Head of Criminology and Forensic Science

The University of West London (UWL) is ranked the best modern* university (non-specialist) in London in the Complete University Guide 2025. 

We are ranked 30th university in the UK in The Guardian University Guide 2025, Number 1 London university for overall student satisfaction in the National Student Survey 2024 and Best university for Student Experience and Teaching Quality in the UK in The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024.

The UWL community is a diverse body of students and staff who work together to create an environment of success and achievement. We celebrate the diversity of our staff and promote our values in practice through our commitment to inclusivity, progression, and success. 

*University status awarded in or after 1992

The School  

The School of Human and Social Sciences is a multidisciplinary school that empowers and equips students to shape a sustainable, just and healthy society. The school has recently expanded its disciplinary coverage and now delivers a portfolio of education, research and enterprise activity across psychology, sports and exercise sciences, criminology, education & early years, forensic science, nutritional therapy, and politics & international relations. The University is committed to the continued growth of the School of Human and Social Sciences with recent investments in portfolio developments, new equipment and staff.  

Our course portfolio leads to awards from foundation level to taught postgraduate and research degrees (including professional doctorates). It reflects a long-standing, institutional commitment to inclusion: most taught courses offer a September and a February intake, while UG courses are accessible via a broad-based foundation year. We also validate a small number of UG and PG courses delivered internationally. 

Offering a high-quality student experience is of paramount importance to us and we have an excellent reputation for student-centred education. In the 2024 NSS we were ranked 1st in London, 5th in England and 7th in the UK* in Psychology as well as 1st in London and 2nd in England and the UK* in Politics for overall satisfaction. Our accolades also include: 1st Modern University in London for Criminology (Guardian and Good University Guides), 1st Modern University in London for Graduate Prospects in Forensic Science (Good University Guide) and in Education we were ranked 1st in the UK for Student Satisfaction (Complete University Guide). Our courses are accredited or recognised by professional bodies such as the British Psychological Society, the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences and the Nutritional Therapy Education Commission. Our facilities include new and recently renovated lab spaces to support the delivery of research and teaching in psychology, forensic science and sports and exercise psychology alongside mock crime scene rooms and a mock court room. 

The curriculum across our course portfolio is underpinned by our developing research and enterprise profile. Most of our academic staff are research active, contributing to submissions to four units of assessment in REF 2021 and contributing to one of the most significant improvements in GPA of any HE institution. In 2022/23 we forecast contract revenue of nearly £650 from business, charities (e.g. the Woodward Charitable Trust), local authorities (e.g. the Office of the Mayor of London) and national government (e.g. the Home Office). 

The Role 

This is an exciting opportunity for the successful candidate to lead the Criminology and Forensic Science subject area within the School of Human and Social Sciences as we deliver our current portfolio, along with new developments. We welcome applications from suitably qualified and experienced candidates with a track record of leadership and management and who are also able to contribute to research, knowledge exchange, enterprise and/or external engagement, alongside curriculum development and delivery. 

We are looking for an individual to provide academic leadership and management across Criminology and Forensic Science, focusing on developing and resourcing academic activity with a particular emphasis on quality assurance and enhancement of the student experience, alongside supporting research and knowledge exchange activities.  

The successful candidate will work closely with the Head of School and the other Heads of Subjects to shape and deliver the strategic plan for the school in line with University strategies, policies and procedures. They will also strengthen our research, knowledge exchange and enterprise profile through securing funding for and delivering projects and disseminating findings through presentations and publications and contribute to relevant teaching activities. The precise mix of duties and objectives will be determined on an individual basis. 

The Person  

This is an exciting opportunity for suitably qualified and experienced candidates with relevant academic expertise in Criminology or Forensic Science, or related discipline who have a track record in leadership, research and/or knowledge exchange and relevant HE curriculum development and delivery experience. Additionally, we are seeking candidates able to work flexibly and as part of a team and to be prepared to support students and staff in reaching their full potential. 

How to Apply  

To apply click on ‘Apply Online’ and fill out the application form. Further information about the application process can be found here: https://jobs.uwl.ac.uk/display.aspx?id=1253&pid=0  

Please email hr.recruitment@uwl.ac.uk if you need any assistance with the application process. 

Interviews will be held on Thursday 08 May 2025.  

For informal enquiries about the position please contact Dr Jen Mayer, Head of School of Human and Social Sciences: Jen.Mayer@uwl.ac.uk.  

Additional Information  

Read more about working at the University of West London at https://www.uwl.ac.uk/about-us/how-university-works/why-work-uwl 

Our department/school is under-represented in terms of staff from minority ethnic backgrounds, of LGBT+ identities, and with disabilities. UWL is committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce, supports the gender equality Athena SWAN Charter, and is a Disability Confident Employer. We welcome applications from all sections of the community, particularly those mentioned above to increase diversity in our workforce.

Candidates must be able to demonstrate their eligibility to work in the UK in accordance with the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006.  

Please be advised that it is expected that appointment within a grade will normally be at the minimum point. 

We will intermittently review the applications as part of this open advert, therefore if successful, you will be shortlisted and contacted at any time. 

The University of West London reserves the right to close the role prior to this date should a suitable applicant be found.

Closing Date: 22 Apr 2025

Department: Academic

Salary: £63,389 to £71,342 per annum