Professional Recognition
Our recognition scheme contributes towards the professionalisation of teaching by conferring the status of Associate Fellow, Fellow, Senior Fellow or Principal Fellow
The scheme is closely referenced to the UK Professional Standards Framework (UKPSF).There are many benefits to gaining recognition as an Academy Fellow:
- It provides national recognition of your commitment to professionalism in teaching and learning in higher education
- It demonstrates that your practice is aligned with the UK PSF
- It provides an indicator of professional identity for higher education practitioners, including the entitlement to use post-nominal letters
AFHEA – Associate Fellow of the Higher Education Academy
FHEA – Fellows of the Higher Education Academy
SFHEA - Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy
PFHEA – Principal Fellow of the Higher Education Academy -
It is a portable asset, that has UK-wide relevance and which is increasingly recognised by higher and further education institutions
Applying for recognition
Individuals can apply for recognition via the following:
On completion of Academy-accredited professional development provision (for example PG Cert in teaching and learning in HE, or accredited Continuing Professional Development (CPD) scheme).
By applying through the Academy’s Individual Recognition Route, on the basis of their experience in teaching and learning to become an:
The fee you will pay will depend on whether you are employed by a subscribing institution; details of the fees for professional recognition are included in the guidance notes. These are available on the relevant webpage for each category of recognition.


