How to become a University Lecturer

University lecturers teach tertiary students in one or more subject areas and conduct research projects. They can present on certain topics or help students to develop skills in subject areas.

Personal requirements for a University Lecturer

Academic ability
Interested in original research
Enjoy and have an aptitude for teaching
Good oral and written communication skills
Confidence in presenting information to an audience and fielding questions
Able to work as part of a team
Leadership and supervisory skills
Organisational skills and attention to detail
Able to analyse and solve problems

Education & Training for a University Lecturer

To become a university lecturer you usually have to complete a degree in your field, preferably at a masters or doctoral degree level. Relevant courses are widely available; consult institution handbooks for more information on courses in your field of interest. Previous teaching, research and/or industry experience is also looked on favourably by employing institutions.Postgraduate teaching courses may help you gain employment. Entry to postgraduate teaching courses usually requires completion of an appropriate bachelor degree, as well as relevant work experience. Universities have different prerequisites and some have flexible entry requirements or offer external study. Contact the institutions you are interested in for more information.

Duties & Tasks of a University Lecturer

University lecturers:

Prepare and deliver lectures, tutorials and practical classes
Assess student assignments and grade student performance
Supervise research students
Discuss with students their progress and/or aspirations
Organise and conduct field trips and excursions or other learning activities
Research a specialised field of study and publish the findings in books or professional and academic journals
Attend meetings and conferences related to research
Plan courses in consultation with other staff, arrange course timetables and coordinate and supervise teaching assistants to conduct classes
Serve on committees dealing with general departmental and administrative concerns
Prepare departmental budgets and associated reports
Provide professional consultative services to government and industry.

Tasks

Prepares and delivers lectures, and conducts tutorials, seminars and laboratory sessions.
Compiles bibliographies of specialised materials for reading assignments.
Advises students on academic and related matters.
Prepares and marks essays, assignments and examinations.
Stimulates and guides class discussions.
Supervises work programmes of postgraduate and honours students and tutorial staff.
Conducts research and undertakes consultancies in a particular field of knowledge.
Attends departmental and faculty meetings, conferences and seminars.
Serves on council, senate, faculty and other committees and professorial boards.
Participates in setting course and degree requirements, curriculum revision and academic planning.

Working conditions for a University Lecturer

University lecturers may be employed on a full-time, part-time, contractual or casual basis. With further training and experience, a university lecturer may be promoted to a position of educational leadership, such as dean of a faculty, or a head of school or college principal.

Employment Opportunities for a University Lecturer

Tertiary institutions, such as universities, offer lectureships and other tertiary teaching positions. Lecturers may also be self-employed, working as consultants or in a professional practice. Competition for available positions is very strong.

Specializations

University Lecturer

University lecturers teach tertiary students in one or more subject areas and conduct research projects.

Average age
48
Future Growth
N/A
Gender Share
50% female
Average full-time
45 hours
Weekly Pay
N/A
Skill level rating
Very high skill
Unemployment
Average unemployment
Full-Time Share
75%
Employment Size
39,500
Employment by state
ACT: 3.8%
NSW: 31.2%
NT: 1.0%
QLD: 17.2%
SA: 6.9%
TAS: 2.2%
VIC: 28.3%
WA: 9.4%
Age brackets
15-19: 0.1%
20-24: 0.9%
25-34: 11.9%
35-44: 26.3%
45-54: 28.6%
55-59: 14.2%
60-64: 10.2%
65 and Over: 7.9%
Education level
Advanced Diploma/Diploma: 1.1%
Bachelor degree: 11.2%
Certificate III/IV: 0.4%
Post Graduate/Graduate Diploma or Graduate Certificate: 85.7%
Year 10 and below: 0.1%
Year 11: 0%
Year 12: 1.4%