Principal Fellowship (D4)

Principal Fellowship of the HEA recognises a sustained and effective record of strategic leadership teaching and learning. 

Principal Fellowship is typically suitable for 

• highly experienced and/or senior staff with wide-ranging strategic leadership responsibilities in connection with key aspects of teaching and supporting learning; 
• staff responsible for institutional strategic leadership and policymaking in the area of teaching and learning; 
• staff who have strategic impact and influence in relation to teaching and learning that extends beyond their own institution. 

To find out more, read Descriptor 4 of the UK Professional Standards Framework.

Dialogic process

If you decide to apply using the Dialogic process, you’ll need to submit evidence of your practice using an e-portfolio, alongside advocate statements from three referees. You’ll then be invited to a Professional Dialogue to explore and discuss the evidence that you’ve provided. 

Written process

If you decide to apply using the Written process, you’ll need to submit a written Account of Professional Practice (APP) and advocate statement from three referees.

We suggest that you review the guidance notes and, if you have any questions, book a drop-in session with the team. You should then book a place on our workshop Are you Principal Fellowship ready? Course code QMAPFHEA1. 

• D4 Application pack [PDF 1,342KB]
• D4 Application Form [DOC 26KB]
• D4 Advocate Statement Template [DOC 33KB]

Awards are usually communicated two weeks after the panel meeting.

PSF 2023 TRANSITION 

Queen Mary Teaching Recognition Programmes’ transition to the new Professional Standards Framework (PSF 2023) from the old UKPSF 2011 is imminent. From September 2024 we will no longer accept Fellowship applications (D1-D4) aligned to United Kingdom Professional Standards Framework (UKPSF 2011). 

Applicants who are currently drafting their AdvanceHE Fellowship applications aligned to the UKPSF 2011 should aim for the next two Submission Deadlines as stated below:  

Frequently Asked Questions 

PRINCIPAL FELLOW (D4) 

1. Are you ready to submit an AdvanceHE PFHEA application soon?  

We recommend that you submit by 12th April 2024 (next submission deadline) using the UKPSF 2011. 

2. Will your application be ready only after 12th April 2024? 

We recommend that you apply in the new academic year (2024/25) using the new PSF 2023 (https://www.advance-he.ac.uk/teaching-and-learning/psf). The first deadline for this will be 27th of September 2024. 

3. Would you prefer to write your application using the new PSF 2023?  

We recommend that you plan to submit to the 27th of September 2024 deadline or subsequent deadlines.