Photo of Professor Kristyan Spelman Miller

Professor Kristyan Spelman Miller

Associate Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Education) HSS Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences

    About

    Personal Statement

    I graduated from the University of Manchester with a degree in French before specialising in Applied Linguistics. Following a PGCE in Teaching English as Foreign Language at the University of Sheffield I took up my first teaching post in Japan, and then completed an MA in Applied Linguistics at the University of Reading. After a period working in Malaysia, I returned to the UK to begin my academic career as a Lecturer then Senior Lecturer in Applied Linguistics at Reading. My PhD (2000) was a study of written text production, an area I have continued to focus on from both pedagogic and linguistic perspectives. I am currently co-editing a book on transitional experiences of writers.

    Whilst at Reading I held various roles in learning and teaching at programme, school and Faculty levels, finally serving as Faculty Director of Teaching and Learning (Arts and Humanities) from 2004 to 2008. I then moved to the University of Winchester where I held the post of Dean of Faculty (Humanities and Social Sciences) from 2009 to 2016, with university-wide responsibility as Dean of Learning and Teaching.

    A key part of my work to date has been developing and implementing strategy, and leading initiatives focussed on improving students’ learning experience. These have included programmes to enhance student research skills, student engagement in curriculum renewal, academic skills development and employability, such as through extra-curricular language learning and placement opportunities. In 2011 I was awarded a National Teaching Fellowship in particular for my work on student engagement in research.

    Externally, I am involved in QAA work as a reviewer, until recently with the HEA as an accreditor, and sit on various national bodies. I have extensive experience as an external examiner, including with XJTLU, and as curriculum reviewer and PhD examiner. I have also been involved in the Routes into Languages HEFCE-funded project supporting access to Modern Foreign Languages in Higher Education.