UWIC seeks pro v-cs to make case for higher status

The hunt is on for two dynamic leaders of research and teaching to help the University of Wales Institute, Cardiff, gain research degree-awarding powers and improve the student learning experience.

In this week's Times Higher , UWIC is advertising for two new full-time pro vice-chancellors, one responsible for research, the other for learning and teaching. The appointments stem from a re-examination of the university's executive structure and a renewed drive to gain research degree-awarding powers.

UWIC already has taught degree-awarding powers, but these are held in abeyance to the University of Wales, whose degrees it awards.

The same arrangement will apply when UWIC gains research degree-awarding powers, which it plans to apply for in 2006-07.

UWIC believes degrees from the University of Wales have greater international cachet, but it wants the right to award its own degrees to help it to develop its research and teaching reputation, Anthony Chapman, UWIC vice-chancellor, said: "My board of governors decided we should re-examine the structure of the executive. That has taken place this year, the result being two posts of pro vice-chancellor.

"This university has meanwhile recommitted to attaining research degree-awarding status and developing its research culture. This is at the centre of our strategy."

But he said it was important to remain part of the University of Wales. He added: "The brand is very important overseas, and being part of a bigger group helps our teachers and researchers with collaborations."

Robert Brown and Jacqui Hare have held the research and teaching pro vice-chancellor posts in an acting capacity since 2003, after merger talks between UWIC and Glamorgan University.