Job Description

Higher Education Lecturers teach and research in a particular subject area that they are knowledgeable in, which will help students achieve an undergraduate or postgraduate degree, this is unusually in a University but could be in a further education college.

Entry Requirements

You can get into this job through:

Apprenticeship

You can get into this role through a postgraduate apprenticeship as an academic professional.

Employers will set their own entry requirements but you'll probably need a postgraduate qualification like a master's or PhD.

Click here to search for an apprenticeship.

University

You'll need a good degree, like a first class or upper second class, relevant to the subject you want to teach. You'll also need to have completed or be working towards a postgraduate master's or PhD, and have academic work published.

You'll be expected to do a teaching qualification soon after you start. This is usually offered by your own university and is done while working.

You may be able to get experience by taking on teaching duties while you're a postgraduate student. Some universities also offer work as a graduate teaching assistant.

You'll need several years' relevant work experience if you want to teach vocational subjects, for example art or engineering.

You'll usually need:

• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
• a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study

Click here to search for a suitable course.

More information

You can find out more about working in higher education from the HE Academy.

Career Path and Progression

You could work for universities and colleges, law and business schools, or private sector universities and schools.

After 5 to 7 years you could become a senior lecturer. You could then become a principal lecturer, reader or professor. Competition is strong and promotion depends on how well you perform.

Related careers you may be interested in:

• Further education lecturer
• Online tutor
• Research scientist
• Secondary school teacher

Required Skills

• In depth knowledge and expertise in your chosen subject
• The ability to motivate and inspire students
• Able to speak well and express yourself clearly
• Good leadership and management skills
• Perseverance and dedication to complete research
• Good organisational skills to juggle responsibilities
• Commitment to your own professional development

Salary Range

£33,000 to £55,000