University Lecturer

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University lecturers plan and direct the learning of university students in one or more specific topics, as well as conducting their own research in those areas.

They write and present lectures, plan and conduct tutorials, and undertake research into topics that are closely linked to their area of expertise.  Future Growth Strong

They also prepare and mark assignments, examinations and other course work, provide advice to students on academic matters, attend meetings in their faculty, school or department, and undertake administrative tasks. They may also organise and run conferences.


ANZSCO ID & description: 242111: Lectures students and conducts tutorials in one or more subjects within a prescribed course of study at a university and conducts research in a particular field of knowledge. Registration or licensing may be required.

Alternative names: Tertiary Lecturer

Knowledge, skills and attributes

A university lecturer needs:

  • strong written and oral communication skills
  • excellent research skills
  • leadership and motivational ability
  • organisational skills
  • analytical and interpreting skills
  • a passion for and commitment to teaching
  • Intellectual curiosity
  • Interpersonal skills
  • Oral and written communication
  • Reading comprehension
  • High level of intelligence

University Lecturer ACU
(Source: ACU)

Duties and Tasks

  • Acting as advisor for postgraduate students research interests

  • Answering student questions and offering advice on academic matters

  • Conducting research within their set academic area

  • Helping to set course curriculum and degree requirements

  • Prepares and delivers lectures, and conducts tutorials, seminars and laboratory sessions.

  • Prepares and marks essays, assignments and examinations.

  • Advises students on academic and related matters.

  • Attends departmental and faculty meetings, conferences and seminars.

  • Supervises work programmes of postgraduate and honours students and tutorial staff.

  • Participates in setting course and degree requirements, curriculum revision and academic planning.

  • Serves on council, senate, faculty and other committees and professorial boards.

  • Conducts research and undertakes consultancies in a particular field of knowledge.

  • Stimulates and guides class discussions.

  • Compiles bibliographies of specialised materials for reading assignments.

  • Planning and conducting tutorial sessions for smaller seminar groups or laboratory sessions

  • Planning and delivering lectures in large classroom settings

  • Staying up to date on their field of knowledge by attending conferences, seminars, and lectures 

University Lecturer UWA
(Source: University of Western Australia)

Working Conditions

University lecturers work in the offices, lecture theatres and classrooms located within universities. Depending on their area of expertise they may also work in libraries, laboratories or research centres, and they may also work in the field offering practical training.

They usually work regular business hours, but may be required to work later if their classes are scheduled for late afternoons or early mornings. They may be employed on either a full-time or a part-time basis.

Full-time university lecturers usually work on-campus most of the work week, whereas part-time lecturers may be on campus only during those times that they are teaching. University lecturers may also be required to travel to attend and deliver presentations at conferences or other academic forums, or to undertake research.


Tools and Technologies

University lecturers use computers, and especially word processing, power point and spreadsheet or data management software. They use data projectors and other audio-visual equipment in lectures and tutorials, and may also demonstrate the use of other equipment that is used specifically in their field of academic expertise.


Education and Training

To become a university lecturer you usually need to complete postgraduate research in your chosen area of academic expertise. This usually requires you to have completed a bachelor degree, followed by a masters or doctoral degree.

Your chances of gaining employment may also be improved if you have relevant industry experience, previous teaching or research experience, or if you have completed a postgraduate teaching course. Entry to these courses may require the completion of a degree with relevant work experience in your field of expertise.

Did You Know?

Higher education qualifications

The qualifications you can attain at a university or higher education institution are shown below.

Associate degree
•Duration - Two years
•Completed following - Year 12 or equivalent, Certificate III or Certificate IV

Bachelor Degree
Duration - Three years
•Completed following - Year 12 or equivalent, Certificate III or Certificate IV

Bachelor Degree (Honours)
Duration - Four years
•Completed following - Bachelor Degree

Graduate Certificate
•Duration - 6 months
•Completed following - Bachelor Degree

Graduate Diploma
•Duration - One year
•Completed following - Bachelor Degree

Master Degree
•Duration - 1 to 2 years
•Completed following - Bachelor Degree (Honours) or Bachelor Degree

Doctoral Degree
•Duration - Typically 3 years
•Completed following - Masters Degree

(Source: Study in Australia)

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