Lecturer
What's it like to be a Lecturer?
A Lecturer (Pūkenga Whare Wānanga) teaches in universities, polytechnics and other tertiary education institutions, imparting their knowledge of their subject on their students. While some Lecturers stand at the front of a large hall of students reading from a presentation, it’s also common for Lecturers to teach in small group settings. Lecturers may be responsible for designing and planning their own courses or following a curriculum designed by someone else—this largely depends on the subject being taught. Lecturers are also often responsible for marking and assessing student work. Some Lecturers also conduct research as part of their job.
Tasks and duties
- Planning the content of lectures and tutorials.
- Preparing and marking essays, assignments and examinations.
- Preparing and delivering lectures and tutorials, seminars and laboratory sessions.
- Providing academic guidance to students.
- Conducting research and contributing to academic publications.
- Attending faculty meetings and conferences.
- Contributing to curriculum revisions and course and degree requirements.
How to become a Lecturer
University Lecturers commonly have a PhD in their subject, or are working towards one. Education requirements are often lower for Lecturers in polytechnics.
Complete a bachelor and masters degree in the subject you want to teach. If you complete a first class honours degree you can sometimes progress straight to a PhD without completing a bachelor degree.
Begin or complete a PhD. Some Casual Lecturer jobs are available to students who are still studying their PhD, but salaried and more long-term Lecturer jobs are generally only available to those who hold a PhD.
To work up to a Senior Lecturer position, complete published research in your field that establishes you as an expert.
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