Academic ranks explained

Whilst academic rank structures may differ in each university here is a breakdown of the most common academic ranks used in UK universities. 

Doctoral Researcher

A doctoral researcher is a postgraduate research student who is undertaking research in their chosen field at a university. They will spend between 3-7 years researching a topic and writing a thesis of around 100,000 words. Finally, they will present their research to a panel of academics and experts. 

During this time they may undertake limited teaching i.e leading seminars or tutorials for undergraduate and postgraduate students. 

Post-doctoral Research Assistant/Fellow

A post-doctoral research assistant/fellow holds a doctorate in their field and undertakes research. 

Like, doctoral researchers, they may undertake a small amount of teaching however their work will be mainly research-based. 

Lecturer 

A lecturer is the lowest academic rank in a university. Their main responsibilities include teaching (including lectures, seminars and tutorials), preparing and marking exams and some other administrative tasks). Usually, a lecturer will hold a doctorate in the field and thus will be referred to as ‘Dr’ although this is not always the case. Some lecturers will instead have previous industry experience prior to entering academia. 

Lecturers may also undertake research, write academic papers, and textbooks and supervise undergraduate students undertaking research I.e dissertations. 

Senior Lecturer

A senior lecturer has the same responsibilities as a lecturer although will have more experience in their field. They may have additional responsibilities such as supervising research, leading courses or modules and greater administrative tasks. 

Reader

A reader is a senior member of the academic staff who has undertaken significant research and is well-known in their field. They will be involved with all of the responsibilities of a senior lecturer and may also have some managerial roles within the department. 

Readers will also make significant contributions to their field including research, books, journal articles and conference speeches. 

Professor 

A professor is the highest academic title and is held by someone at the top of their field. They will have made strong scholarly contributions to their field and will likely be known internationally. 

Whilst some countries require academics to pass a review before being able to become a professor in the UK individual universities are responsible for appointing professors. 

Some professors have the prestige of becoming a named professor who holds the honour of sitting in a chair. A chair is named after an individual who has made significant contributions to their field and some date back as early as the 16th century. 

Other roles in a university 

Head of Department 

The head of department is responsible for a department within an academic school or college. They have responsibility for learning and teaching within their department and a range of managerial tasks including managing staff, finance and budgets, overseeing research and dealing with any student issues.

Dean 

A dean is a senior academic member of staff with overall responsibility for a collection of departments usually known as a school or college. The dean is responsible for all aspects of learning and teaching within their school, overseeing research, appointing and managing staff, setting the school’s strategy and representing the school within the wider university. 

Principal and Vice-Chancellor

The Principal and Vice-Chancellor is the executive head, principal academic and lead administrative officer of the university. The Principal is responsible for the day-to-day running of the u university and manages the university executive and sets the overall strategic direction of the university. They are typically held accountable to the University Senate. 

The Principal will have several Depute Vice Chancellors supporting them in their role. 

Chancellor 

The Chancellor is the ceremonial head of the university. They are elected by staff and students and is usually a notable person from outside of the university. The chancellor is not involved with the day-to-day running of the university and instead takes more of a ceremonial or ambassadorial role i.e conferring degrees at graduation ceremonies, attending events and representing/promoting the university at external events. 

Read more about the role of a university chancellor here.

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