He was Professor of Ancient History and Archaeology at the University of Birmingham from 1971 to 1995, and then director of the British School at Athens from 1995 to 1996.

[2] In 1957, Tomlinson served as an assistant in the Department of Greek of the University of Edinburgh.

The following year, in 1958, he joined the University of Birmingham as an Assistant Lecturer.

[2] He was Chairman of the Birmingham Branch The Victorian Society between 1975 and 1978.

[2] On 8 January 1970, Tomlinson was elected Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of London (FSA).