Graduate Studies

Contact Us West Theatre
Trinity College Dublin
Dublin 2
Ireland

View the contact page for more contact and location information

Genadgso@tcd.ie Gaeilge

Supporting Postgraduate Research Students in Teaching Activities

Professor speaking to students in lecture theatre

Teaching contributions of postgraduate research students are invaluable for development of our undergraduate students. Research students bring fresh perspectives, cutting-edge insights, and dynamic connections between research and practice to learning. 

The opportunity to participate in teaching provides an important pedagogical experience for research students. By enhancing their communication, presentation, and time management skills, research students develop key competencies in preparation for diverse career paths after the PhD. 

Schools play a vital role in creating a supportive and equitable teaching environment that balances postgraduate research progression with meaningful teaching opportunities.

The Guidelines on the nature of teaching expectations and the process of allocating teaching and learning opportunities to postgraduate research students provide guidance on what the Graduate Studies Committee has agreed as an appropriate teaching experience for postgraduate research students.  

 

The purpose of the guidelines 

  • Ensure transparency across the University  
  • Ensure equal access to teaching opportunities for all research students 
  • Protect and preserve the integrity of postgraduate research progression 

The guidelines acknowledge the need for Schools to have flexibility in offering postgraduate teaching opportunities that suit their disciplinary norms.   

To foster transparency, equity, and consistency, Schools are encouraged to: 

Clearly outline the duties expected of each student involved in supporting teaching activities:  

  • Outline duties for postgraduate teaching roles in School or Discipline handbooks. 
  • Define and categorise teaching activities, specifying what is included in hourly reimbursement. 
  • Ensure teaching opportunities align with the disciplinary norms and pedagogical goals. 

Communicate teaching opportunities as they arise and offer them equally to all interested postgraduate research students within your School or Discipline.    

  • Communicate teaching opportunities openly and equally to all eligible postgraduate students. 
  • Provide clear application processes, selection criteria, and expected commitments for each teaching role. 
  • Consider students’ year of study, research progress, and visa or funding restrictions when allocating roles. 

Specify which teaching activities are covered in the hourly reimbursement rate and ensure prompt, and direct payment for student teaching activities 

  • Ensure teaching hours do not exceed six hours per week (150 hours during the academic year) to preserve research progress. For more guidance visit Section 193 of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 (TCA). 
  • Promptly process payment for teaching and marking work, with clear information on payment rates and timelines provided to students. 

Designate a staff member to coordinate teaching opportunities and monitor the teaching workloads of postgraduate research student and to:    

  • Address concerns regarding teaching workloads or experience. 
  • Guide students toward relevant support and resources. 

Support graduate teaching assistants and demonstrators through training, induction, and recognition of their teaching contributions.  

  • Provide robust training and induction before teaching begins, including modules on tutoring, marking, and equality, diversity, and inclusion. 
  • Encourage postgraduate students to complete the Trinity Certificate of Teaching Contributions and participate in other professional development opportunities. 

Training Opportunities for Graduate Teaching Assistants

Training should be made available to postgraduate research students before the student engages in teaching activities. Academic Practice offers two 5 ECTS credit modules for Graduate Teaching Assistants. For further information, please visit  Academic Practice. 

Recognising Performance 

Teaching contributions should be recognized and rewarded. This can be achieved by promoting the Trinity Certificate of Teaching Contributions and Schools nominating students to the annual Trinity Teaching Award for Postgraduate Research Students. 

Additional Resources 

If you have any questions please contact the Administrative Officer in Graduate Studies or check for answers on our FAQ page.