The University of Liverpool Teaching Recognition and Accreditation (ULTRA) Framework

The ULTRA framework has been developed to ensure that all those who teach or support learning at the University have the opportunity to engage in effective Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and gain recognition for high quality teaching.

ULTRA has been accredited by AdvanceHE and meets the standards set in the United Kingdom Professional Standards Framework (UKPSF 2011). Colleagues registering for ULTRA until the 31^st May 2024 will develop their applications against the UKPSF. Details of submission dates are below.

The ULTRA framework is a six-month programme, which is asynchronous in nature. Participants can work through the modules at their own speed within the six-month window, although it takes some participants far less time. Please click here for the flowchart which details the various steps you will need to take before you submit your application.  

Who is eligible?

ULTRA is suitable for staff who have substantial recent experience, usually of three or more years’ full time equivalent (FTE), of teaching and supporting learning in higher education. Applicants can apply for one of four categories of Fellowship:

• Descriptor 1 Associate Fellow
• Descriptor 2 Fellow
• Descriptor 3 Senior Fellow
• Descriptor 4 Principal Fellow

Which category is most appropriate is determined by a number of factors, including the nature of your teaching and learning support role and the responsibilities you have, the length of your experience and how recent that experience is.

To determine which category of Fellowship is most appropriate, please use the AdvanceHE Fellowship Category tool, which is aligned to the UKPSF. You will be asked to confirm that you have done so when registering for ULTRA. If you would like to discuss your experience, please contact the Programme Lead, Dr Laura Hills (laura.hills@liverpool.ac.uk).

All academic staff new to teaching, and staff who wish to pursue an academic qualification in learning and teaching, should undertake one of Liverpool's accredited programmes in Learning and Teaching in Higher Education. More information can be found on the Academic Development Programmes pages.

For more information about the UKPSF version of ULTRA, please watch this short video.

Register

To register for ULTRA please complete the registration form. Please be aware that the final submission date for the UKPSF 2011 version of ULTRA is 17^th January 2025. Any resubmissions will also be reviewed against the UKPSF. Once registered you will be added to the ULTRA Canvas Site where there is guidance on how to complete the programme and submit your application. You will also be supported by synchronous sessions in Teams.

Please consider whether you will have time to complete your application by the 17^th January 2025. If you do not feel that you will have sufficient time, the new version of ULTRA, aligned to the PSF 2023, will open to registrations from the 1^st September 2024.

HEA Recognition Panels (UKPSF version of ULTRA)

Your application for Fellowship should be submitted on one of the following dates. The dates for the panel review and for you to receive the outcome of the application are indicative.