Assumptions and pay data
- UCEA, The Benefits of Working in HE (2023): median basic leave of 35 days for academic staff and 30 for professional services staff, not counting bank holidays and closure periods.
- Many universities also close for several days over Christmas. Those closure days come on top, and the calculator does not add them.
- Post-1992 universities that use the national lecturers' contract give 35 working days plus bank holidays and closure days (the University and College Union, UCU).
- Part-time: leave days and bank holidays are pro-rated by your contracted hours against 36.5. In hours, that is the full-time days multiplied by a fifth of your weekly hours.
Annual Leave Calculator
England (primary coverage)Confirm with your employerFramework from 1/8/2025
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Guide for Senior Lecturer
This guide summarises contractual annual leave for Senior Lecturer under Higher Education pay (UK national spine) at Higher Education. Part-time staff receive a pro-rata share based on contracted hours.
Annual leave for Senior Lecturer
As Senior Lecturer at Higher Education, annual leave usually follows Higher Education. A full-time employee with around three years' service might receive about 35 days (256 hours at typical full-time hours) per year, before pro-rating for part-time hours. Bank holiday treatment varies; check whether they are included in the stated total. Part-time staff receive a pro-rata share based on contracted weekly hours.
Example scenario
Example at 2 years' service and 36.5 hours a week: 35 days plus 8 bank holidays, our illustration, not your university's scheme
| Sector terms (example) | Higher Education |
|---|---|
| Years of service (example) | 2 |
| Annual leave days (example) | 35 |
| Hours (full-time example) | 256 |
Frequently asked questions
How much annual leave do university staff get?
It depends on your university and staff group. The sector median is 35 days for academic staff and 30 for professional services staff, plus bank holidays and closure days. The calculator uses 35 days plus 8 bank holidays as an illustration.
What are closure days?
Days when the university shuts, usually between Christmas and New Year. They are paid and come on top of annual leave and bank holidays, so add them to the calculator's figure.
Is there a national contract for lecturers?
Only in post-1992 universities that use the 1992 national contract, which gives 35 working days plus bank holidays and closure days. Other universities write their own contracts.
How is part-time leave worked out?
In proportion to your hours. At 18 hours a week (about half of 36.5), 35 days becomes 17.3 days, or 126 hours: 35 days at your own day length of 3.6 hours. Bank holidays work the same way: 3.9 days, or 28.8 hours.
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About this role
What is a Senior Lecturer?
A Senior Lecturer in higher education teaches and researches with a permanent contract. They are typically on the national HE pay spine (e.g. Grade 8/9).
Typical demands, progression and balance
Senior lecturer roles offer research, teaching and autonomy. Pay and satisfaction depend on institution and discipline. Progression to Reader or Professor is common.
What is my annual leave entitlement?
Use the figures on this page for your sector’s leave rules, including pro-rata for part-time where that applies. Teachers under STPCD use directed time and school holidays instead of a separate leave pot. Always check your contract or school calendar for exact dates.
Disclaimer
Illustrative estimates, not legal or HR advice. Your contract and your employer's policy decide your actual entitlement.