Higher education lecturer: Job description

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.

Most HE lecturers pursue their own areas of research and develop these in order to contribute to the wider research activities of their department/institution. Many aim to have their research published, either in the form of a book or scholarly article, and this can help raise the profile of their employing HE 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 but will often include:

• developing and implementing new methods of teaching to reflect changes in research;
• designing, preparing and developing teaching materials;
• delivering lectures, seminars and tutorials;
• assessing students' coursework;
• setting and marking examinations;
• supporting students through a pastoral/advisory role;
• undertaking personal research projects and actively contributing to the institution’s research profile;
• writing up research and preparing it for publication;
• supervising students’ research activities;
• 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.