Teaching and academia
The teaching and academia sector offers a wide range of roles, from classroom-based teaching to research and educational support.
As a primary or secondary school teacher, you’ll deliver the national curriculum and support student development, while further education lecturers focus on vocational or academic subjects in colleges. In higher education, university lecturers and research fellows combine teaching with academic research, with progression to senior roles such as professor. Support roles like teaching assistants, education policy advisors, and academic librarians also play a vital part in the learning environment.
Entering the teaching industry would give graduates a fantastic opportunity to make a difference.
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Explore opportunites and events
Explore Teaching and Academia events, including employer-led events, alumni panels, skills workshops, and networking sessions.
Browse current graduate roles, internships, and placements in Teaching, Academia and related fields.
Gain work experience
Experience is essential for entering teaching and academic careers in the UK. For teaching, school-based experience is often recommended before applying for a PGCE or other training routes. For an academic career, research experience and postgraduate study are key. Volunteering, tutoring, or mentoring can also help you build communication and leadership skills valued in both areas.
- Identify placements in schools, or apply for teaching internships
- Volunteer or tutor in schools, mentor younger students, or offer subject tutoring to gain classroom and teaching experience.
- Getting involved in student societies particularly focused on education or your subject area can provide opportunities to organise events and workshops.
- Develop presentation and communication skills by joining debate clubs, giving talks, or creating educational content to strengthen your ability to explain and engage.
- Assisting with research projects can deepen your academic understanding.
Explore support and opportunities on our Work Experience and Internships page.
You may be eligible to apply for work experience bursaries through The University of Birmingham. For more details visit the internship funding pages.
Graduate and employer insights
Entering the teaching industry would give graduates a fantastic opportunity to make a difference to those students who need it most, whilst taking on a challenge where no day is the same! We seek students/graduates who show potential as well as the communication, organisational and leadership skills to enable them to become leaders in this sector and beyond.
Teach First
Many of our graduates from University of Birmingham have gone on to pursue careers in Teaching and Academia, read their stories for inspiration and consider connecting with them on LinkedIn.
Alice Peddie
Education and Sociology BA
Primary School Teacher
Read Alice's Story »
Gaby Mendes
Education BA
Founder and Director of Talk Twenties, an award-winning podcast and education platform for young people.
Read Gaby's Story »
Daniel Franklin
Joint Honours Economics and Political Science BSc
Secondary School Teacher
Read Daniel's Story »
Georgia Papamichailidou
Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) MA
International Education Leader and Teacher Trainer
Read Georgia's Story »
Laura Zialor
Primary SEND PGCE
Supply Teacher and GB athlete
Read Laura's Story »