Deputy Head of Postgraduate Admissions

United Kingdom — International Student Market

654K inbound students (2024) +0%

1. India 169K

2. China 152K

4. United States 36K

5. Pakistan 31K

14 international branch campuses in United Kingdom

OVERVIEW The University of Cambridge is seeking an experienced manager to join the Postgraduate Admissions Office as Deputy Head of Postgraduate Admissions. This leadership position supports a large-scale admissions operation responsible for approximately 40,000 applications each year across doctoral and master's programmes. The role focuses on delivering a high-quality service for applicants, departments, faculties, and Colleges across the University. The successful candidate will play a key part in operational management, policy development, and specialist admissions guidance, while supporting a dedicated team and contributing to institutional decision-making.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the delivery of a high-quality postgraduate admissions service
• Oversee admissions operations including offer-making, document verification, visa sponsorship, and admissions confirmation
• Provide guidance and support to staff and applicants
• Ensure admissions processes are efficient, accurate, and compliant with Service Level Agreements
• Support and develop members of the admissions team
• Direct staff responsible for specialist admissions areas
• Provide expertise relating to student visas, international qualifications, part-time study, English language assessment, and applications from disabled applicants
• Help shape admissions policy and practice across the University
• Serve as Assistant Secretary to the Postgraduate Admissions Committee
• Chair the International Qualifications Reference Group
• Represent the Postgraduate Admissions Office at key meetings and forums across the University

Requirements

• Experience in a leadership or management role
• Knowledge and experience relevant to postgraduate admissions operations
• Ability to oversee complex applications processes and service delivery
• Experience supporting staff development and operational performance
• Understanding of international qualifications and visa-related admissions matters
• Ability to provide expert guidance to applicants and colleagues
• Experience contributing to policy and practice development WHY THIS ROLE MATTERS This position supports the delivery of a fair, accurate, and efficient admissions process for thousands of postgraduate applicants each year. The Deputy Head plays a key role in maintaining standards, supporting international applicants, and ensuring the University delivers a consistent and responsible admissions service across multiple academic areas.

Bonus: Application advice

• Highlight leadership experience connected to admissions or higher education operations
• Demonstrate experience managing complex applications processes and service delivery targets
• Include examples of working with international applicants or international

Requirements

Show evidence of policy development, operational improvement, or staff management

Key responsibilities

• Emphasise communication skills and experience advising applicants or institutional stakeholders
• Tailor your application to the specific postgraduate admissions responsibilities listed in the role description

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