Gemma van Vuuren Cassar

Dr Gemma Van Vuuren-Cassar

Principal Lecturer (Learning and Teaching)

School of Psychology and Life Sciences

I am a Principal Lecturer (Associate Professor) of Learning and Teaching and Physical Education and Sport Pedagogy.

I trained and worked as a teacher in schools before moving into higher education. I read for a PhD (1996-2000) and a Master’s Degree in Education (1993-1995) at the Victoria University of Manchester; and for a B.Ed.(Hons.) (1987-1991) and a Diploma in Applied Social Studies (1986-1989) at the University of Malta.

I have been awarded a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (UK) (2014). I am a trained mentor and assessor for the portfolio route of “My Accredited Pathway to HE”, MAP:HE (ADVANCE HE: HEA (UK) Higher Education teaching qualification).

In 2008 I joined Canterbury Christ Church University (UK). I have contributed to the role of institutional lead for the Teaching Excellence and Student Outcomes Framework (TEF) (2016-2017) and Faculty Director of Learning and Teaching in two faculties (2014-2018; 2020-2022).

I am the Faculty Safeguarding Lead and the Senior Tutor for the School of Psychology and Life Sciences - Sport Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences. In my roles I lead and support staff ensure that all our students receive the best possible experience to complete their studies, achieve their goals, progress to graduate employment and get all the academic and personal support that they need.

Previously, I led undergraduate and postgraduate courses and modules at CCCU and at the University of Malta (1995-2008). I also led international and cross faculty funded research projects. I am also involved in teaching and supervising students on undergraduate, postgraduate and doctorate programmes.