Glen Moran

I am an experienced University Lecturer and Further Education teacher with a strong academic background in Criminology, Sociology, Psychology, and Religious Studies. Over the years, I have held teaching and research roles at several prestigious UK institutions, including The Bedford College Group, Milton Keynes College, Cardiff University, University of Birmingham, and Birmingham Newman University.

My expertise spans undergraduate and postgraduate teaching, curriculum development, academic research, and student mentoring. I have delivered lectures on a range of subjects—from criminological theories and social structures to qualitative research methods and contemporary issues in Islam—always fostering engaging and inclusive learning environments. I am committed to supporting students’ academic and personal growth by providing constructive feedback and pastoral care.

In addition to teaching, I have actively contributed to interdisciplinary research projects, including sociological studies on religion, non-religion, and social identities, as well as collaborations on science and religion. These experiences have sharpened my research skills and deepened my understanding of complex social phenomena.

Furthermore, I have professional experience in international higher education policy, with a specific focus on the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. As a Policy Assistant at Universities UK, I supported initiatives to strengthen academic partnerships between the UK and MENA countries, gaining valuable insight into the region’s educational landscape.

I am now eager to bring my skills, knowledge, and international perspective to a teaching or research role in the Middle East. I look forward to contributing to academic communities that value critical thinking, diversity, and meaningful student engagement.

I am a dedicated academic with extensive lecturing and research experience in Criminology, Sociology, Religious Studies, and Applied Social Sciences, primarily within leading UK universities. My expertise lies in delivering high-quality teaching, developing innovative curricula, conducting interdisciplinary research, and contributing to academic leadership and policy.

University of Birmingham
At the University of Birmingham, a prestigious Russell Group institution, I held dual roles as a Qualitative Research Fellow and Lecturer within the Department of Theology and Religious Studies. I contributed to a major sociological research project exploring complex social issues, applying rigorous qualitative methods including participant recruitment, data collection, and analysis. Concurrently, I taught undergraduate and postgraduate modules, including foundational courses on religion and specialized topics such as Political Islam. This position enabled me to bridge cutting-edge research with engaging pedagogy, fostering critical thinking and in-depth understanding among diverse student cohorts.

Cardiff University
Based at the Centre for the Study of Islam in the UK within Cardiff University’s School of History, Archaeology, and Religion, I delivered postgraduate teaching on the MA Islam in Contemporary Britain programme, focusing on qualitative research methods and contemporary social issues. I also taught undergraduate modules in Theology, Religious Studies, and Sociology. Beyond teaching, I contributed to curriculum development, student supervision, and Centre administration, enhancing the academic community’s mission to advance knowledge and inclusivity. Additionally, I managed the Centre’s social media presence to engage wider academic and public audiences effectively.

Further and Higher Education Teaching
At Bedford College Group and Milton Keynes College, I taught a range of subjects including Criminology, Sociology, Psychology, and Forensic Science across further and higher education programmes. I developed curricula that combined theoretical foundations with practical skills, provided academic and pastoral support, and assessed student progress through essays, presentations, and examinations. My teaching experience in these settings strengthened my ability to adapt content to diverse learners and foster inclusive classroom environments.

Research and Academic Leadership
Throughout my career, I have engaged deeply with interdisciplinary research projects, integrating historical and sociological perspectives to enrich academic discourse. I have also taken on administrative responsibilities such as curriculum coordination, departmental reporting, and event organisation, ensuring smooth academic operations and strategic development.

PhD in Sociology of Religion — Liverpool Hope University
Completed advanced research exploring key sociological themes within religion, developing expertise in qualitative methods and theoretical analysis.

MA in Sociology of Religion — Cardiff University
Focused on the study of religious beliefs, practices, and social impacts, combining rigorous academic training with interdisciplinary perspectives.

BA (Hons) in Middle Eastern Studies with Arabic — University of Exeter
A comprehensive undergraduate degree covering Middle Eastern history, politics, and culture, alongside proficiency in Arabic language.

Diploma in Arabic Language — University of Damascus
Attained advanced Arabic language skills through immersive study in Syria, enhancing linguistic competence and cultural understanding.