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LSE has twenty two academic departments and a growing number of interdisciplinary institutes which stretch well beyond the Economics and Political Science in the School’s name.
Visit the Academic departments pages to find out more about the breadth of LSE’s activities.
Three-tier academic structure
LSE recently changed its academic career path to a three-tier system known as the New Academic Career structure (NAC) in order to improve the recruitment, mentoring, review and pay of career academics, see below for details.
The new structure
The new ranks are:
Within an academic career, a role at this level usually covers the period from first appointment to Major Review. Those appointed will normally have, or be close to completing, a PhD or its equivalent. Assistant Professors carry out a combination of research and teaching, along with organising these activities and contributing to departmental administration as appropriate.
The relative balance of research, teaching and administration activities may vary in different cases.
Roles at this level will typically reflect outstanding contributions to research and scholarship – both proven and potential. Associate Professors will have an emerging international profile and a substantial body of peer-reviewed publications in highly ranked journals or with highly respected book publishers, as well as a strong record in teaching, administration, managerial responsibilities in their department and LSE-wide service.
The relative balance of research, teaching and administration activities may vary in different cases.
Roles at this level reflect internationally recognised academic leadership in research, pedagogical, and entrepreneurial activities, and outstanding contributions to the academic’s discipline through publications and other appropriate forms of scholarship.
Professors are expected to contribute to departmental and School-wide strategic management and engage in all aspects and at all levels of teaching, as well as in the mentoring and career development of junior members of staff. The relative balance of research, teaching, management and administration activities may vary in different cases.
This replaces the previous structure of Lecturer, Senior Lecturer, Reader and Professor.
Increased support for junior academic staff
To ensure all junior colleagues have the opportunity to flourish and succeed, we have made the timing of the review and promotion process more flexible under the new career structure and have increased our emphasis on mentoring, training and constructive review.
Competitive starting salaries
LSE starting salaries reflect market rates, our expectations of academic staff and take account of the cost of living in London. This forms part of a competitive reward and benefits package for new academic staff.
Find out more about the New Academic Career Structure.