He then worked as a schoolmaster at Raynes Park Grammar School whilst studying for an MA in Education at the University of London, which he achieved in 1951.
[2] In 1957 Walsh was appointed professor and head of the Department of Education at the University of Leeds.
[4] In 1972 Walsh was appointed professor of Commonwealth literature in the School of English, also at Leeds University.
Walsh retired from Leeds in 1983 with the title emeritus professor and was succeeded as vice-chancellor by Sir Edward Parkes.
Walsh was awarded the degree of Doctor of Laws (LLD) honoris causa in 1984.