Director of Technical Learning

  • Technical Staff
  • Creative Education
Dr Tim Savage

Since joining the university in 2000, Tim has studied and worked at UCA in various roles. He is an experienced strategic leader, manager, researcher, and author who works across academic, technical, and professional support domains to improve the experiences and outcomes of practice-based education within creative arts HE.

Bio

As Director of Technical Learning, Tim leads UCA’s award-winning technical team, enabling world-class learning through specialist facilities, cutting-edge equipment, and technical expertise. As a member of the University Executive Group, he contributes to shaping UCA’s strategic direction and the development and implementation of operational plans.

Tim completed a BA (Hons) in Photography (1998). He later pursued advanced qualifications, including an MA in Photography (2010), MA in Creative Arts Education (2016), and his PhD (2024), with sector-leading research on technician pedagogies. He also holds a Postgraduate Certificate in Learning and Teaching (2012), NEBOSH certification (2013), and recognition as a Principal Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (2020).

The Technician Commitment has acknowledged his research as sector-leading, and his influence extends nationally through roles such as Commissioner for the Research England-funded TALENT Policy Commission and Research Advisor for the Institute of Technical Skills and Strategy. In 2024, he was appointed to the Board of the Technician Commitment.

Research leadership

Tim’s research focuses on technician pedagogies and the evolving role of technicians in creative arts higher education. His work has been showcased at national and international forums, including keynote presentations for the National Symposium for Technical Teaching in the UK, the European League of Institutes of Art (ELIA), establishment of the Institute of Creativity and Innovation in China, and knowledge exchange activities at world-leading institutions such as MIT and RISD.

Selected Publications

  • Savage, T. and Vere, K. (2024) Why is it problematic for technicians to say they teach in higher education? Journal of Learning and Development in Higher Education. [pending]
  • Savage, T. (2024) Teaching to the line: How do visual arts technicians conceive of their pedagogies [PhD Thesis].
  • Savage, T. (2024) ‘Technicians as Educators’ In: Vere, K (ed.) Technicians in Higher Education and Research. London: Routledge.
  • Savage, T. (2019) Challenging HEA Fellowship: Why should creative arts technicians be drawn into teaching? Journal for Art, Design, and Communication in Higher Education.
  • Savage, T. (2014) Understanding Digital Photography. Crowood Press.
  • Savage, T. (2016) Understanding Black and White Photography. Crowood Press.

Teaching and creative practice

A passionate practitioner, Tim’s photographic teaching has been internationally recognised, including shortlisting for the Adobe Global Educators Awards. His work has been exhibited widely and featured in magazines, blogs, and books, bridging technical expertise with artistic expression.

LinkedIn

 

Dr Tim Savage