Academics, and those aspiring to enter into the academic profession, are most probably familiar with the phrase ‘publish or perish’. The need for academics to publish is integral to applications for jobs, promotion to permanent positions and to obtain research funding. Publishing peer-reviewed journal articles are a key part of…>
Academic Careers
Getting Your First Book Contract
The publication of an academic book, especially a monograph, is still regarded as the ‘gold standard’ in British academia, especially in the humanities.
Setting Up Placement Systems
The student experience lies at the heart of the modern UK university, with institutions vying to offer students the best in teaching and learning opportunities, research-driven expertise, top-of-the-range facilities, and excellent support services. But the one thing students really need in the competitive marketplace into which they will graduate is…>
Keeping Your Curriculum Current
Curriculum review is an essential tool for ensuring that the needs of a wide range of stakeholders in the teaching process are met. Students are, of course, the key stakeholders in the process, but others include employers, professional bodies, subject organizations, and even civic society at large. Curriculum review can…>
Preparing For A Visiting Fellowship Abroad
For emerging scholars who have worked in the university system for around 5-7 years, the option of applying for a visiting fellowship abroad can be particularly appealing. It will enable you to immerse yourself in a new culture, while also being able to devote more time to your research. The…>
Moving from Academic to Management Roles
5 Steps to Take In these days of change, credible voices are needed throughout the university sector. The barriers between academic and management jobs are far more permeable than they used to be, as universities continue to grow into highly complex environments requiring sophisticated and adaptable management skills. So if…>
Working as an Academic with the Commercial Sector
It’s a little-known fact that you don’t need to leave academia to work with the commercial sector. Universities these days are busy developing their outward-facing roles, and many have created business hubs that allow academics and corporate sectors to work together. This article considers a few of the ways in…>
From Academia to Private Sector
7 things you need to know There comes a time in the life of a PhD candidate – and even, from time to time, a tenured academic – when it can be worth considering a transition from academic to the private sector. This can be a difficult step, particularly if…>
Being proactive in curriculum planning
Early career lecturers may find it difficult to take a proactive approach to the curriculum in their subject area, particularly if they have inherited modules, find themselves co-teaching on group modules, or have encountered opposition from colleagues to any changes they propose. They may also be unaware of how to…>
Monday Motivation: Determining Your Values
What motivates you? There are many reasons you might enjoy (or not enjoy) your current job, but if you are dragging yourself out of bed on a Monday morning it could be that you are not working in an environment that is in tune with your values. When you are…>