At a Glance
- Tasks: Support teaching in Sociology, deliver tutorials, and provide student feedback.
- Company: UCL Institute of Education, a top-ranked institution for education.
- Benefits: 41 days holiday, pension scheme, gym access, and employee support services.
- Other info: Flexible part-time role with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a difference in education while gaining valuable teaching experience.
- Qualifications: Masters degree in Sociology or related field, pursuing a PhD.
The predicted salary is between 36433 - 41833 £ per year.
The Department of EPS wishes to make appointments for Postgraduate Teaching Assistants for the autumn, spring and summer terms, 2026-2027 academic year. The purpose of the PGTA role is to support teaching and learning in our Sociology Cluster MA (covering the MA programmes Sociology of Education, Social Justice and Education and Policy Studies in Education). 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 post are:
- Tutorial class teaching
- Regular meetings with the module team
- Provision of feedback to students
- Providing support sessions for students (e.g. office hours / drop ins)
- Managing on-line discussion forums
- Attendance reporting
- Coursework and other forms of assessment
Teaching Assistants will be given training in support of their roles. These roles are available from September 2026 to UCL (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 PGR students may only be employed up to 180 hours in total as a PGTA across all UCL programmes.
The successful candidate will be educated to Masters degree level (or having equivalent experience), in a Sociology of Education related field and working towards a relevant postgraduate degree (PhD) at UCL. You will have specialist knowledge appropriate to the module taught and experience of managing virtual learning environments including Moodle design and Talis reading lists. In addition, you will have experience of teaching and supporting students at various levels and have the ability to communicate clearly, both orally and in writing.
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).
As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents, we also offer some great benefits:
- 41 Days holiday: 27 days annual leave, 8 bank holidays, and 6 closure days (pro rata for part time staff)
- Additional 5 days’ annual leave purchase scheme (pro rata for part time staff)
- Defined benefit career average revalued earnings pension scheme (CARE)
- Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loan
- Relocation scheme for certain posts
- On-site gym
- Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay
- Employee assistance programme: Staff Support Service
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. These include people from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds; disabled people; LGBTQI+ people; and for our Grade 9 and 10 roles, women. Our faculty holds an Athena SWAN Silver award, in recognition of our commitment to advancing gender equality.
Postgraduate Teaching Assistant (PGTA) - MA Sociology Cluster employer: UK Dementia Research Institute
UCL Institute of Education is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises collaboration and excellence in education. With a commitment to diversity and inclusion, employees benefit from extensive professional development opportunities, generous holiday allowances, and a supportive environment that fosters personal and academic growth. Located in London, the institute provides a unique chance to engage with leading experts in the field while contributing to meaningful educational research and practice.
Contact Details:
UK Dementia Research Institute Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Postgraduate Teaching Assistant (PGTA) - MA Sociology Cluster
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former PGTAs and professors in your field. They can provide insider info about the role and might even give you a heads-up on upcoming opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for that interview! Research the Sociology Cluster and think about how your experience aligns with their modules. Be ready to discuss your teaching style and how you can support students effectively.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your tech skills! Familiarise yourself with Moodle and other virtual learning environments. Highlight any experience you have managing online discussions or creating engaging content.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Make sure to tailor your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific modules you’re interested in teaching.
We think you need these skills to ace Postgraduate Teaching Assistant (PGTA) - MA Sociology Cluster
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 how your skills fit into our programmes and helps us match you with the right team.
Address the Criteria:Your application should directly address all the person specification points. Number them clearly and provide a response for each one. This makes it easier for us to see how you meet our requirements.
Keep It Concise:While we want to know about your experience, keep your application concise and to the point. Highlight the most relevant experiences and skills that align with the PGTA role, so we can quickly see your potential.
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 role. Plus, it’s super easy to navigate!
How to prepare for a job interview at UK Dementia Research Institute
✨Know Your Modules
Make sure you’re familiar with the specific modules you could be teaching. Research the content and objectives of the Sociology of Education, Social Justice and Education, and Policy Studies in Education. This will help you demonstrate your understanding and show how you can contribute to the department.
✨Showcase Your Teaching Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous teaching or tutoring experiences. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've supported students in the past, especially in managing virtual learning environments like Moodle. Highlight any innovative methods you used to engage students.
✨Communicate Clearly
Since clear communication is key for this role, practice articulating your thoughts on educational topics. You might even want to prepare a brief teaching demonstration or explanation of a complex concept to showcase your ability to convey information effectively.
✨Align with UCL's Values
Familiarise yourself with UCL’s commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion. Be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to these values in your role as a PGTA. Showing that you understand and support these principles will resonate well with the interviewers.
