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Maria Kinch

Maria Kinch portrait
As the University Director of Foundation Year Studies I am responsible for all University of Reading Foundation Year programmes in the UK and Overseas. 

Areas of interest

My main areas of interest are increasing access to higher education, student engagement and participation, curriculum and qualification development, assessment writing, inclusive practice, teacher education, staff development and training.

Background

I joined the University of Reading in 2022. I have worked in education for over 20 years at various U.K. colleges and universities teaching Accounting, Finance, Business, Management, and Law on different programmes including professional e.g., ACCA, CIMA, CIPD, CMI & AAT, undergraduate, vocational, apprenticeships, A levels, BTEC, Foundation, and Pre-Masters ranging across FHEQ Levels 2-7. I have over 16 years of educational management experience including 10+ years specialising in Foundation and Pre-Masters leadership at different U.K. universities. I have 9+ years experience as a Senior Examiner and Qualification Development Writer for U.K. & International Accounting & Business programmes for various qualification awarding bodies. Prior to my career in education I have 16+ years of industry experience where I used to be an Accountant working for international manufacturers, global banks and professional and IT services companies. 

Academic qualifications

  • BA (Hons) Accounting
  • ACCA (Level 7 Professional Accounting Qualification)
  • PgDip Education
  • PgDip Human Resource Management – Training & Development (Professional Qualification)
  • PgDip Inclusive Practice
  • PgDip Leadership Coaching & Mentoring (Professional Qualification)
  • MA Student Engagement in Higher Education
  • MBA with Project Management
  • LLM Commercial Law
  • Level 8 Diploma in Strategic Direction & Leadership (Professional Qualification)

Professional bodies/affiliations

(SFHEA) Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy

(FSET) Fellow of the Society for Education & Training

(ACCA) Affiliate of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants

(MAAT) Member of the Association of Accounting Technicians

(MCMI) Member of the Chartered Management Institute

(MCIPD) Member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel & Development

Publications

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