Academic membership

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

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

Academic membership is 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.

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

Academic membership levels

There are three levels 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.

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Academic Associate description

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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.

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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.

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Academic Fellow description

(144 KB)

Interested in Academic membership?

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 Academic Membership, you will be formally assessed via an on line Skype/Zoom 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 level of Academic membership is right for you. To be eligible for Academic Membership 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 membership level (see Academic Membership level descriptions above) that best fits your current experience i.e. the one for which you can demonstrate meeting the criteria through evidence from at least the last three years.

  2. Read “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 in the relevant section below for information on what you should include in your CV)
    • Your completed Academic Assessment Application form (see relevant section 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 5 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.

How to apply for CIPD Academic membership guidelines and Academic Assessment Application form

Membership Joining fee Assessment fee* Membership up to 12 months valid until 30/06/21 Total
Academic Associate £40 £450 £163 £653
Academic Member £40 £550 £190 £780
Academic Fellow £40 £650 £216 £906

Our membership year runs from 1 July to 30 June and you can join membership at any time.

*the assessment fee is non-refundable.


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 €1.15 = £1 (rate is reviewed quarterly).


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.

Discuss Academic membership with us today

Call +353 1 513 6796

Or

Call +353 1 513 6796 Contact us
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