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Occupation Details

University Lecturer



Fact Sheet

Doing research is an important role for a lecturer

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

Duties and Tasks

University lecturers may perform the following tasks:

  • prepare and deliver lectures, tutorials and practical classes
  • assess student assignments and grade student performance
  • keep an eye on student progress and supervise research students
  • discuss with students their progress and/or aspirations
  • organise and conduct field trips and excursions
  • research a specialised field of study and publish the findings in books or professional and academic journals
  • attend meetings and conferences to do with research, budget and policy matters and departmental administration
  • plan courses in consultation with other staff, arrange course timetables and coordinate and supervise teaching assistants to conduct
  • classes
  • serve on departmental or faculty committees dealing with general departmental and administrative concerns
  • prepare departmental budgets and associated reports
  • provide professional consultative services to government and industry

Quick Facts

School subjects that include some aspect of ART provide a useful background to these jobs. In some cases an art-related subject is a pre-requisite for entry to courses that provide the training for the job.
School subjects that include some aspect of BIOLOGY provide a useful background to these jobs. In some cases a biology-related subject is a pre-requisite for entry to courses that provide the training for the job.
School subjects that include some aspects of CHEMISTRY provide a useful background to these jobs. In some cases a chemistry-related subject is a pre-requisite for entry to courses that provide the training for the job.
School subjects that include some aspect of COMPUTING STUDIES provide a useful background to these jobs. In some cases a computer studies-related subject is a pre-requisite for entry to courses that provide the training for the job.
School subjects that include some aspect of ECONOMICS provide a useful background to these jobs. In some cases an economics-related subject is a pre-requisite for entry to courses that provide the training for the job.
School subjects that include some aspect of English provide a useful background to these jobs. In some cases an English-related subject is a pre-requisite for entry to courses that provide the training for the job.
School subjects that include some aspect of geography provide a useful background to these jobs. In some cases a geography-related subject is a pre-requisite for entry to courses that provide the training for the job.
School subjects that include some aspect of HISTORY provide a useful background to these jobs. In some cases a history-related subject is a pre-requisite for entry to courses that provide the training for the job.
School subjects that include some aspect of LANGUAGE provide a useful background to these jobs. In some cases a language-related subject is a pre-requisite for entry to courses that provide the training for the job.
School subjects that include some aspect of MATHEMATICS provide a useful background to these jobs. In some cases a mathematics-related subject is a pre-requisite for entry to courses that provide the training for the job.
School subjects that include some aspect of the PERFORMING ARTS provide a useful background to these jobs. In some cases a performing arts subject is a pre-requisite for entry to courses that provide the training for the job.
School subjects that include some aspect of physical education provide a useful background to these jobs. In some cases a physical education subject is a pre-requisite for entry to courses that provide the training for the job.
School subjects that include some aspect of PHYSICS provide a useful background to these jobs. In some cases a physics-related subject is a pre-requisite for entry to courses that provide the training for the job.
Workers performing these jobs would usually be expected to spend more than three-quarters of their day indoors, in an office, factory or other enclosed area protected from the weather. Jobs requiring mainly indoor work are excluded.
These jobs require moderate or better reading and writing skills. Workers may be expected to prepare, understand or act on written materials, such as letters or reports. People may wish to avoid these jobs if their reading or writing English skills are limited to a small range of words or phrases and symbols. Jobs remaining may still require very basic reading or writing skills.
Included are teaching and teacher support jobs in areas such as early childhood, primary, secondary, vocational and higher education, and in special education, as well as other training jobs.
These jobs involve WORKING WITH IDEAS to investigate or seek solutions to scientific, technical, social or other issues. Activities include observing, researching, analysing and interpreting results. The ability to develop theories, apply logic and explore abstract ideas in a specialist area of knowledge is important.
These jobs involve WORKING WITH PEOPLE, to help, inform, teach or treat them. Activities include discussing personal issues, listening to people's problems, and providing advice, instruction, information or treatment to meet their needs.
These jobs involve WORKING WITH DATA to order, process or retrieve facts and figures, or to develop or administer policies and procedures. Activities include organising, using or updating information, such as files or accounts, developing or following procedures or systems, and the planning, budgeting, and staffing of an organisation.
Jobs in this group usually require completion of a recognised Bachelor Degree, or extensive relevant experience. Some jobs also require post-graduate study, such as a Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma or Master Degree.

Work Conditions

University lecturers may be employed on a full-time, part-time, contractual or casual basis.

Personal Requirements

  • academic ability
  • interested in original research
  • enjoy, and have 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 skills
  • organisational and supervisory skills
  • able to analyse and solve problems

Related Industries

Tertiary Education

See State Specific Information below for further education and training options.

Identifying and explaining complex chemical compositions with the aid of a data projector

Occupation Video - University Lecturer