There is no other diploma required than a PhD. The position is gained by promotion with a substantial reputation in research and teaching: evidence of significant progression in terms of high-quality research, publications, winning research grants, contribution to the department.

• Status: Professor is the most senior academic job title and the culmination point of an academic career in the UK. It is a permanent position.
• Institutions concerned: higher education institutions (HEIs)
• Duties:  
  • "Role holders at this level are likely to be responsible for academic leadership involving the development and overall management of teaching or research programmes or enterprise activities, and/or for the management of departmental administration activities with significant responsibility for resources (staff, finances and equipment). The pay structures indicate a minimum salary for professors and heads of department; maximum salaries for these roles are negotiated individually."  (Eurydice- European Commission). 
  • The role of professor carries an expectation of engagement across all the key academic areas of Academic Leadership, Student Education, Scholarship and Research and Innovation. It includes teaching duties, leading seminars, conducting research, setting up research projects.  Often requested to serve as head of the department.
• Rights: to supervise PhD students.
• Grades: grade 10
• Salary range: 
  • "The pay structures indicate a minimum salary for professors and heads of department; maximum salaries for these roles are negotiated individually."  (Eurydice- European Commission). 
  • Average salary of full time professor is £76,395 in the UK (Source: HESA 2013-2014). The median full-time basic pay for professors was £73,014 (€81,992.14*) (Source Eurydice - European Commission).
• Evaluation: REF and TEF evaluations.