Higher education offers a wide range of careers beyond lecturing and research. Universities and colleges employ people in teaching, student support, research, administration, technical services, and leadership roles. The sector can offer stability, purpose, and intellectual engagement, but it also faces funding pressures and change.
If you’re considering a career in higher education — whether you’re starting out, changing careers, or returning to work — this guide explains the roles available, how people enter the sector, and what to expect.
What kinds of jobs are there in higher education?
Higher education institutions employ people across academic, professional, and support functions.
Common career paths include:
- Academic teaching and research roles
- Research support and laboratory roles
- Student services and wellbeing support
- Admissions, outreach, and widening participation
- Professional services such as HR, finance, and marketing
- IT, digital, and learning technology roles
Some roles require advanced qualifications, while others focus on professional experience and transferable skills.
What is the work actually like?
Work in higher education varies by role but is often structured around the academic year.
Day-to-day work may include:
- Teaching, supporting, or advising students
- Research activity and project management
- Administrative and operational work
- Collaboration across departments
- Working with external partners and stakeholders
Many roles offer hybrid working, though workloads can peak at certain times of year.
Do you need a degree to work in higher education?
Not always. While academic roles require degrees and postgraduate qualifications, many professional and support roles do not.
Common entry routes include:
- Graduate and postgraduate academic pathways
- Professional services roles requiring relevant experience
- Apprenticeships and trainee roles
- Progression from administrative or support positions
Pay and progression in higher education careers
Pay is often based on national pay scales, with progression linked to experience and responsibility.
- Clear grading structures
- Opportunities to progress into senior or specialist roles
- Pension and employment benefits
Is higher education a good long-term career?
For many people, higher education offers meaningful work, stability, and opportunities to contribute to learning and research.
Explore current higher education roles
Browse higher education roles currently advertised on Diversity Dashboard.