Teaching is an important part of academic life and can offer a valuable addition to your portfolio of skills by improving your confidence and your ability to explain and engage people with your research.
You can apply for opportunities such as laboratory demonstrating, facilitating tutorials or seminars, invigilating, marking and teaching-related administration. Your prospective department will be able to tell you more about the opportunities available in your subject area.
If you're a full-time student you can work a maximum of 20 hours a week. You should also check your visa and with your funder for any other restrictions.
As a research student, you work at the cutting edge of your field. Teaching is a great way of sharing your enthusiasm and expertise with undergraduate students. You'll also develop your skills in creativity and innovation and it will help you to reflect on the impact of your research and why it is important. Teaching adds skills to your CV that can significantly enhance your career potential.
We provide you with a rich portfolio of training and support to develop your confidence and expertise in teaching in an international research environment.
As research student, you can apply for the York Learning and Teaching Award (YLTA) programme. YLTA is a respected qualification designed to develop your learning and teaching skills. Upon successful completion, you will be eligible to become an Associate Fellow of the Higher Education Academy.
Thanks to the training offered at York, including the YTLA, a higher than average percentage of our postgraduate research students gain employment in higher education compared to those from other research-intensive universities.
"Overall it was a fantastic programme and really useful for expanding my knowledge and application of academic practices. I felt much better prepared for a continuing career in academia, and the YLTA was definitely a great help towards me securing a teaching position!"
We also offer a series of lunchtime workshops and an annual conference. These provide an opportunity to exchange ideas and celebrate success.
"There will be opportunities to undertake paid work which is more directly related to your research and the university. This could involve teaching or demonstrating within your department; tutoring with the Writing or Maths Skills Centres; working as a research assistant for your supervisor or other academic staff; tutoring, teaching or mentoring school pupils; managing department social media; assisting with campus events such as open days and graduations; or writing blogs like this one!"