Our Deans of School are responsible for the leadership and development of the academic disciplines and professions in their school. They work closely with the Pro-Vice-Chancellors (Education and Students, Research and Knowledge Exchange and Academic Operations) to develop and realise the strategic plans of their school and the university. Deans have overall accountability for the development and realisation of the school vision, students, staff, subjects and courses as well as the physical resources in their school. They have either national or international standing in their subject or profession and maintain their research and professional engagement.
Dr James ColeDean of the School of Applied Sciences
James Cole is Dean for the School of Applied Sciences and previously served as its Associate Dean for Education and Student Experience. He joined the university’s teaching team for Geography with Archaeology in 2013, following appointments at the University of Oxford and Bournemouth University. James was part of the leadership team of the School of Environment and Technology as Subject Lead for Geography and Environment when the new School of Applied Sciences was formed in 2020. Within Applied Sciences, James was the Learning and Teaching Lead where he has led on initiatives transforming the Student Voice and Assessment and Feedback.
James’ research interests focus on understanding the fundamental question of what it means to be human. James is interested in knowing whether certain abilities that we all take for granted such as language, symbolism and abstract thought are unique to our species (Homo sapiens) or were present in other ancient humans (hominins) such as the Neanderthals. In order to ascertain this, James studies a range of evidence strands with a primary focus on the stone tools left behind by our ancestors for clues to their mental capabilities. James is also interested in what cognitive, behavioural and social thresholds were needed by hominins in order to allow them to successfully disperse across the globe and overcome any environmental constraints. Finally, James is fascinated by how ancient hominins treated their dead, particularly how and why some of them seem to have practiced cannibalism.
More about Dr James ColeContact: j.n.cole@brighton.ac.ukMore about the School of Applied Sciences
Professor Imran RafiqDean of the School of Architecture, Technology and Engineering
Imran studied Civil Engineering at the University of Engineering and Technology in Pakistan in 1999 before obtaining an MSc and PhD in Engineering Structures from the University of Surrey, whose teaching staff he joined in 2005. Imran joined the University of Brighton in 2013 and gained experience through a number of key responsibilities such as the course leader for MSc Highway Engineering Management and design thread leader within Civil Engineering programmes. He became the Deputy Head of School (Quality Assurance and Enhancement) in 2016 and then Associate Dean (Education and Student Experience) in 2020. Imran was appointed Dean of the School in March 2023. Imran’s research focuses on quantifying deterioration in structures, including that caused by climate changes, and how this impacts their performance. He is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA) and an active member of the International Association of Bridge Maintenance and Management (IABMAS). Imran is also a member of the International Federation for Structural Concrete (FIB) Commission 8 on concrete-related durability issues, and an active member of various task groups in the development of Model Code 2020 for the design of concrete structures.
More about Professor Imran RafiqContact: m.rafiq@brighton.ac.ukMore about the School of Architecture, Technology and Engineering
Professor Tamar Jeffers McDonaldDean of the School of Art and Media
Tamar joined the university on 1 October 2021 as the new Dean of the School of Art and Media and Professor of Film History. She was previously the Head of the School of Arts at the University of Kent and brings a wealth of leadership experience to drive the future development of the School of Art and Media.
More about Professor Tamar Jeffers McDonaldContact: t.jeffersmcdonald@brighton.ac.ukMore about the School of Art and Media
Professor Catherine RobinsonDean of the School of Business and Law
Kate joined the university on 1 July 2024. She has held the post of Deputy Dean of Kent Business School in the University of Kent for the past four years, with responsibility for accreditations and the Business School at Medway. Before taking up that position, Kate also held a number of other academic leadership roles, including Associate Dean of Graduate Studies (taught programmes) at Kent. An applied economist with 30 years’ experience as a researcher and academic, Kate has published extensively in the fields of productivity and labour economics. She is a visiting fellow at the National Institute of Economic and Social Research and a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy. She is also deeply committed to widening participation and inclusion, and has published on how innovative teaching practice can close the attainment gap.
Contact: c.robinson6@brighton.ac.ukMore about the School of Business and Law
Dr Angela GlynnDean of the School of Education, Sport and Health Sciences
Angela joined the University of Brighton from the NHS as a Physiotherapy Lecturer Practitioner in 2002 and took a full-time post in 2003 having completed her PhD. She has excelled in a number of important roles including BSc(Hons) Physiotherapy course leader and Physiotherapy team lead; MRes Clinical Research course leader; Assistant Head School of Health Professions; Deputy Head of School of Health Sciences and then Associate Dean of School of Sport and Health Sciences, leading on student experience, quality and learning and teaching; and Chair of Apprenticeship Approval Panel. Following completion of her Senior Leadership MBA, she was appointed Dean of the School of Sports and Health Sciences in October 2021 and became Dean of the newly merged School of Education, Sports and Health Sciences in August 2024.
More about Dr Angela GlynnMore about the School of Education, Sport and Health Sciences
Dr Lara PerryInterim Dean of the School of Humanities and Social Science
Lara Perry is interim Dean for the School of Humanities and Social Science, and previously served as its Associate Dean for Education and Student Experience. She joined the university’s teaching team for History of Art and Design in 2006, following appointments at Newcastle University and the University of Southampton. Lara was part of the leadership team of the School of Humanities when it joined the School of Social Science in 2020 and has taken a special interest in supporting the development of academically rich and personally rewarding curriculum and educational practice for students at all levels.
Lara’s research has explored the importance of gender in various aspects of the history of art, including British modernism, 19th century art practices, portraiture as a genre and most importantly in the development of museum collections and exhibition practices. She is an active PhD supervisor and has enjoyed research collaborations with many students, academics, curators and artists in the UK and beyond.
More about Dr Lara PerryContact: lara.perry@brighton.ac.ukMore about the School of Humanities and Social Science
Professor Richard McManusDean of Brighton and Sussex Medical School (BSMS)
Richard started as the third Dean of Brighton and Sussex Medical School in September 2024.
He qualified from St Mary’s Hospital Medical School and trained in both Medicine (St Mary’s) and General Practice (Gloucestershire) before moving to Birmingham to pursue an academic career. In Birmingham he undertook the first UK trial of the self-monitoring of blood pressure which formed the basis of his PhD. Following NIHR funded post-doctoral training, in 2009 he was appointed to a Chair in Primary Care Research in Birmingham before moving to a statutory Professorship in Oxford in 2011. In Oxford he gained an NIHR Professorship and subsequently an NIHR Senior Investigator Award.
More about Professor Richard McManusContact: DeansOffice@bsms.ac.ukMore about Brighton and Sussex Medical School
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