirable)

Job description

Birmingham Newman University invites applications for the position of Head of Subject in Computer Science within the School of Business and Law. This strategic post has been created to lead the development, growth, and profile of Computer Science at Newman. Following the successful validation of a full undergraduate and postgraduate portfolio, the new Head of Subject will drive the next stage of expansion—focusing on recruitment, portfolio diversification, and alignment with the University’s growth strategy.

Computer Science is a recognised growth area for the School and is central to our strategic ambition to build applied digital technologies, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and data science. The role offers a rare opportunity to shape the direction of an emerging subject area, supported by a newly developed robotics and computing laboratory (Spring 2026), strong employer links, and an ethos of inclusive, student‑centred education.

Reporting to the Head of School (Associate Dean)Business and Law, the Head of Subject will provide academic leadership and management of the Computer Science subject area. You will lead a committed team to deliver high‑quality teaching and learning, ensuring that the curriculum remains current, innovative, and aligned with industry expectations and OfS requirements.

The postholder will be responsible for advancing the strategic priorities of the School by:

• Driving recruitment and market growth across undergraduate and postgraduate cohorts.
• Leading engagement with regional employers, colleges, and industry partners to strengthen pathways into the University and support employability.
• Ensuring that resources and facilities, including the computing and robotics labs, enable students to gain relevant, industry‑aligned skills.
• Promoting research‑informed teaching and supporting the pursuit of British Computer Society (BCS) accreditation.
• Overseeing quality assurance and enhancement across all Computer Science provision.

The successful candidate will play a central role in establishing Birmingham Newman University as a distinctive provider of computing education in the region, known for applied learning, innovation, and inclusion.

You will bring academic credibility and subject expertise in Computer Science or a closely related field, underpinned by a strong understanding of contemporary computing education and the UK digital skills agenda. You will have proven experience of leading academic teams and programmes in higher education, with a record of achieving growth in student recruitment and programme development.

Essential criteria include:

• A good first degree and postgraduate qualification in Computer Science or a related discipline (a doctoral qualification or equivalent experience is desirable).
• Demonstrable experience of academic leadership, including curriculum development, quality management, and line management of academic staff.
• Evidence of success in driving student recruitment and developing sustainable partnerships with external organisations, such as employers and further education providers.
• A track record of delivering an excellent student experience, including strong outcomes in retention, progression, and employability.

This post is an outstanding opportunity for an ambitious and visionary academic lead who can shape the future of Computer Science at Newman and contribute to the University’s long‑term growth and success.

Informal enquiries about this opportunity are very welcome. Please contact Kate Dobson at [e-mail] to discuss the role further.

An application form and further details about this role are available from newman.ac.uk/jobs. Please email your completed application form by the advertised closing date to [e-mail].

(Please note that CVs are not accepted as part of the application process unless explicitly stated).

Closing date for applications: 10th December 2025

Interviews will take place on: Friday 23rd January 2026

Birmingham Newman University offers a wide range of staff benefits including 35 days annual leave entitlement plus bank holidays (pro rata for part time posts), pension scheme, chaplaincy and spiritual care, library services, free on‑site parking, discounted travel scheme, cycle to work scheme, employee assistance programme, occupational health and counselling services and staff development opportunities. Further details of the full range of staff benefits available can be found on our website: https://www.newman.ac.uk/knowledge-base/staff-benefits/ or please contact the Human Resources Department.

Birmingham Newman University is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Birmingham Newman University is located on Genners Lane, Bartley Green, Birmingham, West Midlands, B32 3NT.