What does a Lecturer do?
Lecturers provide instruction on a specific topic to students, typically at the post-secondary level. They often provide this instruction in a college or university setting, but in the United States they are commonly not full-time tenured professors. They frequently work part-time, and may only be teaching a single course. They review material in the chosen curriculum, explain concepts and theories, and may demonstrate techniques for practical skills using equipment or technologies that are standard for that field.
Lecturers typically have a master’s degree in the subject area in which they are teaching, although in some cases a bachelor’s degree combined with significant professional experience may be acceptable. They must have extensive knowledge of the subject area in which they are teaching, and proficiency using any tools or technology programs that students would need to use as part of the course.
- The duties include teaching one to two courses per semester.
- Work on a team under the coordinator's supervision, and attendance to program meetings is expected.
- Two office hours per week per class and participation in co-curricular activities.
- Provide written assessment of individual students at midterm and the end of the semester.
- Development, updating, preparation, and delivery of lectures and laboratory exercises.
- Assess student learning and incorporate findings into course delivery.
- Support and encourage students in a civil and welcoming classroom climate.
- Grade exams and homework assignments. supervision of Graduate Student Instructors. grading of assignments, quizzes, and exams.
- Doctorate's or Graduate's Degree in the field of study and demonstrated experience as a lecturer.
- Experience with C, PDF, ENV, and LMS software and systems.
- Is dedicated to course development and collaborate with others to execute.
- Demonstrated professionalism and problem solving skills alongside leadership.
- Can assist student body or clients with critical thinking and has an eye on continuous improvement.
- Is fluent in the subject being taught.
Lecturer Salaries
Average Base Pay
Lecturer Career Path
Learn how to become a Lecturer, what skills and education you need to succeed, and what level of pay to expect at each step on your career path.
Years of Experience Distribution
Lecturer Insights
University of Derby UK“My programme director and line manager are also very approachable; I feel they’ve got our best interests at heart.”
“Flexible working hours and choosing our own path is one of the pride that we get.”
Loughborough University“Bullying and cohersion of junior staff is widespread and little is done to reform this.”
Utah State University“We have been given the responsibility to organize our classes in ways that best optimize learning and successful outcomes.”
“There are so many opportunities to get knowledge in order to enhance our career life and achieve our career goals.”
Birmingham City University“This is great for people who may want to plan an exit route to change their career.”
Fanshawe College“Great collaborative environment to work; the best of the several colleges I have instructed at in the province.”
INTI Universal Holdings“People are generally helpful in getting you off your feet especially if you are starting off in your teaching career.”
Frequently asked questions about the role and responsibilities of a Lecturer
- Professor
- Visiting Professor
- Faculty Member
- Clinical Research Specialist