Red Brick and Russell Group universities are prestigious institutions in the UK renowned for their academic excellence, so it’s only natural for academics to aspire to secure positions at them. In discussions within the academic community, there has been a long-held assumption that there are different and specific requirements and expectations for academic roles in these institutions. In this article, we explore the distinctive characteristics of Red Brick and Russell Group universities and whether there are specific requirements for academic positions within these institutions.
Red Brick universities refer to a group of British universities founded in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, characterised by their red-brick architecture. These institutions, include the University of Birmingham, University of Leeds, and University of Liverpool, and have a rich history of academic tradition and innovation.
The Russell Group is a consortium of 24 leading research-intensive universities in the United Kingdom. These institutions, which include Oxford, Cambridge, and Imperial College London, are renowned for their world-class research outputs, teaching excellence, and global reputation.
As there is a particular focus on research, academic positions at Red Brick universities typically require a combination of scholarly achievements and subject-specific expertise. Teaching experience was historically not one of the main areas of expertise, but this requirement is increasingly becoming important. If you are considering a role at one of these universities, you are almost certainly expected to engage in cutting-edge research, contribute to scholarly publications, and secure external funding for research projects. Additionally, academics are increasingly encouraged to play a crucial role in delivering high-quality teaching and mentoring students. However, staff in specific teaching fellow roles who are experts in teaching are often employed by Russel Group and Red Brick universities, so if you lack the research expertise, but have lots of teaching experience, this may be an area of employment you could explore.
Requirements for academic roles at Red Brick universities may vary depending on the discipline and level of the position. For example, professorial positions will require a doctoral degree, a strong record of research publications, and evidence of teaching effectiveness. In contrast, lecturer positions may prioritise teaching experience and pedagogical innovation alongside research expertise.
Academic positions at Russell Group universities are highly competitive and often require a significant track record of research excellence and scholarly impact. Faculty members are expected to contribute significantly to the advancement of knowledge in their respective fields through innovative research projects and publications in highly ranking journals.
For roles at both groups of university, you will be typically expected to hold a doctoral degree in your field of expertise and demonstrate a strong research trajectory. You should have a record of securing external research funding and collaborating with colleagues both within and outside the institution. Gaining a strong network in academia and potentially in practice, will equally assist you and ensure your application stands out.
While the specific requirements for academic roles at Red Brick and Russell Group universities may vary, the key areas that will be focussed on in any application or interview process will include scholarly achievements, teaching effectiveness, and research impact. By understanding these requirements and aligning your qualifications and experiences accordingly, as an aspiring academic you can position yourself for success in an academic career within the esteemed Red Brick and Russell Group universities.