GTA:How to Apply

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Application Timeline

GTA recruitment occurs twice per year before each semester begins:

• Semester 1 (Autumn): Applications typically open in late July/early August
• Semester 2 (Spring): Applications typically open in late November/early December

Apply early – allocation operates on a first-come, first-served basis within priority categories.

Application Process

Step 1: Access the GTA Portal

All applications are made through the FSE GTA Portal:

https://gta.manchester.ac.uk/application/

Step 2: Complete the Three-Step Application

The application consists of three steps:

1. Answer core questions about your eligibility, visa status, and workload preferences
2. Declare your skills for supporting different course units
3. Indicate your experience and preferences for specific course units

Important: There is no final submission. Your application is automatically saved and submitted as you complete each step. You can edit your application until the deadline.

Step 3: Obtain Supervisor Approval

Before you can be allocated GTA work, you must have permission from your PhD supervisor(s).

• Discuss your GTA plans with your supervisor before applying
• Ensure they agree the hours won't negatively impact your PhD progress
• Your supervisor should be aware of your GTA commitments

Eligibility and Requirements

Legal Eligibility

• GTAs must be legally eligible for paid employment in the UK
• You must provide documentation proving your right to work
• If you hold a visa, ensure you understand your working hour restrictions

Visa holders: Check your visa conditions carefully. Most student visas (Student Route, formerly Tier 4) limit you to 20 hours per week of paid work during term time. This includes all employment, not just GTA work.

Academic Requirements

All categories of students are eligible to be GTAs, but note:

• The depth of subject knowledge required to teach students studying an HE degree means that in most cases GTAs will be required to hold a Master's degree and be studying a postgraduate research qualification (e.g., a PhD)
• Exceptional undergraduate students or those with significant relevant experience may be considered in specific circumstances

Discipline Preferences

• Computer Science students are prioritised – Due to the symbiotic benefit of studying and teaching in the same field, the appointment of students of Computer Science will be favoured over students studying other disciplines
• Cross-disciplinary appointments are possible – In the event of failure to fill a GTA post from within Computer Science, a GTA from another school may be appointed
• Related disciplines welcomed – Students from related fields (e.g., Mathematics, Engineering, Data Science) are encouraged to apply if they have relevant skills

Additional Requirements

Before you can begin GTA work, you must:

• Complete mandatory training: (although you can still work WHILE complete this work in parallel)
  • FSESS8200 Learning Outcomes & Lesson Plans
  • FSESS8201 Roles & Expectations
  • FSESS8204 Teaching Skills
  • Compulsory University Training (Health and Safety, Diversity, Information Security, Fire Awareness)
• Complete role-dependent training if applicable:
  • FSESS8202 Marking and Feedback (if marking)
  • FSESS8215 GTA Script Checking (if checking exam scripts)
• Have appropriate departmental supervision and support in your role
• Pass Right to Work checks – provide original documents for verification

What You'll Need to Provide

In Your Application

• Workload preferences – How many hours per semester do you wish to work?
• Visa status – Are you subject to working hour restrictions?
• Skills declaration – What technical and academic skills do you possess?
• Unit preferences – Which units do you wish to teach?
• Experience level – Have you taught each unit before?

For Employment Checks

Once allocated, you'll need to provide:

• Right to Work documentation – Passport, visa, or other proof of eligibility
• University ID – Student ID confirmation
• Bank details – For salary payments

Application Deadlines

Deadlines are typically:

• Semester 1: Late August (check GTA Portal for exact date)
• Semester 2: Late December/early January (check GTA Portal for exact date)

Note: You can edit your application until the deadline. Changes made closer to the deadline may affect allocation priority.

After You Apply

What Happens Next

1. Allocation process runs – Usually within 1-2 weeks after the deadline
2. You receive notification – Email confirming your allocation (or non-allocation)
3. You accept or decline – Respond to confirm you'll undertake the hours allocated
4. Contract issued – You receive an appointment letter and terms & conditions
5. Complete training – Before you can begin teaching
6. Attend induction – Mandatory GTA induction session at start of semester

If You're Not Allocated

Not all applicants can be allocated work due to:

• Limited positions available – Demand often exceeds supply
• Skills mismatch – Your skills may not match available units
• Late application – First-come, first-served within priority categories
• Workload requests – You requested more hours than available in suitable units

If you're not allocated:

• You may be contacted later in the semester if additional positions become available
• You can apply again next semester
• Consider developing skills in high-demand areas for future applications

If You Need to Change Your Application

• Before the deadline: Log back into the GTA Portal and edit your responses
• After the deadline but before allocation: Contact CS GTA Administration (COMPSCI-TAADMIN@listserv.manchester.ac.uk)
• After allocation: Contact your Discipline GTA Lead to discuss options

Need Help?

Questions About the Application

• Technical issues: CS GTA Administration (COMPSCI-TAADMIN@listserv.manchester.ac.uk)
• Eligibility questions: Your Discipline GTA Lead
• Visa and Right to Work: Student Immigration Team

Key Reminders

• Apply early – First-come, first-served within priority categories
• Get supervisor approval – Discuss with your supervisor before applying
• Check your visa restrictions – Ensure you can legally work the hours you're requesting
• Be realistic about workload – Maximum 120 hours per semester to protect your PhD
• Complete all three steps – Your application isn't complete until all sections are done
• Declare skills accurately – This affects how you're matched to units
• You can edit until deadline – Review and update your application if circumstances change
• Training is mandatory – Budget time for completing required training before teaching begins

Good luck with your application!

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