Dave Briggs

Biography

As an ASE (Education Focused) Academic, David’s research interests lie in the areas of innovative pedagogy, student expectations and the impact of international partnerships on the academic and wider student experience. He is currently exploring the differing expectations and experiences of UK and international students on Foundation Year Courses. Prior to joining the University of Essex, David held the positions of Associate Head: Special Academic Projects and Associate Head: Recruitment, International and Partnerships, at Coventry University London. In these roles he led on a strategic project to re-structure the campuses academic delivery, gaining a reputation for completing projects, on time, within tight deadlines. As Associate Head: Recruitment, International and Partnerships, David co-led on the development and management of the campus’s international portfolio, building a range of relationships, including progression and transnational educational provision, with universities around the world. He also co-led on the development of quality assurance processes to ensure the academic quality of courses delivered overseas. At the University of Essex David is a Senior Lecturer and first held the positions of Director of Blended Learning and Digital Innovation, in Essex Pathways. At the onset on the Coronavirus pandemic, he led on the transition of academic delivery from on-campus to online. Following on from this role David took on the position of Academic Lead for Ready for Success. Is this role he developed a suit of courses for university applicants, and potential students ranging from Level 2 to Level 7. For his work in this area, David was awarded a University of Essex Excellence in Education Awards for 2020 – 2021, with the panel praising his ‘profound commitment to supporting students throughout the global pandemic’ and his ‘commitment to developing and delivering a range of creative and unique learning tools to engage with and educate students’. David now holds the position of Deputy Dean: Partnerships (Europe) and takes the strategic lead for the University’s relationships with our European University Alliance, YUFE; and our European University Network, YERUN. In 2022 David was recognised for his commitment to student success, through his innovative student progress tracking system, developed with colleagues in Essex Pathways, with a University of Essex Excellence in Education Award for Leadership. Outside of the University, David is a Director of the Community Interest Company BeSharing, which aims to raise awareness of, and recognition for, individual voluntary and community-based work. With a commitment to sustainability and renewable energy, David has also consulted on collaborative projects for solar farm development and hydro-electric power. David’s mottos in life: ‘If you can’t, you must, and if you must you can’. (Tony Robbins) ‘It’ll be alright in the end; and if it’s not alright, it’s not the end’. (John Lennon)

Qualifications

• LLB University of Essex, (2012)

• LLM: UK Human Rights and Public Law University of Essex, (2014)

• PGCert: Academic Practice in Higher Education Coventry (United Kingdom), (2016)

Appointments

University of Essex

• Deputy Dean: Partnerships (Europe), Office of the Vice Chancellor, University of Essex (3/10/2022 - present)

• Ready for Success - Academic Lead, Essex Pathways, University of Essex (3/5/2021 - 30/9/2022)

• Director of Blended Learning and Digital Innovation, Essex Pathways, University of Essex (23/3/2020 - 30/9/2022)