Skip to content Accessibility statement

Academic promotions: overview

What's new

We have been actively working to improve the Academic Promotions process and are pleased to share some changes.

In addition to our updated criteria for promotion, more clarity is provided around eligibility, and the application process will be an 'always-open' process, making it more accessible and giving you more time to develop your application. We have removed the two year rule; unsuccessful applicants can apply in the next available round if they have made significant progress to their application. Decisions will be made earlier, with promotions taking effect from the start of the next academic year. References will only be required for promotions to Professor and within the Professorial Bands.

If you have any questions, please contact us at academic-promotions@york.ac.uk.

Where to start

Whether this is your first time applying for an academic promotion, or you've applied before, it's a good idea to start by exploring the guidance provided below.

Resources have been recently updated, so make sure you're up to date with the latest information.

Apply for academic promotion

A webinar on academic promotions

We ran a webinar for prospective applicants and academic colleagues interested in learning about the process and criteria changes in December 2024.

The University of York’s academic promotions process is designed to recognise and reward excellent performance that supports the delivery of University objectives in a fair and transparent way.
To be eligible for academic promotion, you must be able to demonstrate your level of performance against the promotion criteria.
What is happening and what the current stage of the academic promotions process is. You can always begin making an application at any date but submissions are during a specific window.
Steps to help you prepare to apply for a promotion. The guidance will help you understand the promotion process, reflect on yourself and consider how you could develop further.

Further reading