Overview
Tim Metcalf is Dean of the School for Arts and Communication at Arts University Bournemouth (AUB), where he leads a broad portfolio of creative disciplines and contributes to the university’s strategic direction. With over two decades of experience in higher education, Tim has held senior academic leadership roles across leading UK institutions.
After graduating from MA Communication Design at Central Saint Martins (UAL) in 1999, Tim built an academic career centred on graphic communication, design strategy, and creative education. He has previously served as Course Leader for BA (Hons) Graphic & Media Design and Acting Programme Director of the Graphic Communication Programme at London College of Communication (University of the Arts London). He later became Director of Undergraduate Programmes at Winchester School of Art, University of Southampton.
Alongside his academic career, Tim has maintained an active professional design practice, working with high-profile clients including Universal Music, Warner Music, Wella, Momentum Pictures, MTV, L’Oréal, and Harrods. Between 2002 and 2007, he co-ran a design studio in W1, Central London.
Tim regularly delivers lectures, workshops, and academic development sessions both nationally and internationally, and has played an active role in developing university partnerships, particularly across China.
Qualifications
Qualifications
MA Communication Design (UAL CSM), BA Graphic Design (University of Derby)
Teaching Qualification
PGCE
Teaching
As Dean, Tim’s teaching focuses on academic leadership, curriculum development, and strategic academic delivery across the School for Arts and Communication.
Previous teaching
Tim has taught and led courses across a range of institutions, including:
- BA (Hons) Graphic and Media Design Course Leader – London College of Communication, University of the Arts London
- BA Graphic Arts Course Leader – Winchester School of Art, University of Southampton
- Graphic Communication Programme (Acting Programme Director) – London College of Communication, University of the Arts London
- Director of Undergraduate Programmes – Winchester School of Art, University of Southampton
- Head of the Design Department – Winchester School of Art, University of Southampton
He has also delivered workshops, lectures, and staff development sessions internationally, particularly within Chinese partner institutions.
Research
Research Interests and Projects
Tim’s interests centre on creative education, curriculum design, transnational education (TNE), and the evolving relationship between design, media, and emerging technologies. His work explores how creative curricula can balance industry relevance, critical thinking, and cultural awareness within rapidly changing global contexts.
He has been actively involved in developing and strengthening international academic partnerships, particularly in China, contributing to workshops, staff development, and cross-cultural academic collaboration. His professional practice continues to inform his academic leadership, ensuring strong connections between industry and education.
He also co-foundered the Data Imagine Group at Winchester School of Art, University of Southampton
Professional Engagement
Tim is currently External Examiner for:
- MA Design in Visual Communication – London College of Communication, University of the Arts London
- International Foundation Year – Northumbria University
He has previously held External Examiner roles at:
- BA Graphic Communication Design – University of Westminster
- BA Design – Vakalo School of Art, Athens / University of Derby
- BA (Hons) Graphic Design and Illustration – Cambridge School of Visual and Performing Arts (CSVPA)
- BA Graphic Design – ICAT (Chennai and Bangalore) / Birmingham City University
- BA (Hons) Graphic Design – University of Hertfordshire
He has also served as External Assessor at Bedales School (BAC Design course) and at the University of Portsmouth across Drama and Performance, Musical Theatre, Fashion and Textile Design, Graphic Design, and Photography.
Awards and Prizes
Notable awards/prizes
University of Southampton Vice Chancellors Teaching Awards (2008, 2013)