Over 70,000 staff at 150 universities will strike on Wednesday 1 February.
UCU is in dispute with 150 universities over the issues of pay, pensions and working conditions. The union said 'the clock is ticking' for university bosses to make staff a serious offer and avoid disruption.
A further 17 days of strike action is due to take place over February and March. The precise dates are to be announced by the union next week.
The action on Wednesday 1 February will coincide with TUC's 'protect the right to strike' day. Five unions, UCU, NEU, ASLEF, PCS and RMT have already confirmed they will join the day of action against the Conservative government's plans to introduce strict anti-strike measures through parliament.
