In 1997 Shaun joined the Coventry University as Senior Lecturer in Communication Culture and Media, from Leeds Metropolitan University, where he had been Senior Lecturer in Visual Cultures in the School of Arts and Contemporary Cultures. He had also previously taught at Nottingham and Leicester Universities. He became Principal Lecturer in Media and Communication in 2007, was Joint-acting Head of Department in 2008 and 2009 and became Head of Department in 2009.

Shaun’s expertise developed from his original training and background in Archaeology and Anthropology/Ethnography. Initially his work focused on material cultures, cultural identity and cultural and media theory, expertise which he focused through his PhD research on the expression of ethnic identity though cultural artefacts. He also trained in, worked on, and taught video-making for educational purposes and made several short documentaries and educational programmes. Whilst at Leicester he taught methods, video and photography skills as well as material culture studies and the anthropology of art. He took up a Lectureship and then Senior Lectureship in Visual Cultures at Leeds Metropolitan University from 1992-97, leading the development of the MA in Cultural Studies.

Whilst at Coventry, Shaun has taught many subjects – from media and cultural analysis and research methods, to Information Societies and Material Cultures, on the BA courses in Communication Culture and Media, and Media Production, as well as on the CCM Masters Programme. In 2000 he became course leader for the Communication Culture and Media Masters Programme and in 2005 Programme Manager for all the MA courses. In that role Shaun initiated and oversaw the development of new Masters Programmes in Specialist Journalism, and the MA Media Production and recently supported the development of an innovative new MA in Photography. As Head of Media he has lead the development of the Open Media Strategy, which has structured and focused its recent direction.

Shaun was seconded to the University Teaching and Learning Task Force from 2000 to 2002, to work on projects developing cross-cultural education in the internationalization of the curriculum and the innovation of peer–evaluation and peer-tutoring using online platforms. From 2002-5 he represented the department on the Hefce ADM Subject Centre and a JISC working group on innovation in assessment. He has chaired the School of Art and Design approvals committee and currently sits on the University Academic Board.