University of Kent > Careers > Choosing a Career >I Want to Work in ...
Universities are large organisations and often rank amongst an area's top employers.The University of Kent, for example, employs over 2000 staff and Canterbury Christ Church University over 1500.
Universities offer career opportunities in many different fields, which can be divided into two main categories:
University lectureships usually combine the direct teaching of students with the opportunity to pursue your own research interests. Many positions also involve a significant amount of administration.
Academic staff are highly qualified, and a PhD is usually required by employers. University teaching jobs may be permanent or fixed-term, and many academics start their career on contract posts. See our pages on postgraduate study www.kent.ac.uk/careers/postgradmenu.htm
Most vacancies for academic staff will be advertised in the Guardian, Times Higher Education and jobs.ac.uk
Universities are like other major businesses in needing a variety of management and support roles to keep the organisation running smoothly. These roles include:
Vacancies in these areas may be advertised at national level in the Guardian, Times Higher Education and jobs.ac.uk but, at entry-level grades, may only be advertised in local papers or on the individual university’s website.
Last fully updated 2011
© These pages are copyright of the University of Kent Careers and Employability Service.
The information and advice given in these pages is primarily for
the benefit of University of Kent students and graduates.
You are most welcome to link to these pages but should not use content in other ways without our permission.
Page maintained by Bruce Woodcock
Please email
me if you wish to make any suggestions which would improve our services.