Sean preston

Sean Preston is a senior higher education professional with extensive experience in academic leadership, curriculum design and quality enhancement. He is currently an Associate Professor in Computer Science and Deputy Dean for the School of Computing, Engineering and Built Environment at University College Birmingham. His work focuses on improving student outcomes, supporting progression and continuation, and ensuring that academic provision is aligned with institutional strategy, regulatory expectations and employer needs.

Sean has over a decade of experience in the UK higher education sector and has previously held the roles of Director of Postgraduate Studies, Associate Dean and Head of Department of Technology. Until 2024, he was also a Non-Independent Director on the University of Suffolk Governing Board.

He has significant experience in recruiting and working with international students, having previously represented UK institutions in Europe, China, India, Nigeria and Ghana.

Sean remains heavily engaged in external academic and industry communities. He has served as an External Examiner or External Panel Member at multiple UK institutions, including the University of Roehampton, Sunderland University, Northampton University, Birmingham Newman University, University of Worcester, and BPP.

Sean is the Education Liaison Officer and a Committee Member at the Birmingham Branch of the British Computing Society (BCS), The Chartered Institute for IT. He is a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (Advance HE) and a Member of the Council of Professors and Heads of Computing.