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Original poster

Applying for a job as a lecturer

53 replies

MsWalterMitty · 30/11/2021 22:28

Not sure if this is the right section 🧐

I’m currently in the process of applying for a job as a lecturer in a field i have been involved in for the past 20yrs. I have also been a qualified teacher for 3yrs.

But I’n worried as I’m not naturally academic. It’s a lot of genuine hard effort on my part to even scrape above average academically. I have always been a mid range learner… Cs in school, merits in college, 2:2 in uni. It is only my
Pgce I have ever gained a distinction!

I’m good at my job, experienced and have developed my practice over the years through theory.

But I’m worried they wont even look at me due to my lower than average academic scores.

Is there any point me trying?

OP posts:
TalbotAMan · 01/12/2021 07:28

And I spent 30-odd years teaching in universities with a 2:2 in a different discipline (science) from the one I was teaching (law). After my science degree I did do legal conversion and professional courses, but never took anything that counted as a further first degree,

Original poster
MsWalterMitty · 01/12/2021 07:29

@CovidCorvid

Definitely apply. Just say in the interview that you would be interested in publishing some research and would be excited to be given the opportunity and support to do so. Maybe have a think about a specific area you could say you’re particularly interested in…..how to encourage under represented groups into outdoor activities or something.

I’m a senior lecturer/programme lead and I only have a 2:2 degree. I applied for a post which said PhD essential and didn’t even have a masters at the time and got the job. I’ve never published a piece of research in my life. I make vague threats of doing so every year at my annual review and then trot off for another year and concentrate on teaching! 😆

Thanks! I work in an SEN school and have gained quals through research and reflective study on how Outdoor Learning can benefit ADHD and ASD learners.
OP posts:
Original poster
MsWalterMitty · 01/12/2021 07:30

@TalbotAMan

And I spent 30-odd years teaching in universities with a 2:2 in a different discipline (science) from the one I was teaching (law). After my science degree I did do legal conversion and professional courses, but never took anything that counted as a further first degree,
Thank you! This is reassuring!
OP posts:
WaltzingBetty · 01/12/2021 07:41

Another one saying definitely apply.
Not all unis require research experience and industry experience can be just as valuable depending on subject area

aramox1 · 01/12/2021 07:45

It's in outdoor learning so very unique- I agree that low academic results might be a drawback but still worth applying. Do you know anyone working in the field to discuss with?

Original poster
MsWalterMitty · 01/12/2021 08:47

@aramox1

It's in outdoor learning so very unique- I agree that low academic results might be a drawback but still worth applying. Do you know anyone working in the field to discuss with?
yeah, but he’s a phd student there and my old boss so feel a bit embarrassed to contact him!
OP posts:
daisypond · 01/12/2021 08:52

@MrsFin

It's that really all a lecturer gets paid? Shock I would have imagined the salary too be a fair bit higher than that.
On the contrary - I thought that was quite a decent salary for a lecturer job, more than I expected. Most earn less.
MrsFin · 01/12/2021 10:04

Most earn less
Really? Gosh!

RandomMess · 01/12/2021 10:05

Contact him what have you got to lose?

Lecturing is a job that comes with a lot of student responsibility these days, your classes get assessed my them too. You are expected to do bid for funded research, produce papers, mentor many students, do other additional work etc etc

So as someone that works on the professional service side the basic lecturer salary is not high for what is expected. A whole lot of shit from students about their grades not being high enough etc

daisypond · 01/12/2021 10:24

I think absolutely you should go for it.

Alaimo · 01/12/2021 11:01

I don't work in this field, but do know a bit about it (have some friends who work in this field, either as practitioners or in universities).

I don't think research experience is required. My friends who work in Outdoor Learning at universities & colleges, spend pretty much all their time teaching, next to no research involved. Having said that, most of the ones that I know who have obtained jobs in this field in recent years, do have either Research Masters degrees or PhDs, in addition to practical experience and various outdoor qualifications (ML, kayaking, etc.).

If I were you, I would apply nonetheless, but really emphasise what is unique about your experience. You mention working with pupils with SEN - this sounds like a great skill to have. Spell it out to them: how will that be an advantage/unique selling point in this job?

Fashionesta · 01/12/2021 11:06

RE the salary question, I wouldnt say most lecturers earn less. The basic starting salary for a post doc is around £31,400 upwards to £38,000. I would say a starting salary of £34,000 for a lecturer is at the lower scale.

acfree123 · 01/12/2021 12:07

Most earn less.

The starting salary for a lecturer in a research intensive high tariff university would be over £40k. Lecturers would usally aim to progress up the ladder to senior lecturer/associate professor within a few years, earning £50k+. Professor salaries are £70k+.

This post is advertised at what would be postdoc salary rates in high tariff institutions, which is not uncommon for entry level positions in post 92 universities. At this salary band they could not expect somebody to have an established research portfolio in addition to education experience.

MindyStClaire · 01/12/2021 12:32

Definitely go for it - I'm a lecturer on a teaching contract without a PhD, my professional qualifications are essential for the role but not academic research. I'm undertaking a PhD but we're hiring again and that requirement has been dropped.

Definitely contact your former boss.

MindyStClaire · 01/12/2021 12:32

Well. Actually. He might be a candidate, so maybe don't alert him to your application!

ChotaPeg · 01/12/2021 22:06

Contact the recruiting PL and make an informal enquiry OP.

I don't think the lack of research experience is going to be a major barrier for you - although it would be prudent to have some ideas about what your research areas of interest might be to discuss in your application / at interview.

The 2:2 in your first degree might be a barrier (although interestingly the person spec doesn't state a requirement for a 'good' degree, which usually means 2:1 or above), and although the distinction at PGCE will help you, this is also a level 6 (i.e. final year of UG) qualification. Although the job spec states teaching will be focused on the UG provision, the comment about teaching on other programmes in the portfolio indicate they might be hoping for someone who can teach / assess at M / 7 level too. Totally worth a go though! You never know unless you try.

Original poster
MsWalterMitty · 02/12/2021 09:39

@acfree123

Most earn less.

The starting salary for a lecturer in a research intensive high tariff university would be over £40k. Lecturers would usally aim to progress up the ladder to senior lecturer/associate professor within a few years, earning £50k+. Professor salaries are £70k+.

This post is advertised at what would be postdoc salary rates in high tariff institutions, which is not uncommon for entry level positions in post 92 universities. At this salary band they could not expect somebody to have an established research portfolio in addition to education experience.

This was my thinking! It’s only a couple of grand higher that what I’m on now. I’m teacher M3, but if I stay where I am I will be on more than the lecturer salary in 3 yrs time.

But I want out of my current job!

OP posts:
rbe78 · 02/12/2021 09:53

@MrsFin

It's that really all a lecturer gets paid? Shock I would have imagined the salary too be a fair bit higher than that.
hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha

Academia is NOT a high-paying job.
Obviously better than average salary, but you have spent a minimum of 7 years, and usually a lot more, in studying to get to that point. Also, 'lecturer' is rarely the entry-level job post-PhD - it's usually 2-10 years of temporary postdoctoral positions that are much lower paid to even get to lecturer position.

rbe78 · 02/12/2021 09:54

@acfree123

Most earn less.

The starting salary for a lecturer in a research intensive high tariff university would be over £40k. Lecturers would usally aim to progress up the ladder to senior lecturer/associate professor within a few years, earning £50k+. Professor salaries are £70k+.

This post is advertised at what would be postdoc salary rates in high tariff institutions, which is not uncommon for entry level positions in post 92 universities. At this salary band they could not expect somebody to have an established research portfolio in addition to education experience.

No it's not (I work in a research university) - nearly all UK universities have signed up to the same pay scale. Lecturers start at ~£34k.
rbe78 · 02/12/2021 09:55

And to actually answer the OP: yes, normally a lecturer position would involve having a PhD and a research career, but this is a very specific post for a very specific course, where they clearly value hands-on experience more. Go for it - good luck!

acfree123 · 02/12/2021 20:34

I work at a research university and as a senior academic sign off job offers all the time.

Most permanent lecturers are hired with at least a few years of research experience post PhD and are appointed at the next level up, which starts at £40k+, not at the postdoc salary level. Subjects like Business hire people as lecturers straight from PhD at the lower salary levels, but people move up fast. Temporary lecturers are often paid at postdoc scale, as typically very early career, but these are fixed term contracts just as postdocs are.

SarahAndQuack · 03/12/2021 16:50

@acfree123

Most earn less.

The starting salary for a lecturer in a research intensive high tariff university would be over £40k. Lecturers would usally aim to progress up the ladder to senior lecturer/associate professor within a few years, earning £50k+. Professor salaries are £70k+.

This post is advertised at what would be postdoc salary rates in high tariff institutions, which is not uncommon for entry level positions in post 92 universities. At this salary band they could not expect somebody to have an established research portfolio in addition to education experience.

Is that so? I just applied for a lectureship at a research intensive university which states the salary range as going over 40k, but specifies they won't expect to appoint over 36 odd.

But I digress as this isn't my field. OP, just wanted to wish you luck. Smile

Original poster
MsWalterMitty · 03/12/2021 18:10

Thanks all!! I’ve decided not to apply. But I’m now seriously considering doing an MA part time and sticking to my current job as it’s not too workload intensive due to being a small SEN school!

Thanks

OP posts:
coogee · 03/12/2021 18:16

I would have applied. The worst that that can happen is that they say no and you won’t be any worse off than you are now.

Original poster
MsWalterMitty · 03/12/2021 18:18

@coogee

I would have applied. The worst that that can happen is that they say no and you won’t be any worse off than you are now.
I know. But the applications due in 2 days and I’ve dithered a lot!!!

I will try to set aside some time this weekend, but i feel like my heart’s no longer in it

OP posts:
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