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University and higher education lecturers

Between 2006 and 2009, 15.6% of employed doctoral graduates or 2,205 employed doctoral graduates, are known to have been working as university lecturers six months after graduation.

Job description

HE lecturers make up the most significant proportion of the ‘teaching and lecturing in HE' occupational cluster.

Higher education (HE) lecturers facilitate learning and carry out research activities in universities and some colleges of further education (FE). They teach academic or vocational subjects to undergraduate and postgraduate students aged 18 upwards. Teaching methods include lectures, seminars, tutorials, practical laboratory demonstrations, field work and e-learning. Multimedia technologies are increasingly used. HE lecturers pursue their own areas of research and develop these in order to contribute to the wider research activities of their department/institution.

Administrative tasks take up a significant part of the working day. Many lecturers also take on a pastoral role with their students. As HE lecturers progress along their career paths, they may be expected to undertake a managerial role.

Typical work activities

Work activities vary according to individual areas of responsibility and research. Progression to managerial posts will also have an impact on work responsibilities.

Tasks typically involve:

  • Designing, preparing and developing teaching materials, delivering lectures, seminars and tutorials
  • Assessing students' coursework and setting up and marking examinations
  • Supporting students through a pastoral/advisory role, supervising students' research activities
  • Undertaking personal research projects and actively contributing to the institution's research profile
  • Writing up research and preparing it for publication
  • Undertaking continuous professional development (CPD) and participating in staff training activities
  • Undertaking administrative tasks related to the department, such as student admissions, induction programmes and involvement in committees and boards
  • Managing and supervising staff. At a senior level this may include the role of Head of Department
  • Representing the institution at professional conferences and seminars, and contributing to these as necessary
  • Establishing collaborative links outside the university with industrial, commercial and public organisations

Entry requirements

Although this area of work is open to all graduates, undergraduate and doctoral degrees relevant to the post are required, along with:

  • Demonstrable experience of (or clear potential for) teaching
  • The ability to produce original research for peers
  • Early publication of academic work

Candidates will need to show evidence of the following:

  • A sustained interest in and enthusiasm for their area of specialist research and to impart this to students and peers
  • Proven teaching experience and the potential to expand their knowledge in order to teach a broad curriculum
  • Expertise in their own subject area; published research and participation at professional conferences and seminars
  • Excellent analytical skills, and a capacity for original thought
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills
  • Confidence in dealing with a wide range of people
  • The ability to organise their own workload within competing demands
  • The ability to work both independently and as part of a team
  • Commitment to the profession and to their own continuing professional development (CPD)
  • A flexible approach to work and good IT skills

Some research students undertake part-time teaching responsibilities (sometimes paid at an hourly rate) while still registered as students, which is a valuable way to build up teaching experience.

Salary

Salaries are calculated using a national grading system with a single national pay spine across the current salary grades (see the University and College Union (www.ucu.org.uk) website for details).

  • Salaries for higher education (HE) lecturers range from £30,500 - £40,000+ (salary data collected June 2009)
  • At senior level, salaries range from £39,000 to £48,000+ (salary data collected June 2009)
  • Salaries normally depend on academic attainment and experience and are generally higher in London due to the London weighting (approximately £3,000 - £4,000 more per year).

Sector and disciplinary information

Sector information

University lecturers are found in higher education

Disciplinary background

The most common disciplinary backgrounds for doctoral graduates (2006-2009) entering university lecturing were:

Career stories

Dr Campbell Norman-Smith

Course Leader, Buckinghamshire New University

"I adore my wonderful job, and it provides such great opportunities. As course leader I am given a great deal of freedom regarding how I run and organise the MA, provided that the student outcomes are good. I also firmly believe that learning should be fun and I make sure students and staff alike have a great time."

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