The University for the Creative Arts (UCA) is seeking to appoint an exceptional academic leader to the pivotal role of Provost.  This role is Farnham-based with regular UK and some international travel.

Following recent changes to the senior leadership team, the Joint Vice-Chancellors have undertaken a review to ensure alignment with strategic priorities. This role provides substantive leadership across key areas of education and the student experience, bringing together accountabilities within a single, senior position.

This is a significant internal opportunity for a senior academic colleague with a strong commitment to practice-based creative education, who is motivated to shape the academic direction of the University at a critical period of development.

The Role

As Provost, you will provide academic educational and student experience leadership, working closely with the Joint Vice-Chancellors and Executive colleagues to ensure strategic oversight of all academic provision across our Schools and campuses.

You will lead the development and delivery of UCA’s academic strategy, ensuring a high-quality, distinctive, and practice-led student pedagogic experience, and champion innovation in teaching, learning and assessment across the institution.

Key Areas of Responsibility

• Strategic leadership of UCA’s academic portfolio across all campuses
• Executive oversight of UCA’s Academic Schools and Executive Deans
• Oversight and leadership of academic quality, governance and regulatory compliance (including TEF, NSS, and QAA)
• Leadership of curriculum enhancement and implementation at undergraduate and postgraduate level
• Championing creative, studio-based, inclusive and digitally enabled pedagogies
• Supporting staff development and fostering a collaborative academic leadership culture
• Enhancing the student experience, retention, progression and academic outcomes

About You

This opportunity will particularly suit colleagues who:

• Have a strong academic profile in a creative discipline, or extensive experience leading practice-based education
• Bring substantial senior academic leadership experience, ideally within a teaching-intensive or specialist institution
• Have a demonstrable track record of improving teaching quality and student experience at scale
• Are experienced in leading complex academic structures across multiple campuses
• Have a strong understanding of the UK higher education regulatory and quality environment
• Lead with a collaborative, inclusive and values-driven approach

Experience of international delivery is desirable but not essential.

Why Apply

This role offers the opportunity to:

• Influence the academic future of UCA at institutional level
• Lead innovation in creative higher education
• Work closely with a committed Executive and academic leadership team
• Make a lasting impact on practice-based pedagogy and student success

To submit your application for this fixed term role please click on apply and upload your CV and covering letter.  Please note this vacancy closes at 11:59 pm on Sunday 17th May.

Closing Date: 17 May 2026

Department/School: Senior Management

Salary: This role sits within the Leadership Pay Band
Fixed-term appointment until 31 January 2027