New Dean of Postgraduate Taught Education

Barry Pryer has been appointed as our new Dean of Postgraduate Taught Education.

Barry has worked as Senior Lecturer and Director of Education for the School of Sport, Rehabilitation and Exercise Sciences (SRES) since 2019, having joined the University in 2009 as Programme Leader BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy.

During his tenure as DoE, Barry has helped grow the school from 700 to 1,100 students while making significant improvements in the National Student Survey scores (NSS), particularly around assessment and feedback.

From 2017 to 2023, Barry was also Progress and Assessment Officer for the Faculty of Social Sciences and has served as Appeals Officer, Conduct Committee member and chair.

Barry is currently a Chartered Society of Physiotherapy Education Consultant, working with Universities of Liverpool and Roehampton in a quality assurance oversight and peer support role for their UG and PGT Physiotherapy provision.

Professor Larra Anderson, Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Education, said: “Barry brings with him a wealth of experience and expertise. He has played a crucial role in the success of SRES and I am confident he will continue to do great things here at Essex in his new role.”

Professor Nelson Cortes, Head of SRES and Professor of Biomechanics, added: “I have worked closely with Barry for some time, and I know first hand how dedicated and knowledgeable he is when it comes to educating students and the student experience. I know Essex students will benefit hugely from his appointment to this role.”

Barry said: “I am delighted to have been chosen to lead our Post Graduate Taught Education work and hope that I can encourage and inspire more students to study with us in this exciting and expanding field.”

Barry’s appointment as Dean Postgraduate Taught Education is for three years with effect from 1 September 2024 until 31 August 2027.