PGTA - Integrated Engineering Programme

Job description 

The UCL Faculty of Engineering Sciences is inviting applications from STEM research students for Post-Graduate Teaching Assistant (PGTA) positions for the 2023-24 academic year, for the Integrated Engineering Programme (IEP).

The IEP is our award-winning teaching framework, which emphasises interdisciplinary, creativity and communication alongside teamwork, learning through projects and the social context of engineering. We believe this is the best way to learn engineering in the 21st century. After all, to change the world, our students need to be taught differently.

The work will involve facilitating small-group project activities, assisting in the running of skills workshops, supporting the mathematics curriculum through workshops and tutorial sessions, as well as running presentation sessions and doing various other marking activities.

Files related to the role for download:

• File 1 'challenges'
• File 2 'technical communication'
• File 3 'job description'

Modules available:

We are seeking PGTAs for the four modules detailed below. Modules typically involve up to 4 hours of contact time with students with 1-2 hours of preparation & administrative time per week during term time and marking activities throughout the academic year.

1. Mathematical Modelling and Analysis I and II

This module aims to enable students to apply mathematical tools for the modelling, simulation, and optimisation of engineering systems. PGTAs will assist in the on-campus delivery of two-hour weekly workshops led by UCL academic staff, demonstrating the solution of mathematics problems applied to engineering practice. Teaching in this module takes place throughout the first and second terms, with marking throughout the academic year.

1.1. MATLAB Online Workshops

These are synchronous online programming workshops that run alongside the Mathematical Modelling and Analysis I on-campus workshops each week. These sessions aim to equip first-year students with basic computational modelling skills for engineering using MATLAB.

2. Engineering Challenges

This Challenges module sees first-year students through two engineering projects we call “Challenges,” in which they work individually and in teams to design engineering solutions to global challenges, within their departments in Challenge 1 or within interdisciplinary teams in Challenge 2.

As this is our students’ first experience of working in groups as a team within their university courses, we provide various tools and support mechanisms to aid them in the Challenges module. One is the Gallup StrengthsFinder tool which provides students with a language to discuss many aspects of teamwork, including how they approach tasks and deadlines as well as areas that they may find easy or difficult. PGTAs will help to facilitate student teams to successfully work together as well as assist their departmental academic lead with the complaints process. Training will be provided to support PGTAs in this student team facilitation work.

3. Design and Professional Skills I and II

Intended to give students the tools they need to succeed in becoming a well-rounded engineering graduate, this first-year module is a skills-based module where students take time to learn skills associated with team working and leadership, critical thinking and research, ethics and professionalism, design, communication, and visualization, and five discipline-specific classes organized by the departments.

Time Commitment

PGTAs should expect to commit to a maximum of 6 weekly hours of work. This includes 2 hours of preparation and 4 hours of student contact time. Marking is additional to this time, designated to assist in the teaching of the modules.

Key responsibilities 

• Teaching assistance through the facilitation of seminars and/or workshops
• Class preparation and meeting with lecturers/module organisers
• Marking students' work
• Giving feedback to students

Requirements for role 

Successful applicants will have:

• A keen interest in problem-based learning, supporting students in their learning of engineering concepts, techniques, and professional skills, and in developing teaching experience at the university level.
• At least a bachelor’s degree in engineering, Physical Sciences, or Maths (though we may also consider exceptional candidates with other backgrounds)
• The ability to summarise key concepts and explain complicated ideas.

Induction & Training

PGTAs will receive (and be paid for) both general training plus specific training related to your chosen module as part of an induction programme specifically created for IEP PGTAs. A further programme of training is available through UCL Arena, which can lead to a nationally recognised higher-education teaching qualification.

How to apply 

1. Please use the following link if you are applying to become a PGTA for the first time
2. Send your CV by email to Faceng.timesheet@ucl.ac.uk