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Graduate Teaching Assistant, MSc Environment and Sustainable Development (ESD) - Job Opportunity at University College London

London, United Kingdom
Part-time
Entry-level
Posted: August 11, 2025
Hybrid
£35,930 - £41,255 per year

Benefits

Exceptional 41-day holiday package providing superior work-life balance with 27 annual leave days, 8 bank holidays, and 6 closure days
Defined benefit career average revalued earnings pension scheme (CARE) offering long-term financial security and retirement planning
Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loan supporting sustainable commuting and reducing transportation costs
On-site nursery facility providing convenient childcare solutions for working parents
On-site gym access promoting employee wellness and eliminating external fitness membership costs
Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay exceeding statutory minimums for family support
Comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme through Staff Support Service for mental health and wellbeing
Discounted medical insurance providing affordable healthcare coverage

Key Responsibilities

Provide strategic academic administration support to Course Directors, ensuring smooth operation of the internationally recognized MSc Environment and Sustainable Development programme
Deliver foundational academic inputs that directly impact the educational experience of interdisciplinary participants from diverse global backgrounds
Manage sophisticated IT systems and web-based programme elements, ensuring seamless digital learning experiences for international students
Support programme delivery that addresses critical global challenges in environmental conflicts and sustainable development in the Global South
Contribute to an internationally comparative educational approach that influences policy and planning responses across Asia, Africa, and Latin America

Requirements

Education

Masters level in a subject related to the work of the Development Planning Unit

Required Skills

good interpersonal skills excellent administrative and organisational skills good knowledge of computer software (e.g. Moodle, Microsoft Office, Excel) enthusiastic, flexible, sympathetic, and approachable in nature focused and self-motivated
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Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

Higher education institutions are increasingly focusing on interdisciplinary programmes that address global challenges, particularly in sustainability and development, as universities respond to growing demand for graduates who can tackle complex environmental and social issues. The academic sector is experiencing significant digital transformation, with institutions investing heavily in online learning platforms and hybrid teaching models, creating demand for technical support roles that can bridge academic content with digital delivery systems. International development and sustainability education is expanding rapidly as organizations worldwide seek professionals who understand the interconnections between environmental challenges, urbanization, and policy responses, particularly in emerging economies. Universities are placing greater emphasis on practical engagement and field experience in academic programmes, requiring support staff who can facilitate connections between theoretical learning and real-world application.

Salary Evaluation

The offered salary range of £35,930-£41,255 is competitive for part-time academic support roles in London, representing approximately 60-70% of equivalent full-time positions. This range aligns well with UCL's position as a prestigious Russell Group university and reflects the specialized nature of the role in international development education.

Role Significance

Graduate Teaching Assistants typically work within small, specialized academic teams of 3-5 members including Course Directors, lecturers, and administrative staff, with direct interaction with cohorts of 20-40 international students per academic year.
This is an entry-level academic support position that serves as a bridge between administrative functions and academic delivery, offering significant exposure to high-level programme management and international development education without requiring extensive prior experience.

Key Projects

Supporting the delivery of interdisciplinary curriculum modules that examine environmental conflicts and sustainable development practices across different global regions Managing digital learning environments and online resources for international student cohorts with diverse technological backgrounds and access levels Facilitating academic administration for overseas practice engagement components that connect students with real-world development projects

Success Factors

Strong cultural sensitivity and communication skills to effectively support diverse international student populations from various academic and professional backgrounds Technical proficiency in educational technology platforms combined with the flexibility to adapt to evolving digital learning requirements Understanding of interdisciplinary approaches to complex global challenges, enabling effective support for programme content that spans multiple academic fields Organizational excellence and attention to detail necessary for managing the administrative complexity of international academic programmes with field components

Market Demand

Moderate to high demand exists for academic support roles in sustainability and development programmes, as universities expand these offerings to meet growing student interest and industry needs for qualified graduates in environmental and development sectors.

Important Skills

Critical Skills

Proficiency in educational technology platforms like Moodle is essential as modern academic delivery increasingly relies on digital learning environments, particularly for programmes with international reach and hybrid delivery models Excellent administrative and organizational skills are fundamental to managing the complexity of international academic programmes that involve multiple stakeholders, diverse student populations, and coordination with overseas practice components Strong interpersonal skills are crucial for supporting diverse international student cohorts and working effectively within small, collaborative academic teams where relationship-building directly impacts programme success

Beneficial Skills

Knowledge of international development practices and sustainability frameworks would enhance ability to contribute meaningfully to programme content and student support Additional language skills would be valuable given the programme's focus on Global South contexts and international student population Understanding of research methods and academic writing would support potential involvement in programme development and enhancement activities

Unique Aspects

Opportunity to work with one of the world's most established and respected development planning academic units, providing exposure to cutting-edge research and policy development in sustainable urbanization
Direct involvement with international comparative education that influences real-world policy and planning responses across multiple continents
Access to UCL's extensive global network of researchers, practitioners, and alumni working in international development and environmental sustainability
Integration of academic theory with practical field experience, including potential involvement in overseas practice engagement components

Career Growth

Typically 2-3 years in this role would provide sufficient experience and network development to progress to programme management or specialized research positions within academic or international development sectors.

Potential Next Roles

Programme Coordinator or Manager roles within international development or sustainability departments Research Assistant positions in development studies, environmental policy, or urban planning research centers Academic Programme Officer roles at international organizations or NGOs focused on sustainable development

Company Overview

University College London

University College London (UCL) is a world-renowned Russell Group university and one of London's most prestigious higher education institutions, consistently ranked among the top 10 universities globally. The Development Planning Unit specifically has established itself as a leading international center for urban and regional development studies with over 70 years of experience.

UCL holds a commanding position in the global higher education market, particularly strong in research output and international collaboration. The DPU is recognized as one of the world's leading academic units in development planning and sustainable urban development.
As London's Global University, UCL serves as a major hub for international students and research collaboration, with the DPU specifically maintaining strong networks across Asia, Africa, and Latin America through research partnerships and alumni connections.
UCL fosters an inclusive, research-intensive environment that values diversity and international collaboration. The work culture emphasizes academic excellence, innovation in teaching and research, and strong commitment to addressing global challenges through education and knowledge exchange.
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