Postgraduate Teaching Assistant (PGTA) in London

Postgraduate Teaching Assistant (PGTA) in London

London Part-Time 30000 - 40000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support teaching and learning in geography modules, leading seminars and practical sessions.
  • Company: UCL Department of Geography, a top-ranked global institution.
  • Benefits: Gain teaching experience, professional development, and a supportive environment.
  • Other info: Join a diverse community committed to equality and inclusion.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on students' learning while advancing your academic career.
  • Qualifications: Must have a Master's degree or equivalent experience in a related field.

The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.

The Department of Geography is widely recognised as one of the leading geography departments in the world (5th worldwide in the QS Ranking 2026, 4th in the Shanghai world rankings 2025). It has been highly rated in all seven UK Research Assessment Exercises, and the 2021 REF confirmed that 96% of the Department’s research activity is considered World Leading (4*) or Internationally Excellent (3*).

UCL Department of Geography is looking for expressions of interest for Postgraduate Teaching Assistants (PGTAs) in the 2026/27 academic year. We are looking for PGTAs to teach on a wide range of modules. Further information on each of the modules is available via UCL’s Module Catalogue (search by module code/name).

The purpose of this job is to support teaching and learning in our modules, working with the academic Module Convenor and the module’s teaching team. PGTAs will be given training in support of their roles. Duties and responsibilities will vary depending on the module, but may include:

  • Leading seminars and/or practical computer or lab sessions under the guidance of the Module Convenor.
  • Supporting field-class activities (this may include travelling and staying away from home).
  • Contributing to Moodle online learning facilities.
  • Marking student assessments, generating and providing feedback for students.
  • Monitoring student attendance as directed by the administrative office, in accordance with institutional and departmental regulations.
  • Attending module-planning meetings and other ad hoc meetings as deemed necessary.

About you: Candidates must be educated to Masters degree level (or having equivalent experience), in a field related to the disciplinary area; be working towards a relevant postgraduate degree (PhD) and have demonstrated knowledge in the areas to be taught. Applicants must also demonstrate a commitment to high-quality teaching, and to fostering a positive learning environment for students.

How to apply: Applications must be made by 23:59, Sunday 21st June 2026. To apply, please submit a formal application form and upload your most recent C.V and a covering letter that explains why you are interested in a PGTA position in the Department of Geography and how you meet the essential criteria required for this role.

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion: As London’s Global University, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation, and we want our community to represent the diversity of the world’s talent. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in UCL’s workforce.

Postgraduate Teaching Assistant (PGTA) in London employer: UK Dementia Research Institute

UCL's Department of Geography is an exceptional employer, renowned for its commitment to high-quality teaching and research excellence. With a supportive work culture that prioritises employee growth and development, PGTAs will benefit from tailored training and opportunities to engage in meaningful teaching experiences while contributing to a diverse and inclusive academic community in the vibrant city of London.

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Contact Details:

UK Dementia Research Institute Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Postgraduate Teaching Assistant (PGTA) in London

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to current PGTAs or faculty members at UCL. A friendly chat can give you insider info on what they’re looking for and might even lead to a recommendation.

Tip Number 2

Prepare for your interview by brushing up on the modules you’re interested in. Show us that you know your stuff and can contribute meaningfully to the teaching team.

Tip Number 3

Don’t just focus on your academic achievements; share your passion for teaching! We want to see how you can create a positive learning environment for students.

Tip Number 4

Apply through our website and make sure your CV and cover letter are tailored to the PGTA role. Highlight your relevant experience and why you’re excited about joining the Department of Geography!

We think you need these skills to ace Postgraduate Teaching Assistant (PGTA) in London

Teaching Skills
Communication Skills
Feedback Generation
Knowledge of Geography
Moodle Online Learning Platform
Seminar Leadership
Field-Class Support

Some tips for your application 🫡

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make sure to explain why you're keen on the PGTA role in the Department of Geography and how your background aligns with the essential criteria. Keep it engaging and personal – we want to see your passion!

Tailor Your CV:Don’t just send a generic CV! Tailor it to highlight your relevant experience and skills that match the PGTA position. Focus on teaching, research, and any related activities that showcase your commitment to high-quality education.

Follow Application Instructions Carefully:When applying, make sure to follow the instructions to the letter. Upload your CV and cover letter as one PDF, and remember to write 'see covering letter attached' in the section asking why you applied. We appreciate attention to detail!

Be Clear About Your Availability:In your application, specify your availability by term and how many hours you'd like to teach. This helps us match you with the right modules and ensures a balanced workload, so be honest about what works for you!

How to prepare for a job interview at UK Dementia Research Institute

Know Your Modules

Before the interview, take some time to familiarise yourself with the modules you might be teaching. Check out UCL’s Module Catalogue and understand the content and objectives of each module. This will not only help you answer questions confidently but also show your genuine interest in the role.

Showcase Your Teaching Philosophy

Be prepared to discuss your approach to teaching and how you plan to foster a positive learning environment. Think about examples from your past experiences where you've successfully engaged students or adapted your teaching style to meet diverse needs. This will demonstrate your commitment to high-quality teaching.

Prepare for Practical Scenarios

Expect questions that assess your ability to handle real classroom situations, such as managing group dynamics during seminars or providing constructive feedback on assessments. Think through potential challenges and how you would address them, as this will highlight your proactive approach to teaching.

Emphasise Collaboration Skills

Since you'll be working closely with Module Convenors and other teaching staff, it's crucial to convey your teamwork skills. Share examples of how you've collaborated in previous roles, whether in academic settings or elsewhere, to show that you're ready to contribute positively to the teaching team.