5 Top Career Tips for Psychology Lecturers

A career as a psychology lecturer is immensely rewarding, offering opportunities to inspire students, contribute to the field, and make a meaningful impact. However, the evolving demands of academia require adaptability, innovation, and strategic planning.

Whether you’re an aspiring lecturer, an experienced educator, or a practitioner considering a transition into academia, these five tips can help you thrive and excel in your career.

1. Continually Refine Your Teaching Practice

Exceptional psychology lecturers are lifelong learners - not only in their subject area but in the art and science of teaching itself. From leading dynamic seminars to designing innovative curricula, continually investing in your teaching practice is key to staying effective and engaging.

Seek regular student feedback, attend pedagogical workshops, and experiment with new approaches to reach diverse learners. Aspiring lecturers should seek opportunities to teach and observe good teaching practices. For experienced lecturers, keeping up with emerging educational technologies and trends can reinvigorate your teaching. Sharing your experiences and insights with colleagues can foster a culture of collaborative growth within your department.

2. Stay Relevant and Make an Impact

To progress in your career, it’s essential to demonstrate how your work advances the field of psychology either through generating new knowledge or making a real-world impact.

Aspiring lecturers should focus on building a foundation by publishing research or engaging in applied projects. Experienced educators can enhance their profiles by pursuing interdisciplinary collaborations, engaging in public scholarship, and aligning their work with the priorities of funding bodies. The key is to balance originality with relevance, showcasing how your contributions address pressing psychological or societal challenges.

3. Build and Maintain Professional Networks

Building a professional network is key in many sectors and a career as a psychology lecturer is no exception. Making connections on LinkedIn and attending conferences are a good start, but sustained engagement in professional organisations can open more doors. Consider volunteering with organisations like the British Psychological Society (BPS) to serve on committees or member networks.

For aspiring lecturers, these networks provide mentorship and valuable insights into the profession. For seasoned professionals, they offer opportunities to influence policy, take on leadership roles, and collaborate on high-impact projects. Don’t overlook industry connections either. Engaging with practitioners can enrich both your teaching and research by grounding them in real-world applications.

4. Prioritise Your Own Development

Psychology lecturers often focus on developing others such as their students or colleagues. However, prioritising your own professional growth is just as crucial. By continually sharpening your skills, you model the value of lifelong learning for your students while staying at the forefront of your discipline.

Aspiring lecturers should consider pursuing a Postgraduate Certificate in Higher Education (PGCHE) to bolster their teaching credentials. Experienced academics can benefit from leadership training or accreditation as a Senior or Principal Fellow of Advance HE (SFHEA/PFHEA). If your institution offers an academic progression framework, use it to create a structured personal development plan.

5. Contribute Beyond Teaching and Research

To advance your career, it’s important to engage with the broader academic community. Administration, leadership, and student support are integral to the role of a psychology lecturer.

Early- and mid-career academics should seek opportunities to lead modules or programmes, join committees, and take on institutional responsibilities. For seasoned lecturers, mentoring junior colleagues and spearheading strategic initiatives can help create a more inclusive, impactful, and forward-thinking academic community. Consider ways to develop your leadership skills and demonstrate you're contributing to the strategic plan of your institution.

Your Next Step

Whether you’re aspiring to become a psychology lecturer or looking for your next challenge, now is the perfect time to reflect on your career goals and plan your next step.

At the University of Law (ULaw), we’re passionate about innovation in psychology education. We prepare students for the future by emphasizing real-world application, equipping them with the knowledge and skills needed for diverse careers.

We’re currently hiring a Lecturer/Senior Lecturer in Psychology (fixed term until April 2026) to join our dynamic team.

As part of our small, supportive, and collaborative department, you’ll help shape the future of psychology education at ULaw. If you’re eager to contribute to an institution that prioritises student experience with small class sizes and a focus on employability, we’d love to hear from you.

Learn more about the role and apply here.

Let’s shape the future of psychology education together.

Adam Jowett is Director of Psychology at The University of Law.