Nigel Harkness

Nigel Harkness serves as Deputy Vice-Chancellor at Newcastle University since September 2024, previously holding Pro-Vice-Chancellor responsibilities for the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences (2018-2024) and leadership of the School of Modern Languages (2014-2018). His academic foundation lies within the School of Modern Languages under the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, following earlier roles as Director of Education at Queen’s University Belfast.

Professor Harkness completed his MA and PhD at the University of Edinburgh, establishing expertise in nineteenth-century French literary studies. His scholarly trajectory includes significant editorial contributions to George Sand's Œuvres completes and interdisciplinary research bridging literature with visual arts.

His research centers on nineteenth-century French literature and culture, with specialized focus on George Sand's works. Current projects include a British Academy-funded monograph examining intersections between literature and sculpture, alongside critical editions of Sand's novels. This scholarship demonstrates sustained engagement with gender studies, cultural history, and interdisciplinary methodologies within French literary traditions.

Professor Harkness holds recognition as a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA), reflecting professional excellence in academic practice. His research funding from the British Academy represents competitive validation of his scholarly contributions to humanities research.

While his current Deputy Vice-Chancellor role prioritizes university-wide strategic leadership, Professor Harkness maintains scholarly connections through the School of Modern Languages. His historical oversight of faculty growth—including significant student enrollment increases and infrastructure investments like the Henry Daysh Building refurbishment—demonstrates capacity for resource management. Prospective students should inquire directly about supervision opportunities given his administrative constraints.

Though no dedicated research lab exists, his scholarly networks extend through national committees including the British Academy’s Strategic Committee on Modern Languages and Research England’s Advisory Group, facilitating broader academic collaboration beyond Newcastle University.