Academic member grades

For Academics and Researchers working in the field of HR and L&D

CIPD background photograph 33

Recognising your contribution to HR and L&D through higher education and research

Academic member grades are for individuals engaged in teaching, lecturing and research in the field of HR or L&D. It illustrates expertise in the development and progression of ‘thinking and knowledge’ of the HR and L&D profession and your ability to make an impact in the world of work.

Academic member grades

There are three grades of Academic membership. Each carries a professional designation to recognise their significance.

You are typically an experienced lecturer, tutor or researcher in an HR or L&D subject area. Check yourself against the description of our Academic Associate level.

PDF download

Academic Associate description

(146 KB)

You are typically an experienced lecturer, senior researcher, recognised in the UK or internationally as an expert in more than one relevant HR or L&D subject area. Check yourself against the description of our Academic Member level.

PDF download

Academic Member description

(145 KB)

You're a senior academic or research leader, recognised in the UK or internationally as an expert in at least two areas of HR or L&D. Check yourself against the description of our Academic Fellow level.

PDF download

Academic Fellow description

(144 KB)
Kevin Haslam

I get a sense of belonging. To something that's big and globally respected… It's also driving the skills agenda through its policy work with Steps Ahead Mentoring and Inspiring the Future.

Kevin Haslam, Academic MCIPD

Programme Leader East Surrey College and Associate at Acacia Learning

What's in it for you?

Becoming a member means immediate access to a range of benefits. Look at some of our most popular benefits below, or go to our member benefits page to see the full range.

How to join an Academic member grade

To be eligible for Academic membership of the CIPD you need to be an individual working in the field of teaching or research in HRM or an HRM related area.

To be awarded an Academic member grade, you will be formally assessed via an online Microsoft Teams Peer Review discussion with one of our academic assessors who are experienced academics. In addition, we’ll also gain workplace feedback from people you work with, including your line manager, about your work and the impact this has had in your Institution and the HR profession.

How to apply?

  1. Decide which Academic member grade is right for you.

    To be eligible for any of our Academic member grades of the CIPD you must be an individual working in the field of teaching or research in HRM or an HRM related area. Apply for the Academic member grade (see Academic member grade descriptions above) that best fits your current experience, that is, the one for which you can demonstrate meeting the criteria through evidence from at least the last three years.

  2. Read the How to apply for CIPD Academic membership guidance notes (below).

  3. Return all the below documents to academicassessment@cipd.co.uk

    • Your up to date CV (review the How to apply for Academic membership guidance notes below for information on what you should include in your CV)

    • Your completed Academic assessment application form (see below) and we will then contact you for payment. The assessment fee is a non-refundable

    • A copy of your current job description or role profile

    • A copy of your highest-level qualification certificate

  4. What happens next?

    CIPD will acknowledge receipt of your supporting documents and will contact you within ten working days to take payment. We’ll ask you for the contact details of two people for your workplace feedback and we’ll send them a workplace feedback form to complete and return to us.

    When we receive the completed workplace feedback forms, we’ll contact you to book your Peer Review discussion at a convenient date/time. You'll learn the outcome of your assessment within six weeks of your Peer Review discussion and will receive a tailored report to support your continuing professional development.

Download the How to apply for CIPD Academic membership guidelines and Academic assessment application form below.

Academic member fees

Membership Joining fee Non-refundable assessment fee Membership up to 6 months* (1 Jan 2023 - 30 June 2023) Total
Academic Associate £40 £450 £84 £574
Academic Member £40 £550 £98 £688
Academic Fellow £40 £650 £111 £801

*Depending on when you join in the year, we offer different membership fee options.

Membership Joining fee Non-refundable assessment fee Membership up to 18 months* (1 Jan 2023 - 30 June 2024) Total
Academic Associate £40 £450 £252 £742
Academic Member £40 £550 £293 £883
Academic Fellow £40 £650 £332 £1,022

*Depending on when you join in the year, we offer different membership fee options.

Card payments

Fees are presented in Sterling, and card payments will be charged the exchange rate of your financial services provider.

Eurozone Direct Debit

You can set up a SEPA (Single Euro Payments Area) Direct Debit to pay in euros. Please complete our SEPA Direct Debit instruction form and send it with your membership application form.

Direct debit payment amounts are based on our current exchange rate €1.18 = £1 (rate is reviewed annually).

You may also be interested in

Ask for advice about becoming an Academic member

Call +353 1 513 6796

Or

Call +353 1 513 6796 Contact us
Top