Nick Adams

Head of Undergraduate Medical Education at The University of Cambridge

Milton Keynes, England, United Kingdom

About

I solve a problem that most organisations face: how do you design and scale learning that actually works when learners are remote, time-poor, and need real results? For over 17 years at The Open University, I’ve led the transformation of science education from traditional distance learning to digital-first experiences that engage thousands of students across multiple countries. I’ve developed and managed multi-million pound portfolios spanning undergraduate to postgraduate level in life sciences (biology, biomedical sciences, health sciences and mental health science), bringing together academic experts, technologists, and production teams to deliver on time, on budget and to quality standards that matter including external accreditation. What drives me: creating learning experiences that don’t just deliver content but change outcomes. I specialise in using peer collaboration and evidence-based assessment design to make online learning more personalised and effective. My expertise spans the full lifecycle: learning strategy, instructional design, technology integration, stakeholder management, and delivery at scale. I combine academic rigour (through master’s degrees in biology, education (specialising in leadership and management) and technology-enhanced learning) with practical project discipline (APMP certified). My life sciences background and significant experience working with and supporting students keeps me grounded in what and how people actually learn. I’m exploring what’s next - whether that’s in higher education, corporate learning, edtech, the charitable sector or consultancy. If you’re tackling the challenge of effective learning at whatever scale, I’d welcome a conversation.

Experience

  • Head of Undergraduate Medical Education at University of Cambridge
    May 2026 - Present · 2 mos

  • The Open University (17 yrs 5 mos)
    • Senior Manager, Curriculum & Teaching
      Aug 2016 - Mar 2026 · 9 yrs 8 mos

      (Previously titled ‘Senior Manager (Qualifications)’.) I managed the OU's undergraduate BSc (Hons) Natural Sciences (Biology) / BSc (Hons) Biology, BSc (Hons) Biomedical Sciences and BSc (Hons) Health Sciences degrees and the postgraduate MSc in Mental Health Science programme. I was also the Curriculum Manager for SD816 Core topics in mental health science, as well as strategic operations for STEM microcredentials.

    • Qualifications Manager
      Aug 2015 - Jul 2016 · 1 yr

      Along with the Associate Programme Director, I am responsible for managing the faculty's biology curriculum.

    • Curriculum Manager
      Oct 2010 - Sep 2015 · 5 yrs

      Managed multiple presentation and production science modules.

  • Industrial Placement Student at GSK
    Oct 2006 - Sep 2007 · 1 yr

    A year-long work placement as part of my degree studies. I developed a high-throughput assay to investigate modulators of cell proliferation in vitro using RNA interference techniques.