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Registrar and senior administrator of educational establishments

Between 2006 and 2009, 0.5% of employed doctoral graduates or 70 employed doctoral graduates, are known to have been working in this role six months after graduation.

Job description

This role is part of the ‘other common doctoral occupations' employment cluster.

Registrars and senior administrators of educational establishments organise and manage the administration, support systems and activities that facilitate the effective running of an educational institution. The majority are based in higher or further education (HE or FE), and opportunities are increasing in schools and private colleges. Administrators may work in specific areas such as admissions, quality assurance, data management and examinations or in a specialist department such as finance, careers or human resources.

Typical work activities

The range of administrative roles in the education sector is enormous and responsibilities can vary greatly depending on the type of institution and the section or department where you work.

Tasks may include:

  • Administering the 'student lifecycle' from registration or admission to graduation or leaving
  • Assisting with recruitment, public or alumni relations and marketing activities
  • Providing administrative support to an academic team of lecturers, tutors or teachers. Coordinating examination and assessment processes, maintaining high levels of quality assurance, including course evaluation and course approval procedures
  • Contributing to policy and planning, drafting and interpreting regulations and dealing with queries and complaints procedures
  • Using information systems and preparing reports and statistics for internal and external use
  • Managing budgets and ensuring financial systems are followed
  • Purchasing goods and equipment, as required, and processing invoices
  • Supervising staff, liaising with other administrative staff, academic colleagues and students
  • Liaising with partner institutions, other institutions, external agencies, government departments and prospective students
  • Organising and facilitating a variety of educational or social activities

Entry requirements

The following first degree and doctoral subjects may increase your chances:

  • Business studies
  • Education
  • English
  • Information science/management
  • Psychology
  • Social administration/public administration
  • Sociology
  • Statistics.

A pre-entry postgraduate qualification is not needed, although a professional qualification or higher degree, particularly one directly related, such as an MBA in higher education management, may help in progressing to the higher grades.

For some roles, pre-entry formal office experience may be essential. For senior grades, a minimum of three years' experience in an administrative capacity is usually required. At all levels, previous experience in public sector administration may increase your chances.

Potential candidates will need to show evidence of the following:

  • The ability to deal positively with change
  • Strong interpersonal skills, to relate effectively with others at different levels including students, academics and colleagues in other areas of education administration
  • Good written communication skills
  • Being a good team member
  • The ability to prioritise and manage time effectively
  • IT skills including word processing, spreadsheets, databases and use of the internet;
  • A demonstrable interest in the education sector

This is a competitive sector. Evidence of relevant experience is important, for example involvement in university life, committee work, student recruitment activities or participation in skills development schemes and mentoring. These activities also demonstrate an interest in, and familiarity with, this sector. Temporary work and work shadowing are excellent ways to pick up skills and experience.

All doctoral graduates from 2006 to 2009 who were working in this job six months after completing their doctorate were employed in higher education.

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

  • Academic studies in education
  • Business studies
  • Chemistry
  • Drama
  • History
  • Politics

Experience and skills are more important for entry into this role than doctoral subject. Doctoral graduates from any subject are eligible providing they have the right skills and experiences.

Salary

  • Range of typical starting salaries is £20,000-£25,000 dependent upon sector and location (salary data collected February 2010).
  • Range of typical salaries at senior level is £45,000-£90,000 dependent upon sector and location (salary data collected February 2010).
  • Salary is influenced by institution size, type and location, as well as by job title and can vary a great deal. Membership of a pension scheme is usually possible.

Sector and disciplinary information

All doctoral graduates from 2006 to 2009 who were working in this job six months after completing their doctorate were employed in higher education.

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

Experience and skills are more important for entry into this role than doctoral subject. Doctoral graduates from any subject are eligible providing they have the right skills and experiences.

Career stories

None available

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