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Higher education (HE) lecturer

Higher Education (HE) lecturers carry out research and teach the next generation of construction professionals in universities and higher education colleges. As a lecturer in a construction-related field you will specialise in one area of study, such as architecture, engineering, business and management, planning, surveying or more.

Average salary*

£20000

-

£55000

Typical hours per week

36-38

How to become a higher education lecturer

There are several routes to becoming a HE lecturer. You could do a university course or a postgraduate apprenticeship, or apply directly to an employer for work.

You should explore these routes to find out which is the right one for you. Although some of these options have certain qualification requirements, many employers are more interested in people who are enthusiastic, willing to learn and can follow instructions.

You may need a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card to work on a construction site.

University

You’ll be expected to gain a teaching qualification. This is usually offered by your university and can be completed while working.

In order to teach vocational subjects, such as engineering or surveying, you’ll need to have had several years’ relevant work experience in the construction industry.

You’ll need:

  • 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent (undergraduate degree)
  • An undergraduate degree in a relevant subject (postgraduate degree)

Find out what the entry requirements are where you live.

Graduate training scheme

Some HE lecturers gain teaching experience by planning and leading undergraduate classes whilst they are completing postgraduate studies. Some universities offer paid roles for graduate teaching assistants, which will allow you to work towards becoming a HE lecturer.

Find out what the entry requirements are where you live.

Apprenticeship

You could complete a postgraduate apprenticeship to become a HE lecturer.

Employers will have their own entry requirements but you are likely to need a postgraduate qualification, such as a master’s or PhD to become a HE lecturer.

Apprenticeships are open to anyone over the age of 16. As an apprentice, you will be fully employed by your company and expected to work a minimum of 30 hours a week. Your time will be split between on-the-job experience and a college or training provider.

Find out what the entry requirements are where you live.

Work

If you have previous experience of working in construction, and a relevant degree, you could apply directly to a university for work as a HE lecturer. Your employer may ask you to complete some teaching qualifications on-the-job.

Work experience

In order to become a HE lecturer in a vocational subject, you will need to have substantial work experience in the field you aim to teach.

Work experience is essential to gaining employment within the construction industry. You could gain this by working weekends and holidays with a company or relative who works in the industry. Potential employers will always be pleased to see work experience listed on your CV.

Skills

Additional skills which may benefit anyone considering a job as a HE lecturer include:

  • Knowledge of teaching and research
  • Excellent verbal communication skills
  • Sensitivity and understanding
  • Analytical thinking and problem solving skills
  • Able to use your own initiative.

Qualifications

To become a Higher Education (HE) Lecturer, you could complete a:

  • For most teaching or training roles at university level, you will need a relevant degree (first class or 2:1) which is relevant to the subject you want to teach

To become a Higher Education (HE) Lecturer, you could complete a:

  • For most teaching or training roles at university level, you will need a relevant degree (first class or 2:1) which is relevant to the subject you want to teach

To become a Higher Education (HE) Lecturer, you could complete a:

  • For most teaching or training roles at university level, you will need a relevant degree (first class or 2:1) which is relevant to the subject you want to teach

What does a higher education lecturer do?

As a HE lecturer, you will be responsible for teaching academic and/or vocational subjects to students training to enter the construction industry. It’s a rewarding role for anyone who wants to pass on knowledge, skills and a passion for the built environment.

Lecturers are sometimes employed in a joint teaching and research position. In a college, the main focus of your work is likely to be on teaching, whereas in a university the focus will include research.

The role of a HE lecturer involves the following duties:

  • Preparing lessons plans
  • Developing teaching materials
  • Setting and marking tests
  • Assessing student progress
  • Administrative work such as writing reports
  • Delivering teaching in lectures, seminars, and through practical demonstrations and fieldwork
  • Teaching in a university or higher education college.

How much could you earn as a higher education (HE) lecturer?

The expected salary for a HE lecturer varies as you become more experienced.

  • HE lecturers on a full-time contract can earn £20,000 - £45,000
  • Senior HE lecturers can earn in excess of £55,000.*

Hours and salary depend on location, employer and any overtime you may do.

* Salaries have been collected from multiple industry sources

Vacancies

Check out the latest HE Lecturer vacancies: 

As these are external websites, the number of job vacancies related to your preferred job role may vary. 

Check daily to see new opportunities as they are posted!

Career path and progression

As a HE lecturer, you could work in universities and higher education colleges.

With experience, you could progress to become a senior lecturer, a reader or a professor.

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