The first step toward becoming a university lecturer in the U.K. is to obtain an undergraduate degree (also known as first degree) that relates to the subject you hope to teach. This degree program can be studied at any university of your choice that offers the subject you wish to specialize in. Most university lecturers have achieved a first class or upper second class first degree. Such a degree can be obtained at many institutions. The University of Manchester, for example, offers one of the widest ranges of undergraduate courses in the U.K. across all arts and science subjects. Undergraduate degree options include the BA (bachelor of arts), BSc (bachelor of science) and, in Scotland, the MA (master of arts).
Following a first degree, it is usually necessary to obtain a postgraduate qualification related to your chosen subject, typically a doctorate. It is possible to be employed as a university lecturer if you are in the process of working towards your doctorate, or if you have another postgraduate degree, such as a master of arts or master of science degree. Any of the universities in the U.K. that offer postgraduate courses will provide the means of obtaining this additional qualification. The University of Glasgow, for example, has more than 4,300 postgraduate students in 2010 taking a large selection of postgraduate degree programs, both taught degrees and research degrees, in arts and humanities, biomedical and life sciences, education, engineering, information and mathematical sciences, law, business and social sciences, medicine, physical sciences and veterinary medicine.
To become a university lecturer in a vocational course such as hospitality, travel and tourism or social work, it is acceptable to have professional, rather than academic, qualifications. Vocational colleges, such as Blackpool and The Fylde College, an associate college of Lancaster University, offer a wide range of further education courses in areas as diverse as computer science, international resort management, beauty therapy and nautical science. In addition to professional qualifications, several years of work experience within the field is often required before you may be considered qualified to become a university lecturer.