Careers in Higher Education

Saturday, March 11, 2023

The higher education sector in the UK is a significant part of the country's economy and society. According to the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA), there were 162 higher education providers in the UK in the 2020-2021 academic year, including universities, colleges, and other institutions offering higher education courses.

In the 2020-2021 academic year, there were over 2.5 million students enrolled in higher education courses in the UK, with 1.8 million of those studying at universities. The higher education sector employs around 440,000 people, including academic staff, administrative staff, and support staff.

In terms of funding, the UK higher education sector is primarily funded through tuition fees paid by students, government funding, and research grants. The total income for the higher education sector in the UK was £41.8 billion in the 2019-2020 academic year.

The higher education sector in the UK is highly regarded internationally, with many of its universities consistently ranked among the top universities in the world. Higher education institutions in the UK offer a wide range of courses and programs, including undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, vocational qualifications, and continuing education courses.

There  are a wide range of careers in higher education in the UK, including academic and non-academic roles. Some of the most common careers in higher education include:

  • Lecturer/Professor: These are the academic positions in higher education. Lecturers teach and research in a specific subject area, while Professors are more senior and may have additional management responsibilities.
  • Researcher: Researchers work on specific research projects in higher education institutions, often in collaboration with other academics or industry partners.
  • Administrator: Higher education institutions employ a large number of non-academic staff to support the running of the institution. Administrators work in areas such as finance, marketing, admissions, human resources, and student support.
  • Librarian: Academic librarians work in higher education institutions, managing and providing access to resources such as books, journals, and databases.
  • Student support: Higher education institutions employ a range of staff to support students during their time at university, including welfare advisors, careers advisors, and disability support workers.
  • IT support: IT professionals are needed to support the technology used in higher education institutions, such as online learning platforms and administrative systems.
  • Facilities and estates management: Staff in this area manage the physical infrastructure of the institution, including buildings, grounds, and equipment.
  • Outreach and engagement: Higher education institutions may have staff dedicated to engaging with local communities or working with schools to encourage young people to consider higher education.
  • Marketing and communications: Staff in this area develop and implement marketing and communications strategies to promote the institution and its courses.
  • Fundraising and development: Higher education institutions may have staff dedicated to fundraising and development, seeking donations and grants to support research and other projects.

These are just a few examples of the many careers available in higher education in the UK. To find out more about specific roles, it is worth looking at job vacancies on university websites or speaking to staff in higher education institutions.

Diversity in Higher Education

Diversity in higher education refers to the inclusion of individuals from diverse backgrounds, including race, ethnicity, gender, socioeconomic status, religion, sexual orientation, and disability. It is important for higher education institutions to promote diversity and create a welcoming and inclusive environment for all students and staff.

Some ways that higher education institutions can promote diversity include:

  • Recruiting and retaining a diverse student body and faculty: This can involve outreach efforts to underrepresented communities, providing financial aid and scholarships, and creating supportive campus environments.
  • Providing diversity and cultural competency training: Institutions can offer training and workshops for staff and faculty to better understand and address issues related to diversity and inclusion.
  • Creating inclusive policies and practices: Institutions can develop policies and practices that promote diversity and inclusion, such as inclusive hiring practices and providing accommodations for students with disabilities.
  • Offering diverse curricula: Institutions can offer courses and programs that explore diverse perspectives and histories, and incorporate diverse voices into the curriculum.
  • Creating safe spaces for diverse students: Institutions can create safe spaces for students from diverse backgrounds, such as cultural centers or student organizations, where they can connect with peers and receive support.
  • Encouraging diversity in leadership positions: Institutions can actively seek out and promote diverse individuals to leadership positions, including faculty and staff positions, to ensure that diverse perspectives are represented at all levels of the institution.

Promoting diversity in higher education is important not only for social justice reasons but also for the educational benefits it provides to all students. Exposure to diverse perspectives and experiences can enhance critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity, and better prepare students for success in a diverse and globalized society.

Why diversity in academia is important:

  • Representation: Having a diverse faculty and student body provides representation and visibility for underrepresented groups in academia. This can help to increase participation and engagement from these groups, as well as provide role models and mentors for students from underrepresented backgrounds.
  • Improved learning outcomes: Research has shown that diversity in the classroom can improve learning outcomes for all students. Exposure to diverse perspectives and experiences can enhance critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity, and better prepare students for success in a diverse and globalized society.
  • Addressing societal issues: Academia has a responsibility to address the societal issues that affect all members of society, including those related to diversity and inclusion. Having a diverse range of perspectives and experiences in academia can help to identify and address these issues more effectively.
  • Innovation: Diversity can foster innovation and creativity, as people from different backgrounds bring unique perspectives and ideas to the table. This can lead to new discoveries and breakthroughs in research and scholarship.
  • Social justice: Diversity in academia is important for social justice reasons, as it helps to promote fairness, equality, and inclusion. It is important that all members of society have access to education and opportunities, regardless of their background.

Overall, having more diversity in academia is crucial for promoting equity, inclusion, and social justice, as well as for fostering innovation and improving learning outcomes for all students.