Like all teaching positions, being a university lecturer can be a fulfilling career. Especially for those who have a passion for imparting knowledge and helping students understand new concepts. For them, the feeling of seeing their students take those lessons and apply them successfully is second to none.
The difference with lecturing at university is that you’re helping students at the latter end of their educational journeys. Through your lectures and seminars, they are honing their knowledge in a subject they are passionate about. Studying at degree level often means they are preparing for a specific career, developing specialist knowledge, or simply pursuing a subject that genuinely interests them.
Being a University Lecturer
Generally, students at this level are more engaged with their studies. This means the behaviour management challenges that often take place at other levels of teaching are usually less common.
Instead, you get to enjoy watching the love of their subject blossom and their academic understanding deepen. You can also help guide them in their choice of career, playing a key part in their future.
It’s not all one way though. Your own love of the subject can develop too. The way students think about and question the theory can provide a source of inspiration. Sometimes giving you a new perspective on your academic work. Many lecturers are also expected to continue developing their expertise by reading, publishing books or academic papers, undertaking research and keeping up to date with developments in their field, in addition to teaching.
Another benefit of lecturing is the autonomy you have in the way you teach. While school teachers must follow the national curriculum and examination specifications, university lecturers often have greater freedom to design and deliver their teaching, assessments and learning materials.
Many universities also tend to provide a more flexible working environment compared to other jobs. When not required on campus, some lecturers may be able to work remotely, depending on their institution, role and responsibilities.
What Are the Must-Haves for Becoming a University Lecturer?
To teach your specialism at the university level, you need to know it back to front. In other words, you need to demonstrate a high level of academic knowledge and subject expertise. There is a lengthy process required to reach this level and, unsurprisingly, it means you will usually need advanced qualifications too.
Completing an undergraduate degree
You’ll need to study a degree in the subject you want to teach. Many universities recruiting lecturers look for candidates with a strong undergraduate degree, often a 2:1 or above, although requirements vary depending on the institution and role.
There are thousands of undergraduate courses available across the UK, and entry requirements vary between universities, so it’s important to check the admissions criteria for each institution before applying.
Choosing a university with a strong reputation in your chosen subject can help you build valuable knowledge, research skills and professional networks, all of which may benefit your future academic career.
Most undergraduate degrees take three to four years of full-time study, depending on the subject you choose.
Completing postgraduate studies
Alongside your undergraduate degree, many university lecturing roles also require postgraduate qualifications, particularly for permanent academic positions.
While some specialist or professionally focused lecturers are appointed based on extensive industry experience, many universities prefer candidates to hold a PhD, particularly in research-intensive institutions.
A master’s degree will allow you to specialise further in a particular area of your subject, building on the knowledge gained during your undergraduate studies. Typically, a full-time master’s degree takes one year, while part-time study often takes around two years.
A PhD is the highest level of academic qualification you can achieve. It involves independent and original research in your chosen field. You’ll produce a substantial research thesis that demonstrates your expertise while contributing new knowledge to your subject area.
Having a PhD can significantly improve your opportunities to secure a university lecturing role and may also open doors to research and other specialist academic careers.
Full-time PhDs usually take between three and four years to complete. Some universities require applicants to hold a master’s degree before beginning a PhD, while others accept outstanding graduates directly from undergraduate study. Always check the entry requirements for your chosen university.
Completing postgraduate study at a university with strong research credentials may also strengthen your academic profile and future career prospects.
Aren’t A Levels Essential to Studying at University?
To begin this process and study at undergraduate level, you’ll also need to meet the entry requirements for your chosen university.
Many universities ask applicants to have GCSEs in English and maths (or accepted equivalent qualifications) alongside Level 3 qualifications such as A Levels, BTECs or an Access to Higher Education Diploma. However, entry requirements vary between universities and courses, so it’s important to check the specific criteria before applying.
If you don’t have the relevant qualifications, the thought of returning to education can be off-putting, as it takes time to qualify.
Studying A Levels is one option, but it isn’t the only route into university. Depending on your career goals and previous qualifications, an Access to Higher Education Diploma can provide a more direct pathway into higher education for many adult learners.
If your goal is to become a university lecturer, choosing the right route into higher education can help you begin your academic journey sooner.
Access to Higher Education Diplomas
An Access to Higher Education Diploma is a nationally recognised qualification designed for adults returning to education who want to progress to university but don’t already have the traditional Level 3 qualifications required for entry.
Rather than studying multiple A Levels, many learners choose a single Access to Higher Education Diploma that’s relevant to the degree they want to study.
Most Access to Higher Education Diplomas can be completed in around 9 to 12 months, depending on your chosen study pace and enrolment date, allowing you to apply for university sooner than you might expect.
If you also need qualifications in English or maths, Functional Skills Level 2 qualifications are accepted by many universities as an alternative to GCSEs. However, acceptance varies between institutions and courses, so you should always check the entry requirements for your chosen university before applying.
Access to Higher Education Diplomas are available to anyone aged 19 or over with no upper age limit.
Many Access to Higher Education Diplomas carry UCAS Tariff points, with the number of points depending on the grades achieved. Always check the entry requirements for your chosen university, as institutions consider applications in different ways.
Today, Access to Higher Education Diplomas are available across a wide range of subject areas, helping learners progress into degrees in healthcare, education, business, psychology, engineering, computing, veterinary science and many other professions.
Study Online
Take the next step towards your goal of becoming a university lecturer by studying 100% online with Stonebridge College.
Our flexible subscription-based learning model allows you to study around work, family and other commitments, with support from qualified tutors throughout your course. With no long-term credit agreements and the freedom to pause or cancel your subscription at any time, you can learn at a pace that works for you.
Stonebridge College offers a wide range of Access to Higher Education Diplomas. If you need to strengthen your university application further, Stonebridge College also offers Functional Skills English & Maths Level 2 Including Exams, helping many learners meet university entry requirements where these qualifications are accepted.
Browse our online courses today and take the first step towards building the qualifications, knowledge and experience needed for a future career in higher education.
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