Students
Students studying in the Library.
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Teaching and supervision

Even though you’re employed for the purpose of research, you may be interested in teaching and supervising. It can sometimes be difficult for researchers to find the opportunities - but they are out there so it is worth being proactive in seeking them out and being flexible about what sort of experience you gain.

Finding opportunities

  • Get in touch with Directors of Graduate Studies in your department or Senior Tutors in colleges and offer to undertake teaching.
  • Ask your supervisor or others in your department if they know of any opportunities there may be for you to take on some teaching.
  • Look out for forthcoming opportunities on the University’s jobs pages.
  • Look for opportunities – or make speculative enquiries – at nearby universities (Oxford Brookes, Reading, Bath or Bristol are nearby options).
  • Think about teaching outside of higher education. It may not be exactly what you’ll be expected to do as a lecturer, but it will give you valuable experience and opportunity to develop many of the same skills. You could look at continuing education classes, summer schools, or local schools.
  • If you are in the Medical Sciences Division, there may be ways for you to contribute to teaching on their undergraduate programmes. For more information see: https://canvas.ox.ac.uk/courses/30310

Preparation for Learning and Teaching at Oxford (PTLO)

The PLTO is a short introductory course to teaching at the University. It is tailored to local requirements and run by Departments, Faculties and Divisions.

It is intended for DPhil or postdoctoral researchers who wish to start teaching at Oxford. College staff are welcome to apply.

For more information visit the Centre for Teaching and Learning – Preparation for Learning and Teaching at Oxford page (SSO required).

Accredited teaching programmes 

The Centre for Teaching and Learning runs Advance HE accredited programmes to support teaching and learning support staff at Oxford. For an overview of each programme, visit the Centre for Teaching and Learning - Teaching programmes website.

The Advanced Teaching and Learning programme

The Advancing Teaching and Learning programme is a short accredited programme for DPhil students, postdoctoral and early career researchers, academics new to teaching and professional learning support staff, including librarians, technicians, study skills support staff aimed at supporting and further developing teaching skills at Oxford.

Participants attend workshops, undertake teaching activities, and submit a portfolio for assessment.

The programme is externally accredited by  Advance HE  and by passing the programme, participants will simultaneously be judged to have fulfilled the requirements for Descriptor 1 of the PSF and will be designated as a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA). 

For more information, visit the Centre for Teaching and Learning - Advancing Teaching and Learning programme page (SSO required).

Teaching Recognition Scheme

The Teaching Recognition Scheme includes a pathway for individuals at Oxford who wish to apply for recognition as an Associate Fellow, Fellow or Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA or SFHEA).

The TRS Fellowship Pathway is open to all members of staff with teaching and/or learning support roles and responsibilities at the University. However, the TRS Fellowship Pathway is not open to DPhil students or other students who teach.

For more information, visit the Centre for Teaching and Learning - Teaching Recognition Scheme page (SSO required).

Keep informed

To be kept informed about accredited programmes to support teaching and learning staff at Oxford, sign up to the Centre for Teaching and Learning’s mailing list or termly newsletter.

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