Head of Department - Psychology

Head of Department - Psychology

Location Wolverhampton Campus Faculty/Department Faculty of Science and Engineering Contract Type Permanent Salary £61,165 - £70,878pa Closing Date 15/11/2026 Job Reference 14885 Documents

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The University of Wolverhampton is seeking to appoint an outstanding and inspirational academic leader as Head of Department (Psychology) within the newly established School of Sport and Psychology.

This is an exciting opportunity to shape the future direction of Psychology within a university committed to creating opportunity, transforming lives, and delivering a more inclusive, productive and sustainable society. Working as a key member of the School Leadership Team, you will provide strategic and academic leadership for Psychology at both undergraduate and postgraduate level; ensuring excellence in education, research, knowledge exchange and civic engagement.

Aligned to the University's ambitious Strategy 2035, the School of Sport and Psychology is committed to delivering world-leading education informed by impactful research and professional practice. The school has a strong focus on addressing contemporary health and societal challenges, improving wellbeing, and maximising participation and opportunity across diverse communities.

As Head of Department, you will play a central role in leading and developing Psychology, driving innovation and growth across our educational portfolio, strengthening research and knowledge exchange activity, and further enhancing our reputation for student success, professional engagement and societal impact.

Knowledge and experience of working within accredited Psychology provision and an understanding of the standards and expectations of the British Psychological Society and HCPC is essential for this role.

Key Responsibilities

As Head of Department (Psychology), you will:

• Provide strategic and academic leadership for Psychology, setting a clear vision that delivers excellence in teaching, research, knowledge exchange and impact.
• Lead the continued development, enhancement and growth of the department's academic portfolio, ensuring programmes remain innovative, inclusive, professionally relevant and responsive to emerging societal and employer needs.
• Drive sustained improvement in student outcomes, including continuation, completion, progression and graduate success, alongside excellent student satisfaction and engagement.
• Foster a vibrant and ambitious research and scholarship culture, supporting the development of research quality, impact, external funding and doctoral provision.
• Build the department's profile and reputation through interdisciplinary collaboration and engagement with external stakeholders, professional bodies and strategic partners.
• Lead, develop and support colleagues through effective recruitment, coaching, talent development, workload management and performance leadership.
• Promote an inclusive and supportive environment in which staff and students can thrive, championing equality, diversity, inclusion and wellbeing.

About You

We are seeking an experienced and collaborative academic leader with a proven track record of delivering excellence within higher education.

You will be able to demonstrate:

• Leadership and management experience within a higher education environment.
• A strong track record of curriculum innovation, academic quality enhancement and student success.
• Experience of leading and developing academic teams, fostering high performance and supporting colleague development.
• Evidence of research, scholarship and/or knowledge exchange achievement appropriate to career stage.
• Experience of building productive partnerships with organisations, public sector bodies, employers, professional organisations, communities and other external stakeholders.
• Strong communication, influencing and relationship-building skills, with the ability to inspire colleagues and build effective partnerships internally and externally.
• A commitment to widening participation, inclusivity and delivering transformational outcomes for students.

Knowledge and experience of working within accredited Psychology provision and an understanding of the standards and expectations of the British Psychological Society would be advantageous.

Why Join Us?

The University of Wolverhampton is a civic university with a proud history of widening access, transforming lives and supporting regional prosperity through education, research and innovation.

The newly established School of Sport and Psychology presents an exciting opportunity to shape a distinctive interdisciplinary identity, bringing together expertise across psychology, sport, health and wellbeing to address contemporary societal challenges.

For an informal discussion about the role, please contact:

University of Wolverhampton Recruitment Statement

Freedom of Speech and Academic Freedom

The University of Wolverhampton recognises and protects the rights to freedom of speech and academic freedom, within the law.

We are committed to ensuring that lawful expression of ideas, beliefs and opinions — including those that may be controversial or unpopular — does not result in disadvantage in recruitment, employment or progression.

An offer of employment at the University of Wolverhampton will never be denied based on an individual’s lawful expression of their beliefs, ideas or opinions.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

The University of Wolverhampton is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.

We are committed to:

• preventing unlawful discrimination and harassment.
• promoting equality of opportunity.
• fostering an inclusive environment where colleagues are treated with dignity and respect.

We strive to create a workplace in which colleagues have the confidence and freedom to be themselves, while working professionally and in accordance with equality legislation and University policies.

Guidance on AI-Assisted Applications

We recognise that applicants may use AI tools to support the preparation of their applications. However, submissions must reflect your own experience, achievements and motivations.

We want to understand what you personally bring to the role. Please ensure your application accurately represents your own voice and capabilities.

Flexible Working

We recognise the value of flexible working arrangements and are open to discussion wherever possible.

Your Benefits:

Competitive salaries
Standard Life Pension scheme – with employer contribution of up to 12% to the University's defined contribution scheme.
Long Service Recognition – £200 gift voucher, certificate, and afternoon tea with Vice Chancellor for 25 & 40 years of service.
Free Will Writing Service – Complimentary will drafting for employees and their partners.
IT & Mobile Discounts – EE Perk (20% off for family & friends) & software discounts.

Supporting Your Health & Wellbeing

Wellbeing and Mental Health Support – 24/7 access to EAP service, free counselling sessions, wellbeing support resources and Occupational Health Service.
Gym memberships discounts – at our Walsall Campus and discounts at WV Active sites in Wolverhampton.
Eyecare Support – Free eVoucher for eye tests and glasses contribution.
Flu Vouchers – Free flu vaccinations for staff.
Paycare Health Benefit Plan – Covers optical, dental, physiotherapy, and personal accident insurance.
Chaplaincy & Prayer Rooms – Access to multi-faith chaplaincy services.

Valuing You:

Generous Annual Leave (see table below)
Flexible & Agile Working – Flexible and Hybrid working arrangements.
Free On-site Parking – available across campuses.
Cycle Benefits Scheme – Save up to 42% on a bike & accessories via salary sacrifice.
Tusker Electric Vehicle Scheme – Electric cars via salary sacrifice.
Employee Discounts – Savings on groceries, fashion, and entertainment.
Travel Discounts – Up to 10% off holidays through Sodexo Circles.

Training and Development

Staff Network and Inclusion – Access to support networks and events with our LGBTQ+, Global Majority, Disability, and Women's networks.
Library Access – Staff have access to books and resources at our onsite libraries.
Staff Scholarship Scheme – Funding for part-time higher education, up to PhD level.
Leadership and Management Development – Access to training opportunities to support you with advancing in your career.