Through this portal we endeavour to provide instant and clear information on Department and HR procedures on matters related to the recruitment and payment of Teaching Assistants.

Being a Teaching Assistant

Research students are encouraged to teach as it forms the part of a postgraduate course experience. However, teaching duties must not interfere with primary commitment to complete the research degree.
You are recommended not to work more than a total of 60 hours per semester. However, exceptions can be made for students who are writing up their thesis.
It is your responsibility to ensure that you abide by the University’s regulations and follow all necessary procedures.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  1. Your PhD supervisor must agree to any TA responsibilities you undertake.
  2. Generally, year 2 students apply to be a Teaching Assistant.
  3. If you wish to apply in your first year of study, you can only be allowed to be a Teaching Assistant in the Second Semester. This means that you are not expected to start demonstrating as soon as you are enrolled for your current course.
  4. You should not demonstrate for more than 60 hours during a semester. Exceptions can be made only for students who are writing their thesis.
  5. According to the new HR policy you are required to have TA contract each semester (1 and 2), even if you demonstrate for only few hours per semester.
  6. Your contract will not be arranged until you have completed both the application forms (OAF and CRF) even if you already know that you have been selected as a TA.
  7. You need to complete OAF only once an academic year. However, you will need to complete CRF every semester.
  8. You need to visit HR Services or HR Surgeries (as announced) to complete all related paperwork and formalities, otherwise you will not get paid.
  9. You need to complete the PR14 form and get it signed by the lab convenor before you submit it for payment request. If PR14 is not complete and duly signed, it will not be processed.
  10. DTC/ CDT students will need to submit completed PR14 forms at the DTC/ CDT office in chemistry building.
  11. You must complete PR14 form EACH MONTH. If you will submit all your timesheets at the end of the semester, you might be taxed as your total amount might exceed the tax free income limit and you might need to claim the tax back at the end of the tax year. For more information please click here.
  12. If you do not get paid at the end of the month (given all formalities are complete) please notify TA Co-ordinator.
  13. If you have received less payment than expected, please contact TA Co-ordinator. It is possible that you might be set up with an emergency tax code.
  14. If your tax code is not correct- please read guidelines and complete the online form at HMRC website.
  15. If you do not have P45 and you have paid more tax than expected, you will need P60 from your employer to claim the tax back. Please visit HMRC website for further details on this matter and contact HR Services for further advice, if required.
  16. If you have paid more tax than expected, you should contact HR Services a) by visiting the HR Services or b) contacting them at Tel: 0161 27 54499 and Email: HRServices@manchester.ac.uk

Things To Remember

You are EXPECTED to comply with department and HR procedures and formalities

 

Completing Online Application Form DOES NOT guarantee that you will be selected as a TA

 

Laboratory Conveners will make a decision on your application based on your skills and experience

 

Contract Requirement Form should be completed only if you have been selected

 

PR14 (monthly timesheets) must be completed EACH MONTH

 

PR14 should ONLY be completed if you HOLD a TA contract

 

PR14 must be authorised/signed by the lab convener

 

You MUST attend the laboratory induction before the start of demonstration duties

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