What is the Job?

The role of Quality Officer in the Quality & Standards Department at the University for the Creative Arts (UCA) is ideal for individuals who are detail-oriented, organized, and passionate about ensuring academic excellence. As part of a highly professional team dedicated to enhancing quality and standards, you’ll play a pivotal role in supporting the University’s academic governance and ensuring its collaborations with educational partners meet rigorous standards.

This position involves tasks related to continuous improvement of academic processes, such as course approval, review cycles, and assessment oversight, all of which contribute to upholding the University’s academic reputation. You will serve as a critical link between internal and external stakeholders, advising them on procedures and ensuring the integrity of educational partnerships. Additionally, the role may involve some travel within the UK and overseas, spotlighting the University’s international reach and global partnerships.

As a representative of UCA’s Quality and Standards Department, you’ll work collaboratively across multiple departments, embodying the institution’s commitment to creativity, innovation, and high academic standards.

Applying from an International Education Perspective: Advice for Applicants

If you’re applying to this role from the vantage point of international education, consider the following advice to stand out:

1. Show Your Understanding of International Academic Practices

Given UCA’s global partnerships, highlight your knowledge of international education systems, accreditation processes, and quality standards. Tailor your application to emphasize familiarity with different academic frameworks, such as Bologna Process standards, UK Quality Assurance protocols, or other relevant global higher education schemes.

1. Demonstrate Cross-Cultural Communication Skills

This role requires liaising with stakeholders at UCA’s UK-based campuses and its international collaborators. Showcase examples of successful communication and collaboration across cultures, particularly in academic or professional environments. Spotlight your sensitivity to cultural nuances and ability to navigate complex international relationships.

1. Highlight Relevant Organizational and Administrative Expertise

Detail your experience managing quality assurance or academic operations, such as course approvals, assessment reviews, or governance processes. Specifically, mention your ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, all while maintaining high standards of accuracy and attention to detail.

1. Focus on International Travel Experience

Travel to UCA’s academic partners overseas is integral to this role. If you have experience coordinating processes abroad or traveling for professional purposes, indicate your ability to adapt quickly and professionally in international settings.

1. Express Alignment with UCA’s Mission

UCA’s focus on creativity and innovation makes this role more than just a job-it’s a chance to contribute to shaping education for the next generation of global creatives. Reflect this in your cover letter by connecting your personal or professional values to UCA’s mission of fostering talent worldwide. Show enthusiasm for the opportunity to uphold academic standards in such a dynamic and inspiring context.

How to Apply

Tailor your application closely to the job description, showcasing both the technical skills required (e.g., quality assurance, stakeholder communication, academic governance) and your ability to thrive in a collaborative and culturally diverse environment. Use examples to illustrate how your expertise aligns with the responsibilities outlined in the role, particularly regarding international partnerships and quality enhancement.

Additionally, don’t hesitate to reach out to Head of Quality & Standards, Aimee Clarke, via email at Aclark7@uca.ac.uk, for an informal conversation regarding the role. This could help you gain a deeper understanding of the expectations, enabling you to fine-tune your application.

Finally, as UCA champions creativity and values inclusivity, make sure to reflect these principles in your application. If you belong to an under-represented group, note the University’s encouragement of diverse candidates and use this as an opportunity to show how your unique background can bring value to their vibrant community.

About the University

UCA has a legacy of nearly 160 years educating artists, makers, and thinkers, and aims to shape a global future by nurturing creative talent. It offers specialization in various creative disciplines across its Surrey and Kent campuses, alongside a thriving research hub leading the way in fields like sustainability, textiles, animation, and culture. Excitement for creativity and innovation is at the heart of UCA’s identity-an ethos evident in this role. Being part of UCA means not just joining a team, but becoming part of a mission to empower the next generation of creative thinkers worldwide.

Next Steps

For further details, click the “Apply” button to proceed with your application. Remember: full-time working hours at UCA are 36 hours & 15 minutes weekly. Use this opportunity to make an impact within one of the UK’s most influential creative universities!