GTA:How the Allocation Works
TL;DR
In computer science we have a reasonable strict way of allocating work based on a first come first served model (so make sure you sign up early) and we allocate the hours required based on the GTAs required load.
We allocate in the following order:
- Remove all GTA 'Have taught. Prefer alternative.'; so units are excluded.
- Unit Lead selected 'Unit Lead Request' (where reasonable) as long as the GTA has applied.
- GTA with 'Not taught. Strongly wish to teach.' select this even if you have taught before.
- GTA 'Have taught. Wish to repeat'.
- GTA 'Supervisor Teaching on Unit'.
- GTA 'Not taught. Could teach.'
- GTA 'High Skills Match' - the skills you listed are those requested by the unit lead.
This first iteration does not allocate less than the hours required (set by the unit lead) for each GTA. Once we can't allocate, we start to split hours.
In Computer Science, we use a reasonably strict allocation system based on a first-come, first-served model. Therefore, it's important to complete your application early.
We allocate work based on:
- Your preferences (expressed in the GTA application portal)
- Hours you've requested (your workload preferences)
- Unit Lead requests (where Course Unit Leads have specifically requested certain GTAs)
- Skills matching (alignment between your skills and unit requirements)
Allocation Priority Order
We allocate teaching hours in the following priority order:
1. Exclusions
First, we remove units you've marked as 'Have taught. Prefer alternative.'
These units will not be allocated to you.
2. Unit Lead Requests
Unit Lead requested GTAs are allocated (where reasonable and where the GTA has applied).
If a Course Unit Lead has specifically requested you and you've indicated willingness to teach the unit, you'll be prioritised for allocation.
3. Strong Preference - New Units
GTAs who selected 'Not taught. Strongly wish to teach.'
This applies even if you have previous teaching experience on other units. Use this category to indicate you have a strong interest in teaching this particular unit.
4. Repeat Teaching Preference
GTAs who selected 'Have taught. Wish to repeat.'
If you've taught the unit before and wish to continue, you'll be prioritised.
5. Supervisor Connection
GTAs whose 'Supervisor Teaching on Unit'.
If your PhD supervisor teaches on the unit, this may facilitate better coordination between your research and teaching.
6. Willing to Teach
GTAs who selected 'Not taught. Could teach.'
You're willing to teach this unit but don't have a strong preference.
7. Skills Match
GTAs with 'High Skills Match'.
The skills you declared in your application closely match those requested by the Course Unit Lead for this unit.
How Hours Are Allocated
First Pass: Full Allocations
In the first iteration, we allocate complete hour blocks as specified by the Course Unit Lead. We do not split a unit's hours across multiple GTAs at this stage.
For example, if a unit requires 40 hours of GTA support, we allocate the full 40 hours to one GTA based on the priority order above.
Second Pass: Splitting Hours
Once we cannot make any more full allocations (because remaining GTAs would exceed their requested workload), we begin splitting hours across multiple GTAs for the same unit.
This ensures:
- All units receive the GTA support they need
- No GTA is allocated more hours than they requested
- Hours are distributed as fairly as possible
Important Notes
- Apply early – allocation is processed in the order applications are received within each priority category
- Be realistic about workload – don't request more hours than you can manage alongside your PhD
- Skills matter – accurately declaring your skills improves allocation matching
- Preferences are considered – but cannot always be guaranteed
- Unit Lead requests are influential – but must be balanced with fair allocation
- Hours may be split – you might share teaching on a unit with other GTAs
If you have questions about your allocation, contact your Discipline GTA Lead or CS GTA Administration.