Postgraduate Teaching Assistants (PGTAs) – UCL Department of Geography

Job Description

About Us

The UCL Department of Geography is one of the top-ranked geography departments worldwide – 4th in the QS World Rankings 2025 and 2nd in the Shanghai Rankings 2024. Our research has consistently been rated as world-class, with the 2021 REF confirming that 96% of our work is classed as either World Leading (4)* or *Internationally Excellent (3)**.

We are now inviting expressions of interest for Postgraduate Teaching Assistants (PGTAs) for the 2025/26 academic year.

About the Role

PGTAs will support teaching and learning across a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate modules. The role involves working closely with academic staff and module coordinators to deliver high-quality teaching and student support.

Responsibilities may include:

Leading small-group teaching sessions and seminars, preparing teaching material under the guidance of module tutors.

Supporting field classes, which may require travel and overnight stays.

Contributing to Moodle online learning platforms, including creating resources, responding to student queries, and maintaining discussion forums.

Marking formative and summative assessments, and providing clear, detailed feedback to students.

Engaging with students through tutorials, answering academic queries, and offering learning support.

Preparing for teaching by reviewing module materials, readings, and pre-recorded lectures.

The number of hours and specific duties will vary depending on the module. Full details, including hours, skills required, and module outlines, are listed in the PGTA Module List 2025–26 (AUGUST 2025) and on UCL’s Module Catalogue.

About You

Applicants should:

Be enrolled on a relevant postgraduate programme at UCL (or have equivalent expertise).

Have the ability to deliver teaching in a structured and engaging way.

Possess good communication and organizational skills.

Be able to provide constructive feedback and support student learning.

Some modules may require specialized subject knowledge or experience. Please review the PGTA Module List 2025–26 for specific requirements before applying.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted online. You will be asked to:

Complete the Candidate Personal Details Form.

Complete the PGTA Application Form, including module preferences and a supporting statement explaining how you meet the requirements.

Upload a brief CV.

Provide evidence of your right to work in the UK:

UK/Irish passport holders: upload passport page.

Student visa holders: upload passport page and provide a valid share code via Right to Work Checklist

Shortlisted applicants will be contacted by late September. If you do not hear from us by early October, unfortunately your application has not been successful.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

UCL values equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) and strives to create an environment where staff and students feel they belong.

The Department of Geography:

Has an active EDI Committee and networks for BAME, LGBTQ+, disabled and neurodiverse staff/students.

Holds an Athena Swan Silver Award and is working towards Gold.

Supports family-friendly working practices and flexible arrangements where possible.

We particularly encourage applications from candidates from underrepresented groups and those bringing a wide range of perspectives, approaches, and methodologies.