At a Glance
- Tasks: Support teaching in Sociology modules and engage with contemporary sociological issues.
- Company: UCL Institute of Education, ranked number one for education since 2014.
- Benefits: 27 days annual leave, flexible working, and extensive training opportunities.
- Other info: Join a diverse community committed to equality and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on students' learning while developing your own academic skills.
- Qualifications: Must be a UCL PGR student with a Master's in Sociology or related field.
The predicted salary is between 36433 - 41833 € per year.
The posts are open to current registered UCL Post Graduate Research students only. The Department of EPS wishes to make appointments for Postgraduate Teaching Assistants for the Autumn and Spring terms, 2026‑2027 academic year for the BSc Sociology:
- Urban Sociology (94 hours) - Term 1
- Identities (94 hours) - Term 2
- Sociology of Media (94 hours) - Term 2
The purpose of this job is to support teaching and learning in our BSc Sociology modules. This will involve working with the academic module leads to deliver small group teaching for students taking the above modules in the EPS Department. Main duties of the posts are to support the teaching and learning on one of three modules: ‘Urban Sociology’, ‘Identities’ and ‘Sociology of Media’. All modules engage with contemporary sociological thinking, including on issues such as urbanisation, how individuals and groups think about themselves and others and where they belong in the world, and the role of media and social change. Teaching Assistants will be given training in support of their roles.
These roles are available from September 2026 to UCL Post‑Graduate Research (PGR) students who are registered from September 2026. The length of the contract will depend on the length of the applicant’s doctoral studies and will be determined at appointment stage. Please be aware that students may only be employed up to 180 hours in total as a PGTA across all UCL programmes. Please only apply if you do NOT have a PGTA contract elsewhere in UCL. If you are successful in being appointed as a PGTA on the BSc Sociology Programme, you will NOT be able to work as a PGTA on any other programme at UCL.
You are currently a UCL PGR student, or registered as a UCL PGR student from September 2026, and not already working as a PGTA on any other UCL programme or intending to do so in the 2026‑2027 academic year. The postholder will be educated to Masters degree level (or having equivalent experience) in a Sociology related field and working towards a relevant postgraduate degree (PhD). You have specialist knowledge appropriate to the module taught and have the ability to communicate clearly, both orally and in writing, with students, academic and support staff at all levels. In addition, you have the ability to work independently for short periods and as part of a team, recognising when advice/input needs to be sought. Your application form should address all the person specification points and should clearly demonstrate how your skills and experience meet each of the criteria. It is important that the criteria are clearly numbered and that you provide a response to each one. Please make sure that you state clearly in your application which module(s) you feel that you could teach on. It may not be possible to offer you a position on your preferred module. Please include your CV and do not submit anything else (including examples of your work, references etc).
Benefits:
- Annual leave: 27 days of annual leave plus six closure days at Christmas and Easter (pro rata for part‑time staff) as well as statutory holidays.
- Work life balance: We facilitate flexible working such as flexitime, annualised hours, term‑time working, shift working, staggered hours, job share/job splitting, part‑time working, compressed hours, career breaks and planned.
- People development: Colleagues have access to a comprehensive range of training programmes and development opportunities that are organised by our department.
Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion: UCL benefits and policies apply equally, whatever your sexual orientation or gender identity. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in UCL’s workforce. These include people from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds; disabled people; LGBTQI+ people; and for our Grade 9 and 10 roles, women. IOE holds an Athena SWAN Silver award, in recognition of our commitment to advancing gender equality.
EDI Networks: Our staff equalities networks are open to all staff. They are places where people with shared identities and backgrounds can connect with colleagues and make positive change across the university. Information on various types of equality, including disability, race, gender, sexual orientation and religion, as well as the various charter marks UCL adheres to, is available upon request.
Postgraduate Teaching Assistant (PGTA) - BSc Sociology Programme employer: UK Dementia Research Institute
UCL Institute of Education is an exceptional employer, renowned for its commitment to educational excellence and social justice. Located in London, the institute offers a collaborative work culture that fosters professional growth through comprehensive training programmes and flexible working arrangements. As a Postgraduate Teaching Assistant, you will not only contribute to impactful sociological research but also benefit from a supportive environment that values diversity and inclusion.
Contact Detail:
UK Dementia Research Institute Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Postgraduate Teaching Assistant (PGTA) - BSc Sociology Programme
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your professors, fellow students, and even alumni. They might have insider info on PGTA roles or can put in a good word for you. Remember, connections can make all the difference!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research the modules you'll be teaching and think about how you can engage students. Show off your passion for sociology and how you can contribute to the department's goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply anywhere; apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need right there.
✨Tip Number 4
Be yourself during the application process! Authenticity goes a long way. Share your unique perspective on sociology and how your experiences shape your teaching style. We want to see the real you!
We think you need these skills to ace Postgraduate Teaching Assistant (PGTA) - BSc Sociology Programme
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know Your Modules:Make sure you clearly state which module(s) you feel you could teach on in your application. This shows us that you've thought about where your strengths lie and how they align with our needs.
Address the Criteria:Your application should directly address all the person specification points. Number them clearly and provide a response for each one. This helps us see how your skills and experience match what we're looking for.
Keep It Concise:While we want to know about your experience, keep your application concise and to the point. Avoid unnecessary fluff and focus on what makes you a great fit for the PGTA role.
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to apply through our website! It's the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly and is considered for the position. We can't wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at UK Dementia Research Institute
✨Know Your Modules Inside Out
Make sure you’re familiar with the specific modules you’ll be teaching, like 'Urban Sociology', 'Identities', and 'Sociology of Media'. Brush up on contemporary sociological theories and current issues related to these topics. This will not only help you answer questions confidently but also show your passion for the subject.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a PGTA, clear communication is key. Prepare to demonstrate how you can convey complex ideas simply and effectively. Think about examples from your past experiences where you successfully communicated with students or peers, and be ready to share those during the interview.
✨Highlight Your Teamwork Experience
You’ll be working closely with academic module leads, so it’s important to showcase your ability to collaborate. Think of instances where you’ve worked as part of a team, especially in an educational setting, and be prepared to discuss how you contributed to group success.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare insightful questions about the department, the modules, and the teaching approach. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it’s the right fit for you. Plus, it gives you a chance to engage with the interviewers on a deeper level.
