2026 Exceptional "Title Only" Promotion Round: Associate Professor and Professor
Applications Now Open
The University is pleased to announce the launch of the 2026 Exceptional ‘Title Only’ Promotion Round for the titles of Associate Professor and Professor.
Following the suspension of the annual promotion round in 2024/25 due to financial constraints, the University has introduced this exceptional one-off promotion opportunity to recognise academic excellence, support staff retention and morale, and strengthen institutional readiness for future REF, KEF and TEF exercises.
What is Different About the 2026 Round?
The 2026 promotion round will operate on a title only basis.
Successful applicants will be awarded the title of Associate Professor or Professor, but there will be:
Job descriptions will be updated to reflect the awarded title.
Importantly, the University's existing Promotion Policy remains in place. The promotion criteria, evidential requirements, assessment standards and panel arrangements are unchanged, ensuring fairness, consistency and academic rigour throughout the process.
Who Can Apply
For the 2026 round only:
Applicants should ensure they meet the requirements set out in the Promotion Policy before submitting an application.
Briefing Session for Applicants
A briefing session will be delivered by the PVC Research & Innovation to provide an overview of the process, application requirements and timelines, and to answer questions from prospective applicants.
Date: Friday 26 June 2026
Time: 12.00pm – 1.00pm
Please register to attend here.
All eligible academic staff considering an application are encouraged to attend.
Key Dates
|
Activity |
Date |
|
Launch of promotion round |
Wednesday 24 June 2026 |
|
PVC Research & Innovation briefing |
Friday 26 June 2026, 12.00–1.00pm Please register here to attend |
|
Application deadline |
Monday 24 August 2026 |
|
Shortlisting |
Week commencing Monday 31 August 2026 |
|
Interviews |
Week commencing Monday 5 October 2026 |
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted using the application form available below.
Before applying, please read:
The annual promotion round was suspended due to significant financial constraints affecting the University.
Reinstating the process is strategically important to:
While financial constraints remain, the University has introduced a cost-neutral, title-only promotion round for 2026.
The promotion process recognises excellence in academic leadership, research, teaching, innovation and external engagement. Applications are assessed fairly and consistently against the University's Promotion Policy.
No. The 2026 round is a title-only promotion exercise. Successful applicants will receive the title of Associate Professor or Professor, but there will be no change to grade, salary or contractual terms (job descriptions will be updated to reflect the title).
Further Information
If you have any questions regarding the promotion process, please contact People & Culture.
Panels will assess evidence in the context of your current role.Applicants are encouraged to:
For the 2026 round, future plans should focus on:
You do not need to assume promotion or additional formal authority.
Yes. Applicants must provide details of two external reviewers of appropriate standing. One reviewer will be selected by the University if the application progresses to interview.
It is recommended that reviewers are of sufficient standing to assess excellence and significance at the level of Associate Professor or Professor across the UK sector.
The application form (excluding Section J) will be sent to the selected reviewer as part of the Associate Professor and Professor assessment process.
If your application is unsuccessful:
Panels will assess evidence in the context of your current role.Applicants are encouraged to:
If you are not shortlisted for interview, you will receive written feedback using a standard form explaining the reasons for the decision against the pathway criteria. This feedback will be agreed by the panel at the end of the meeting and will outline your strengths and areas for development.
Applicants for Associate Professor roles may discuss their feedback with their Executive Dean (or line manager if not part of a Faculty). Applicants for Professor roles may discuss their feedback with their Executive Dean or a Pro Vice-Chancellor.
Applicants who are not shortlisted will normally not be eligible to reapply in the following year unless the Panel specifically recommends otherwise.
No, as in all previous rounds there is no salary change for those remaining on the same grade.
