Heads of School Leadership Opportunities

We are seeking Professorial colleagues to join us to shape the Faculty of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences and co-create a globally excellent academic community, where visionary leadership and collaboration will shape a cohesive and transformative future.

Students sit on the grass by the castle in the city centre.
A close up photo of Professor Edward Simpson
Professor Edward Simpson, Executive Dean, Faculty of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences

Join us to shape global excellence in Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences.

Welcome to the Faculty of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences

Thank you for considering a leadership role in the newly established Faculty of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences (FHASS) at Lancaster University. Launching in August 2025, this Faculty represents an exciting opportunity to shape a forward-looking and inclusive academic community across four Schools: Arts, Global Affairs, Law, and Social Sciences.

We are seeking Heads of School to bring strategic, collaborative, and imaginative approaches to leadership. These professorial roles require individuals who can inspire and nurture teams, and foster cultures of inclusivity, shared purpose, and mutual respect. As a Head of School, you will have the opportunity to define strategy, champion inter-disciplinary collaboration, strategically influence external networks and co-create a positive and ambitious environment for staff and students.

The Faculty is rooted in a commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion, and we value leadership styles that cultivate excellence, empathy, and the development of others. You will have the opportunity to help shape a dynamic new curriculum, support cutting-edge research, and engage with external partners to enhance the impact of our disciplines.

This role offers a chance to lead with vision and purpose, working closely with a supportive Faculty Leadership Group, External Advisory Groups, and dedicated Deputy Heads of Schools. We are looking for individuals with strategic insight, a proven ability to foster innovation, and a commitment to building a sustainable future for the humanities, arts, and social sciences.

Lancaster University is at an exciting moment of transformation, and FHASS provides a platform to make a meaningful contribution to the academic landscape. If you share our values and ambition, we look forward to welcoming you to help shape this next chapter.

Our University
Our vision
Our research
Our people
The role of the Head of School
Introducing the four Schools and how to apply

Our University

You will be joining a university which is among the best on any objective measure.

Lancaster University is modern, forward-thinking and nimble to adopt the latest developments in teaching and research. Our vision for the future is to be sustainable, academically excellent and recognised as one of the leading universities in the world. Our greatest assets are the brilliant minds who are attracted to teach and learn at our Lancaster and global campuses; the research that delivers innovative solutions to the world’s everchanging issues; and the positive economic, cultural, societal and environmental change that we are making locally, nationally and globally.

Our excellence in these areas is demonstrated by our consistently high rankings in many influential league tables.

  • Joint 10th in The Complete University Guide 2025
  • 11th in The Guardian University Guide 2025
  • 12th in The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025
  • 141st of 1,500 universities globally in the QS World University Rankings 2025

Lancaster is a university committed to civic engagement and develops trusted relationships with partners to drive economic regeneration and access government funding for regional development, such as the Health Innovation Campus and ever emerging linkages with key stakeholders in the security and protections science and cyber security allied disciplines.

Two people walking on campus

Our strategy

Our strategy is to become a globally significant university – a leader in higher education that provides the highest quality research and teaching and engages locally and internationally on the issues and debates of the day and the future.

Driven by research and stimulating learning, the globally significant university informs and changes practice and thinking worldwide. Our strategy is founded on three priorities of equal importance. Success across all three domains will be critical to fully realising our strategic goals. In the rapidly changing context of UK higher education, the University community has identified that we need to increase our engagement with third parties, enhance our reputation and continue to grow in scale. We have reviewed and updated our objectives to reflect these factors, and new or revised objectives are highlighted against each of our three overarching priorities.

The priorities are to deliver:

  • Research that changes practice and thinking.
  • Teaching that transforms society and the lives of people in it.
  • Active engagement with students, businesses and our communities.
Strategic Plan
engineering seminar

Our research

Lancaster is a research-intensive university. Our results in the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021 confirm our position in delivering world-quality research:

91% of our research is independently rated ‘internationally excellent’ or ‘world leading’, including 46% rated in the highest category of 4*

99% of Lancaster’s overall research environment is rated world-leading or internationally excellent. This includes areas such as research support, training, and facilities.

Since the last REF was completed in 2014, Lancaster has doubled its grant capture. We have also grown in scale, with more than 50% more staff who submitted than in 2014.

Our researchers enjoy working in a high-quality environment where they can collaborate with some of the best experts from across the UK and the world.

The value we place on diversity at the University is demonstrated by our interdisciplinary approach to research which is fundamental in driving innovation.

The University continues to break new ground in understanding and tackling the medical, social, technical, and environmental issues in the world today.

person reading a book in a room with a collection of books.
Research that transforms practice and thinking

Our people

Lancaster’s success depends on talented, creative, and committed people who work hard to make this University so special and distinctive.

We are warm and welcoming to students, colleagues and our communities. We value collaboration to find solutions in our research and operations. We employ 3,885 people, of which 1,659 are Academics or Researchers and 2,226 are Professional Services. This includes our staff who work in our overseas partnerships. Lancaster University is committed to attracting, developing, and retaining the best staff, celebrating equality and diversity, and recognising how all staff contribute to and enhance the overall success of the University. We are looking for leaders to drive positive change to achieve our future ambitions, while still staying true to our values.

People and Culture plan
people looking forward

Our local and global impact

Being part of Lancaster University means sharing in the feeling that you’re making a difference to people and places. From our campus in Lancaster, our regional partnerships in north-west England and our international partnerships in China, Germany, Ghana, Indonesia and Malaysia, the impact of our research, teaching and community work extends across the globe.

Find out about some of the many ways our teams are changing the world:

A group filming and individual at Windermere, Lake District National Park, Cumbria.
Our work makes a difference: locally, nationally and globally.

Our vision for Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences at Lancaster University

Heads of School are key leadership positions within the new Faculty of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences at Lancaster University. The Faculty and Schools will be founded in August 2025 to shape a sustainable and vibrant future for the humanities, arts and social sciences.

The Faculty holds equality, diversity and inclusion as core values and as the frame for this recruitment campaign.

The Faculty is future looking and ambitious, with a state-of-the-art curriculum launching in 2026 drawing on liberal arts and place-based approaches.

The Head of School is a career-defining opportunity to develop strategy, to work in the fresh paint of newly defined disciplinary and inter-disciplinary spaces, and to co-create values, tone and ambition within an academic community in line with the broad university strategy.

As the Faculty undergoes realignment to establish four distinct Schools, we are in the process of updating our website infrastructure to reflect these changes. Applicants may find information on the former structure useful in informing their application.

Please note that some areas of the website are still under construction.

Visit the outgoing Faculty Webpages
People, seated and standing looking at an Art exhibitions

The role of the Head of School

The Head of School of Arts will work closely with colleagues across the University to ensure the success of their School in alignment with Faculty and University priorities. You will bring inclusive and effective academic leadership experience, along with a national and/or international research profile and a commitment to engaging diverse external audiences. Your broad understanding of the higher education landscape will be complemented by a leadership style that values collaboration, innovation, and the empowerment of others.

We are looking for imagination, studied confidence, and a collaborative leadership approach that will help set the strategic framework and define the Faculty of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences in the following schools:

  • School of Arts: Architecture, Arts Management, Creative Writing, Design, English Literature, Film, Fine Art, Media and Theatre 
  • School of Law: Law 
  • School of Global Affairs: Global Languages and Cultures, History, International Relations, Philosophy, Politics and Religion 
  • School of Social Sciences: Criminology, Educational Research, Linguistics & English Language, Social Work and Sociology

As Head of School, you will take a strategic approach to advancing research excellence while championing the public visibility and impact of our disciplines. Being a key member of the Faculty’s Leadership Group, you will help shape a sustainable and adaptable organisational structure that fosters inclusivity, enhances governance and management, and supports innovative ways of working. Your leadership will be key to promoting a positive and equitable working environment for staff and an enriching, accessible learning experience for all students.

As Head of School, you will work in close partnership with a Deputy Head of School, who will oversee the School’s operations, ensuring effective and inclusive management. To support inclusive and forward-thinking leadership, the School will work alongside an External Advisory Group that provides guidance, support, and constructive challenge.

Leading by example and embodying the University’s values, you will champion equality, diversity, inclusion, and the well-being of both staff and students. Your leadership will foster a collaborative, respectful, and supportive culture where everyone can thrive, contributing to the success of the School and the wider institution.

Derwentwater, with Catbells in the distance.

Derwentwater in the Lake District

Renumeration and benefits

This role is a full-time Professorial appointment in the Faculty of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences.

Lancaster University engages in a variety of domestic and international benchmarking exercises to ensure we are extremely competitive in the levels of reward and recognition we provide. Therefore, we are confident that any offer made will be strong and competitive.

The final offer is subject to the experience and expertise of the successful candidate as part of a well-developed framework that allows for reward and progression.

The Ruskin Library in the springtime

Reward, recognition and salary supplements

The successful candidate will be expected to begin on or as near as possible to September 2025. The position of Head of School is usually held for a five-year term, unless extended or renewed within the University’s appointment process. At the end of their term, the role holder will cease their Head of School responsibilities and return to a substantive role in the University's professorial community. In recognition of taking on the role, the Head of School will receive a salary supplement based on performance and progress in the role, which will be reviewed periodically

Pension

For this role the University offers the opportunity to join the Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS). The Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS) is one of the UK’s largest pension schemes, offering financial security in retirement for university employees. USS members benefit from a hybrid pension structure that offers option to plan and secure an income in your retirement.

Discounts and perks

As an employee you can take advantage of our sports centre membership deal on campus, retail discounts in Lancaster city and 300+ brands online, home technology, childcare, medical and dental insurance, free streaming services, loans towards professional development and membership fees and free and confidential emergency, wellbeing, financial, legal and counselling support for you and your family.

Be yourself

Enjoy being part of a staff community of over 4,000 people from different backgrounds, interests, faiths, and lifestyles. We have numerous staff networks, events, and facilities to help you find friends and settle in.

Travel

We encourage more environmentally friendly transport to work. We also offer discounts and opportunities to purchase bicycles or electric/hybrid cars, and season ticket loans to spread the cost of commuting.

Annual leave

The standard University leave year currently runs from 1 October to 30 September. The entitlement for a full year is 39 days (pro rata for part time staff). This is made up of 25 days holiday plus 8 bank holidays plus 6 University closure days. As a compassionate employer we also offer paid special leave to help you cope with family emergencies.

Make a difference, with great rewarding work

Make a difference. Be a part of a team that wants to make a positive impact in the world, from the wellbeing of our students and local community, to the future of our planet. We believe everyone at Lancaster University has a part to play in delivering positive change. Find out more about our award-winning sustainability actions at lancaster.ac.uk/sustainability Any staff member, whatever their role, can be recognised and rewarded for making an outstanding contribution to the University’s work with our staff awards, long service awards schemes and pay progression.

Equality, diversity and inclusion

Our employee community across the UK and the world comprises people from 85 nationalities. They practise different faiths, have different lifestyles and are at different stages in their lives. It is this mixture of life experience that adds diversity of thought and approach to make Lancaster University a force for good.

We are committed to creating an environment where everyone can feel welcome, thrive and fulfil their potential. Our equality, diversity and inclusion leaders are involved with everything from policy creation to celebratory events to help us be a fairer and more inclusive employer.

Our chartermarks

As an organisation, we have successfully achieved the following chartermarks demonstrating our positive actions to address equality, diversity and inclusion issues.

Athena Swan Bronze Logo

Athena Swan

As well as our institutional Athena Swan Bronze award, Lancaster is very proud to have achieved Athena Swan awards in all our departments or faculties, recognising our commitment to advancing gender equality within higher education and research.

Disability Confident Committed logo

Disability Confident Employer (Level 2)

Lancaster University is a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2). We are committed to actions to improve how we recruit, retain and develop disabled people.

Race Equality Charter

Race Equality Charter

Lancaster is proud of our Bronze award, demonstrating our commitment to improving the representation, progression and success of minority ethnic staff and students at Lancaster.

AccessAble logo

AccessAble

We have made significant investments in accessibility improvements at our Lancaster campus.

Introducing the four Schools and how to apply

The Faculty of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences is a community of four Schools:

  • Arts
  • Global Affairs
  • Law
  • Social Sciences

Below are four tabs that explain the composition of the schools, as well as links for more information and how to apply.

To apply, use the "apply" link at the bottom of the page relating to your School of interest. Please answer the supporting statements aligned to the person specification, demonstrating your skills, knowledge and competency.

Please also upload your CV and a covering letter (2 x A4 max of text, 11pt arial, normal margins)to include an expression of interest, noting: why you wish to apply, your vision for the School, and how you would intend to approach the role, giving examples relating to the areas of responsibility listed:

  • Strategic academic leadership
  • School planning, management and governance
  • People leadership and development
  • Financial and estate management
  • Health and safety leadership

Tab Content: School of Arts

Lancaster University's  School of Arts offers a rich and strong range of arts disciplines, including Architecture, Arts Management, Creative Writing, Design, English Literature, Film, Fine Art, Media, and Theatre. These areas are underpinned by a commitment to academic excellence, innovative teaching and impactful research.

The School of Arts is ambitious and creative and engages strongly with local partners, particularly in Morecambe Bay and throughout the north west of England. We build on capacities to attract participation from academics and industry partners for significant events and projects. We are excited to play a role in defining the roles of arts in public life and discourse.

We are committed to: social justice and tackling inequalities, expanding fair and inclusive access to education, environmental and cultural sustainability, and innovation through both technology (particularly cyber and AI) and human factors and agency.

Lancaster University is ranked joint 77th in world for Arts and Humanities in the 2024 QS World University Rankings by Subject. Several disciplines within the School of Arts are in the top 10 in the Complete University Guide 2025. Media Studies and Film is ranked second, Theatre Studies fourth, Creative Writing sixth, Architecture and Art and Design are both ranked seventh.

Head of School of Arts - more information and apply

Tab Content: School of Global Affairs

Lancaster University’s  School of Global Affairs encompasses Global Languages and Cultures, History, International Relations, Philosophy, Politics, and Religion, offering an interdisciplinary environment for exploring global challenges and opportunities. We are committed to academic excellence, impactful research, and fostering a deeper understanding of the complex issues shaping the world today.

The School of Global Affairs is intended as a disruptive platform to host national and international debate in the north of England. We work with a wide range of partners across humanitarian and security interests. The School has a suite of new teaching programmes and disciplinary areas. The School takes arts, humanities and social sciences as lenses for understanding the challenges of the age.

We are committed to: social justice and tackling inequalities, expanding fair and inclusive access to education, environmental and cultural sustainability, and innovation through both technology (particularly cyber and AI) and human factors and agency.

Notable rankings

  • 72nd for Modern Languages in QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024
Head of School of Global Affairs - more information and apply

Tab Content: School of Law

Lancaster University’s School of Law  offers a dynamic and supportive environment for the study of law, with a focus on academic excellence, innovative teaching, impactful research, and global connections, the School equips students with the knowledge and skills to excel in a rapidly changing legal and social landscape.

The School of Law is a friendly, diverse and ambitious place to work and study. Faculty members advise governments, serve on commissions and public bodies, and are seconded to national and international organisations, helping to shape policy and practice. We are also strongly committed to engagement with local communities and issues through our law clinic. Our research is wide-ranging, impactful and well regarded. We are excited by the challenge of redefining a legal education for the mid-twenty-first century.

We are committed to: social justice and tackling inequalities, expanding fair and inclusive access to education, environmental and cultural sustainability, and innovation through both technology (particularly cyber and AI) and human factors and agency.

Notable rankings

  • 20th in UK, Guardian University Guide 2025
  • 15th joint in UK, The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025
Head of School of Law - more information and apply

Tab Content: School of Social Sciences

Lancaster University’s School of Social Sciences brings together Criminology, Educational Research, Linguistics and English Language, Social Work, and Sociology to create an interdisciplinary hub of academic excellence, combining innovative foundational and applied research to drive highly impactful work, policy innovation, and global engagement. Research-led teaching equips students with critical skills and knowledge to address complex social challenges and make meaningful contributions to society.

The School of Social Sciences at Lancaster brings together internationally and nationally leading disciplinary areas. More than ever, the social sciences are needed to address complex challenges. The School is research intensive and builds on academic and intellectual traditions that have defined the core of Lancaster’s mission. We are excited by the prospect of inter-disciplinary working and problem solving across disciplines and methodologies.

We are committed to: social justice and tackling inequalities, expanding fair and inclusive access to education, environmental and cultural sustainability, and innovation through both technology (particularly cyber and AI) and human factors and agency.

Several disciplines with the School are recognised for their excellence in national and global rankings. In the 2024 QS World University Rankings by Subject, Linguistics ranks 3rd globally, while Sociology holds the 83rd position. Social Work is ranked 1st in both The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025 and The Complete University Guide 2025. Additionally, Criminology is placed 6th in the UK in The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025.

Head of School of Social Sciences - more information and apply

Why join us?

  • Benefits and rewards at Lancaster University

    As a major employer in Lancashire, we offer a generous staff benefits package to all our employees, as well as additional family-friendly advantages.

  • Life at Lancaster

    Meet new people from all walks of life. Find your place on our campus, in our city and community.

  • Overseas applicants and relocating to Lancaster

    As a global organisation with employees from over 70 countries located in the UK, Europe and Asia we welcome applicants from near and far. Nearly a quarter of our staff are from overseas, and with students from over 100 countries too, our campus is alive with conversations in many languages.

  • How to apply

    Advice on applying for roles with us and our recruitment process.