Academic Probation
Academic appointments to the post of Assistant Professor - (Research and Teaching focussed) are normally subject to a probationary period of 5 years. Where appropriate, an appointee may be placed on a pre-probationary period of normally up to 1 year (maximum 2 years). This is normally required where an appointee is studying for but has not yet completed a PhD or equivalent. Please refer to the Guidelines below for more information.
All academic probationers are reviewed annually by the Probation Review Group (PRG), who monitor progress and make decisions regarding confirmation/termination of appointment. The meeting in which a Probationer is reviewed is determined by their end date:
| Probationers End date | Term Probationer will be reviewed |
| 1 November - 28 February | Autumn |
| 1 March - 31 May | Spring |
| 1 June - 31 October | Summer |
We will write to Heads of Department each term to advise them of the probationers to be considered at that term's meeting.
Academic Probation:
The criteria for academic probation aligns with the criteria for academic promotion.
The criteria is based on the four areas of activity:
- Research and Scholarship
- Teaching and Learning
- Impact, Outreach, Engagement
- Collegiality, Leadership and Management
These criteria will ensure a smooth transition for staff who have completed probation to apply for promotion when they are ready and continue to develop against the four areas of activity.
- Probation Guidelines for Academic Staff
- Probation Guidelines for Head of Department
- Probation Review FormLink opens in a new window
- Notes of Guidance on the Curriculum VitaeLink opens in a new window
- Pre Probation Form
Academic Probationers wanting to extend their probation period following family leave or long term sickness absence should complete this form.
Please note, the 5 year probation is applied to Assistant Professors on the Research and Teaching (R&T) focussed pathway.
Assistant Professors on a Research focussed pathway OR Teaching focussed pathway are subject to the academic 6 month probation, more information can be found here.
Academic Probation Information Sessions 2024/25
Please click the link below to sign up for the one of our next probation sessions:
Academic Probation Information Session 2024/25 sign upLink opens in a new window