Dean of C School

The opportunity

University of the Arts London is seeking a dynamic, strategic and highly experienced academic to join Central Saint Martins (CSM) as Dean of C School. This is a unique opportunity to help shape the future of education at one of the world’s most influential creative arts institutions.

CSM has ambitious plans to regenerate and transform, building on the College’s core spirit of interdisciplinarity and thematic integrity as an art school through Schools of Thought: C School [Culture], S School [Systems], and M School [Material]. Leadership of the Schools includes, as a priority, the building of a vision in collaboration with academic colleagues, and identifying the potential for creating a school community which promotes outstanding research, creative practice, and public-facing knowledge exchange. 

The Dean will play a vital role in the academic culture, organisation, and profile of CSM, overseeing a vibrant, inclusive, and high-quality student experience. The role is both internal-facing in relation to academic programmes and courses, and external-facing in developing collaboration and partnerships with external bodies, the full range of industries related to the College’s disciplines, and academic and professional networks.

The role provides dynamic and delivery-focused academic leadership and operational management for the School and contributes to the strategic development of the College and University. The Dean will be involved in the development of strategy, policy and operations at College and University level through membership of committees and working groups.

Your profile

It is essential that the Dean can think dynamically and entrepreneurially about the future of arts and design education within the College and is able to align and motivate staff at all levels to achieve the University’s and College’s strategic ambitions. It is preferred that the Dean’s own practice and academic background are associated with one of the disciplines in the School: Art, Curation, and/or Performance.

Please refer to the Candidate Pack - Dean of C School for a full list of requirements.

We are UAL

University of the Arts London (UAL) generates and inspires the creativity the world needs for a better future. Since 1842, our colleges have been defining creative education. With curiosity, imagination and intent we make work which creates lasting change for people and our planet. London is core to who we are, a place where we meet and share ideas with people from different backgrounds and cultures.

Our creative network influences learning, culture, industry and society on a global scale. Our academics and practitioners deliver creative education and inspire new ways of thinking through research and innovation. We work with students at every level from pre-degree and short courses to postgraduate and online learning, enabling them to build the careers they want. Together, we are a community of makers, thinkers, pioneers and storytellers redesigning the future.

As a University we are ranked second in the world for Art and Design. We are formed of 6 Colleges with unique histories and identities: Camberwell College of Arts, Central Saint Martins, Chelsea College of Arts, London College of Communication, London College of Fashion and Wimbledon College of Arts. UAL also has 4 Institutes, 5 Research Centres, 1 Pre-Degree School and 2 subsidiary companies delivering specialist activities.

Application process

We operate a fair and open anonymous selection process. Thus, you will need to create an account and submit an application through our job board. As part of this, you will need to provide a supporting statement/answer some competency questions to demonstrate your suitability. Our recruitment process involves: Application, Shortlisting, Interview and Assessment, Offer, Onboarding.

We understand the benefits of using AI in work. But, if you are thinking of using it to submit an application, we ask you to think about what value it adds. AI tools tend to lack the personal touch and authenticity we value in candidates. We encourage you to showcase your unique knowledge and skills using your own voice.

If we receive a high volume of applications, the closing day date might close early. We aim to communicate any changes to the closing date with at least 24 hours’ notice. If you have any general questions or have accessibility needs, please refer to our Contact us page.

Start your application

Candidates are advised to submit applications early.