Description:
The registrar’s department in a university is the hub of administration. It normally covers three main branches: student services, academic services and planning.
There is a wide range of administration jobs in the registry, including the archiving and information control section of Student Records, the problem-solving and investigative Exams Office, to the more customer-centered International Office. The running of each registry depends on the size, location and governance of the university, but generally these are office-based jobs that require good communication and organisational skills.
Duties:
Depending on the section of the registrar’s department that you work for you could be:
- Maintaining and developing student records systems
- Exchanging information about student records with authorized universities and companies
- Dealing with the whole range of student life from admission to graduation
- Administering examinations and solving resulting problems
- Supporting the application of international students
- Developing the profile of the university internationally, and administering any international collaboration projects
- Processing and dealing with student complaints, disciplinary hearings and appeals
- Facilitating the admission of new students, particularly in association with UCAS
- Other administrative duties including timetabling, transcripts, room booking, and sometimes even Hardship Funds and Careers Services
- Maintaining Quality Assurance and developing university policies
Entry Criteria:
Administrative jobs are often given to graduates. Graduates of business studies, sociology, and English may be favoured because of the relevance of these subjects to the nature of the work. Communication skills, information handling and a good business sense are vital in administrative jobs in university registries.
A degree is not essential, however. Some administrative jobs are equally suited to those with A-Levels, a HND, or relevant experience. Admin, clerical and general office experience will count in your favour.
- Administrative experience is highly beneficial
- Spoken and written communication skills are vital
- The ability to manage projects
- Able to work to tight deadlines
- Able to work well in a team
- IT skills are essential
Salary and Other Information:
- Starting salary c. £16,000
- Starting salary varies depending on location, role, and experience
- Salaries progress beyond £50k for more senior positions
- Basic hours are 9am to 5pm
- Overtime is often required, particularly in the busy parts of the year
- Weekend work required occasionally depending on role and institution
- Universities often have pension schemes
- Working conditions in the HE sector are generally very good
Career Path:
Depending on which area of the registrar’s department you work in, progression can include rising to Senior Officer, Registrar or Deputy Registrar or other senior positions.
Sideways moves are common in university administration, so be prepared to change teams and try out different areas of the registry. Relocating to other institutions is also a method of developing your career and gaining more experience.
PG qualifications, such as an MA, MBA, or PhD, will help you to progress more quickly, although many institutions are putting emphasis on professional qualifications.
Major Employers:
- UK HE institutions
- FE institutions, such as colleges
- Employers in the education sector can be found throughout the UK
Similar Jobs:
- UG Admissions Officer
- PG Admissions Officer
- Careers Advisor
- Departmental Administrator
Links and Contacts:
Association of University Administrators
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