Academic board

The University's Committee and Board Structure comprises the Academic Board and its reporting Committees, together with the University Executive.

  • Academic Board
  • University Executive 

Academic structure

The academic structure of the University is based around the following schools:

  • School of Digital, Technology, Innovation and Business
  • School of Health, Education, Sciences and Policing
  • University of Staffordshire London

There is also a full range of service departments, designed to complement and enhance the work of the schools and provide support for students and staff.

Terms of Reference

Academic Board is responsible for:

  • Considering and advising the Vice Chancellor and Board of Governors, as appropriate, upon the planning, development, oversight and resourcing of all the academic work of the University, including teaching, research and knowledge transfer.
  • Reporting to the Board of Governors, through the Strategy and Performance Committee or directly, on matters both relevant to determining the educational character of the University and which may impact on the University’s reputation or its financial health.
  • Oversight of the quality and academic standards of the educational provision, including matters relating to validation or accreditation by external bodies.
  • Oversight of the quality of the student experience for all provision.
  • Oversight of student awards, delegated to Award Boards.
  • Approving all policies and procedures including those relating to quality, research, the assessment and examination of the academic performance of students – including procedures for the exclusion of students for academic reasons (the ‘Award Regulations’) – and relating to the conduct of students.
  • Approving those individuals to be awarded honorary degrees each year.
  • Advising on the procedures and criteria for the appointment and promotion of members of the teaching and research staff.
  • Approving the appointment of Professors and Associate Professors.
  • Monitoring progress with the implementation of the University’s Access and Participation Plan with the Office for Students (OfS).
  • As delegated to the Education Committee, determining the criteria for the admission of students.
  • As delegated to the Education Committee, determining the appointment and removal of external examiners.

As delegated to the Education Committee and the Research, Innovation and Enterprise Committee respectively, the approval and re-approval of taught and research courses.

Composition

  • Vice Chancellor (Chair) 

  • Pro Vice Chancellor Education and Research (Deputy Chair) 

  • Executive Director of Curriculum and Academic Affairs (Secretary) 

  • Executive Director of Student Life 

  • Director of Business Intelligence and Management Reporting 

  • Executive Director of Business to Markets (or nominee) 

  • Director of Research and PGR (or nominee) 

  • School Executive Deans 

  • Associate Deans Students 

  • An academic from the Senior Management Team of each School 

  • Two research representatives 

  • Two elected members of academic staff 

  • Two elected members of professional support staff of the University 

  • President of the Students’ Union (or nominee) 

  • One student representative (nominated by the President of the Students’ Union)

Academic Board Committees

There are 7 main committees within the Academic Board sub-committee structure:

  • Education Committee
  • Research, Innovation and Enterprise Committee
  • Joint Student Experience Committee
  • Portfolio Development and Review Board
  • Access and Participation Plan Board
  • Honorary Awards Committee
  • Professorial Conferment Committee

for Career Prospects

Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2025

Top 5 for Social Inclusion

The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025

for First Generation Students

The Mail University Guide 2025

of Research Impact is ‘Outstanding’ or ‘Very Considerable’

Research Excellence Framework 2021

for Facilities

Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2023

of Research is “Internationally Excellent” or “World Leading”

Research Excellence Framework 2021

Four Star Rating

QS Star Ratings 2021