Higher education lecturers teach and carry out research in universities and some colleges. They teach academic and vocational subjects at undergraduate and postgraduate level to students over the age of 18.

The work of a higher education lecturer normally involves:

• teaching through lectures, seminars, practical demonstrations and fieldwork
• preparing for teaching sessions and developing teaching materials
• setting and marking assignments and exams
• assessing students’ work and progress
• acting as personal tutor to a number of students
• conducting research (often on behalf of sponsors) with the aim of publication
• supervising students’ research
• attending, and contributing to, professional conferences and seminars
• establishing contacts with commercial, industrial and public sector organisations
• carrying out administrative tasks.

Many university lecturers are employed in joint teaching and research positions. They contribute to the research activities of their department and may publish their work in journals and books. 

In a college the focus of a lecturer's work is likely to be on teaching rather than research.

Hours and Environment

As a higher education lecturer your working hours will vary depending on your duties and responsibilities. You are likely to work long hours, but will have flexibility in arranging the timing of some aspects of your work, such as research and student tutorials. There may also be the opportunity for part-time work. 

You may be able to take a sabbatical of up to one academic year so that you can pursue your own research work. You will usually need to have been in post for a set number of years before this becomes an option.

Skills and Interests

To be a higher education lecturer you need:

• expertise in your subject area
• organisational skills  
• the ability to motivate and inspire students
• the confidence to lecture to large groups of students
• the ability to express yourself clearly, both in speech and in writing
• commitment to your own professional development.
  

Entry

To become a higher education lecturer in an academic subject you will usually need:

• a relevant degree (first class or 2.1)  
• a PhD (or be working towards it)
• the ability to carry out original research and have work published.

You will also need experience of teaching, or be able to demonstrate that you have potential to teach. You may be able to gain experience by taking on teaching duties (possibly being paid an hourly rate) whilst you are a research student . Some universities advertise opportunities under job titles such as graduate teaching assistant.

For vocational subjects you will need a relevant degree or professional qualification and several years' relevant work experience.

Training

As a higher education lecturer you will usually have the opportunity to do a wide range of in-house training, and may also be supported in doing external courses if they are relevant to your work.

Postgraduate qualifications, with titles such as Postgraduate Certificate in Learning and Teaching (Higher Education), are available. These are sometimes compulsory for new staff on permanent contracts and can be done alongside your lecturing work. The courses are accredited by the Higher Education Academy, and lead to Registered Practitioner status on successful completion. Visit the Higher Education Academy website for more details - there is a link in Further Information below.

Opportunities

Higher education lecturers are mainly employed in universities and some colleges, but there are also positions in postgraduate institutions such as law and business schools.

There are opportunities for promotion to senior (or principal) lecturer with academic management responsibilities, and to reader, with responsibility for high-level independent research. Promotion to these levels is very competitive, so your work will have to be of a very high standard.

If you have an outstanding research and publishing record you could be promoted to professor, with responsibility for furthering research, for example by setting up new research teams and bringing in new research funding. At this level you may also be head of a department, or a group of departments and would not do so much teaching.  

Annual Income

Figures are intended as a guideline only.

Lecturers on a full-time contract are likely to earn between around £25,000 and around £38,000 a year.
Senior lecturers can earn up to around £46,000 or more a year. 

See the University and College Union (UCU) website in Further Information for more details about pay and conditions.

Further information

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