THE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME

The Early Career Development Programme supports early career academics in achieving their professional goals through a structured framework aligned to the University’s academic promotion criteria. The development programme is built around three core pillars:

  • Learning, Teaching and Scholarship
  • Research, Knowledge Exchange and Impact
  • Management, Leadership and Personal Effectiveness

Each pillar is explored in more detail below, outlining the opportunities available. The programme offers a dynamic blend of centrally delivered modules, College-based activities, and mentor-led support.

Learning, Teaching and Scholarship

The Postgraduate Certificate in Academic Practice (PgCAP) is a key element of the Early Career Development Programme (ECDP) which aligns to Descriptor 2, Fellow of the UK Professional Standards Framework for Higher Education. PgCAP (or equivalent) is mandatory for completion of the ECDP and promotion to Grade 9. New academic colleagues at Grades 7 and 8 should apply for a place within a few months of joining the University. PgCAP normally takes around 2 years of part time study so you should plan for this alongside your career progression. Whilst studying your teaching allocation may be reduced to ensure you have sufficient time to commit to your studies. The recommended teaching reduction for those undertaking PgCAP is 50% in year 1 and 25% in year 2. 

Recognising Excellence in Teaching (RET) is the University of Glasgow's internal CPD framework, which aims to provide development opportunities as well as professional recognition of expertise in teaching and supporting learning.  Fellowship of RET is accepted as equivalent to PgCAP.

For those who wish to take their studies further or explore some elements in more depth ADD also provide a range of other Continuous Professional Development (CPD) activities or opportunities to extend your formal studies to the MEd in Academic Practice. 

Research, Knowledge Exchange and Impact

All ECDP participants (including LTS track) must complete the Research Integrity elearning module. This training is designed to highlight the university's policies and expectations for all researchers, as well as the critical role of Research Culture in supporting Research Integrity.

 

All ECDP participants must complete The Fundamentals of Postgraduate Supervision elearning module. This training focuses on the practicialities of supervising within our own institutional context. 

 

Colleges work in partnership with Research and Innovation Services to deliver the R&KE aspects of ECDP. Visit your college ECDP webpages for a list of tailored provision in this area:

 

The Researcher Development team also coordinate multiple CPD activities for colleagues:

Management, Leadership & Personal Effectiveness

The Organisational Development team also offer a range of programmes to support your professional development. These include courses on managing people or resources, and leadership programmes. There are also a range of workshops focussing on more generic personal skills such as communicating effectively, managing your workload and influencing, all of which are designed to assist you in developing your academic career.

Some suggested activities include:

 

View the full range of workshops, courses, and programmes offered by Organisational Development:

Illustrative example of a development programme for an ECDP participant

An illustrative example of a development programme for an ECDP participant, which includes the mandatory elements of PgCAP; PGR Supervisory Training; and Research Integrity. Development organised by your college such as Grant Writing, Further Supervision & Research Integrity; and Training for Impact & Esteem. Development organised by OD such as Essentials of Effective Management; Many other OD Courses and Leadership Programmes. And finally Mentoring meetings and discussions.