Join the Higher Education Academy professional recognition scheme

Professional recognition

The scheme has been designed following extensive consultation. It will raise the profile of the excellent work in teaching and learning being developed in HEIs and enhance the professional status of staff. The scheme is aligned to the sector-owned UK Professional Standards Framework.

There are three categories of recognition:

• Associate of the Higher Education Academy (with the post-nominal AHEA)
• Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (with the post-nominal FHEA)
• Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (with the post-nominal SFHEA)

All HEI staff will have the opportunity to apply for recognised status upon completion of an Academy accredited institutional programme of initial or continuous professional development. Individuals may also apply directly to the Academy for recognition. Existing Associate Practitioners and Registered Practitioners will become Associates and Fellows of the Higher Education Academy respectively.

The new Senior Fellowship category will be open to individuals who can demonstrate that they lead colleagues by personal example; facilitate and influence networks of colleagues; impact positively beyond their institution, at national or international level, within the discipline or more generally; make a sustained contribution and positive impact to the student learning experience; and champion learning and teaching in HE. Applications for Senior Fellowship will be evaluated by a Senior Fellowship Committee, with the first round of applications to be considered in September 2007

Further details

Further details are available on the Higher Education Academy website
www.heacademy.ac.uk/ProfessionalRecognition.htm