Higher education lecturer

Higher education (HE) lecturers research and teach academic and vocational subjects at universities and higher education colleges.


Typical Salary

£37,000 – £56,000

per year

Working Hours

36–38

hours per week

Career Area

Higher education teaching professionals

View related courses

Day-to-day tasks

In this job, you will:

  • design and develop courses to suit students' needs
  • teach students through lectures, seminars, online classes and fieldwork
  • set assignments and exams, and assess progress
  • manage research programmes and budgets
  • act as personal tutor to students

Skills needed

  • knowledge of teaching and the ability to design courses
  • knowledge of English language
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • analytical thinking skills
  • sensitivity and understanding
  • excellent written communication skills
  • the ability to use your initiative
  • the ability to work well with others
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

How to get into this role

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • an apprenticeship

Career progression

After 5 to 7 years you could move up to senior lecturer. You could then become a programme lead, reader or professor.

You could apply for Advance HE Fellowship, which recognises your skills and expertise. There are different grades depending on your experience.

Competition for jobs is strong and promotion depends on how well you perform. You may need to move to another university to take up a teaching or research post.