In this section of our health and medical series, we look at lecturing roles related to nutrition and dietetics, the qualifications and experience you need and where the role can lead you.
Lecturers in nutrition and dietetics teach undergraduate and postgraduate students across medical, health and life sciences. Depending on the role, they would also play an active part in academic research projects which directly influence public health policy.
A PhD is not always essential for some lecturing roles in nutrition. Universities are looking to hire practising nutritionists or clinical dieticians who can help to provide students with the practical skills they need for a career in nutrition and dietetics.
Job Descriptions
Lecturer in Nutrition and Dietetics
A nutrition and dietetics lecturer teaches undergraduate and postgraduate students following medical and applied sciences programmes. They would also be active in research related to nutritional sciences and public health.
Most lecturers in dietetics are also qualified dietitians with clinical practice experience working with patients.
Duties:
- Planning and delivery of lectures, seminars and laboratory classes
- Research and data collection for new and ongoing nutritional sciences research projects
- Collaborating with specialists in other universities, the NHS and external organisations
- Overseeing placements for dietetics students
What qualifications and experience do you need?
A PhD (or soon-to-be awarded) in an area related to nutrition, or equivalent professional experience as a nutritionist or dietitian are essential for lecturing posts.
Depending on the role, you may also have to demonstrate previous experience of participation in research.
If you are a practising dietitian, membership of the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) may also be required.
What’s the pay?
Lecturers in nutrition and dietetics can expect a salary in the range of £35,326 to £40,927p.a., depending on qualifications and experience.
What can it lead to?
On gaining experience, you could apply for a senior lectureship in nutrition or move into a research-only role within health and applied sciences.
Related jobs
- Lecturer in Public Health/Health Studies
- Lecturer in Sports and Exercise Science
- Trainer/assessor in Nutritional Therapy (Further Education)
Where can I find jobs?
You will find lecturing jobs in nutrition and dietetics in both higher and further education, particularly in Health and Social Care training organisations.
Most lecturing jobs are advertised as full-time; however, some lecturers combine teaching duties with working as a dietitian or nutritionist within a healthcare setting.
Find lecturer in nutrition and dietetics jobs here.
Lecturer in Public Health
Public health is a multi-disciplinary field which brings together academics from of a range of medical, health and life sciences.
Lecturers in public health may teach undergraduate and postgraduate across multiple degree programmes and are usually specialised in one of more areas of public health, such as nutritional epidemiology.
Duties:
- Delivering lectures and small group teaching related to your area of expertise
- Contributing to specialist research programmes in public health
- Applying for further research funding and dissemination of results
- Curriculum development and providing academic support to students
What qualifications and experience do you need?
A PhD in public health or a closely-related area, with research expertise in your field of public health (such as nutrition) would be essential for a lecturing role.
If it is a higher education role, you would also be expected to have experience of teaching at undergraduate and postgraduate level and a track record in research activities.
What’s the pay?
Lecturers in public health can expect a starting salary in the range of £34,304 to £50,296 p.a., depending on qualifications, experience and area of expertise.
What can it lead to?
The next move up the academic career ladder would be to apply for a senior lectureship or associate professor of public health position. Promotion depends on the quality of your teaching practice and research output.
Related jobs
- Lecturer in Health Data Science
- Lecturer in Health Studies
- Teaching Fellow in Public Health
Where can I find jobs?
Public health is a complex discipline which attracts academics from a diverse range of backgrounds, from nutritionists to economists. Therefore, you will find lecturing roles related to public health in medical, life, health and social sciences faculties.
Find public health lecturer jobs here.
Lecturer in Occupational Therapy
Lecturers in Occupational Therapy teach and train undergraduate and postgraduate students following B.Sc. and M.Sc. programmes in Occupational Therapy and Advanced Occupational Therapy.
Most lecturers in this field are practising occupational therapists who have experience working in a hospital or health and social care environment. Although these types of lecturing roles are mainly teaching-oriented, you may be able asked to contribute to wider research projects in health sciences.
Duties:
- Teaching and developing the clinical skills of occupational therapy students
- Developing the curriculum and creating innovative teaching materials.
- Advising and monitoring students on placement
- Acting as a personal tutor to a caseload of students
What qualifications and experience do you need?
A first degree (or degree apprenticeship) in Occupational Therapy and significant experience as an occupational therapist would be essential for lecturing jobs in this field. A postgraduate qualification in Advanced Occupational Therapy would be highly desirable.
You would also need to have active registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and be a member of the Royal College of Occupational Therapists (RCOT).
What’s the pay?
Lecturers in occupational therapy can expect a starting salary in the region of £33,796 – £38,017p.a.
What can it lead to?
On gaining teaching experience, you could apply for a senior lectureship in a university or a curriculum lead role in further education.
Related jobs
- Lecturer in Nutrition
- Lecturer in Physiotherapy
- Lecturer in Health and Social Care
Where can I find jobs?
You will find occupational therapy lecturer jobs in higher education faculties of health sciences and nursing as well as in Further Education colleges and training organisations.
Find occupational therapy lecturer jobs here
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