Professor and senior scholar

Senior scholar meaning

In UK universities, the academic titles and the order of their academic rank are: PhD student, postdoc research fellow, assistant lecturer, lecturer, senior lecturer, reader, professor, named professor and head of department. Understanding the academic titles and ranking hierarchy of UK universities is fundamental if you want a smooth start to your PhD.

A PhD student is a postgraduate who is actively undertaking a research degree with a recognised institution. The length of their studies depends on both their discipline and whether they are enrolled in a full or part-time programme. Usually, a PhD student will spend three to four years completing their degree. Besides this, they may also attend seminars and conferences, deliver presentations to their industry and collaborate with external institutions.

This is true for all individuals regardless of which discipline their research relates to. Finding a PhD has never been this easy — search for a PhD by keyword, location or academic area of interest. Whilst both positions undertake similar work, a PostDoc Research Fellow typically has greater independence and responsibilities.

This means they can influence the overall direction of the research, and whilst a Research Assistant can do so as well it will be to a lesser extent. An Assistant Lecturer is the most junior teaching position regarding the overall ranking of academic titles. They are usually only temporary positions, such as an individual covering for another lecturer during a period of absence.

Senior fellow vs professor

GTAs are programmes which, alongside their studies, require a doctoral student to assist in the learning of undergraduate students. This will typically involve leading tutorials, marking coursework and hosting laboratory sessions. Besides this, they may also support lectures if their knowledge and relevant experience allow for it.