The PSF 2023 and Associate Fellowship
Associate Fellowship is awarded to professionals who can demonstrate they meet the criteria of Descriptor 1 (D1) of the Professional Standards Framework (PSF) for teaching and supporting learning in higher education. By applying to be an Associate Fellow individuals show an understanding of specific aspects of effective teaching, learning support methods and student learning and demonstrate:
- successful engagement with at least two of the five Areas of Activity;
- successful engagement in appropriate teaching and practices related to these Areas of Activity;
- appropriate Core Knowledge and understanding of at least K1 (the subject material) and K2 (Appropriate methods for teaching, learning and assessing in the subject area and at the level of the academic programme);
- a commitment to appropriate Professional Values in facilitating others’ learning;
- relevant professional practices, subject and pedagogic research and/or scholarship within the above activities;
- successful engagement, where appropriate, in professional development activity related to teaching, learning, and assessment responsibilities.
Professional Standards Framework 2023
Find out more about the revised framework that emphasises effectiveness and impact, inclusion and context, as fundamental aspects of practice.
Associate Fellowship (AFHEA) brings you a range of benefits:
- consolidates your personal development and emphasises your professional practice in HE
- entitlement to use post-nominal letters - AFHEA
- provides a valuable measure of success and is increasingly sought by employers across the education sector as a condition of appointment and promotion
- recognised and valued by a growing number of international institutions
Is Associate Fellowship for you?
We have identified the roles and experience for which people applying for Associate Fellowship typically have below:
- an early career researcher with some teaching responsibilities (e.g. PhD students, GTAs, contract researchers/post-doctoral researchers etc.);
- new to teaching (including those with part-time academic responsibilities);
- a member of staff who supports academic provision (e.g. learning technologists, learning developers and learning resource/library staff);
- a member of staff who undertakes the role of demonstrator/ technician with some teaching-related responsibilities;
- an experienced staff member working in a relevant professional area who may be new to teaching and/or supporting learning.
If you feel that you are working within this category, download your Associate Fellow guidance pack for information about applying.
Introducing the Professional Standards Framework 2023 (PSF 2023)
Launched in 2006 and last revised in 2011, the Professional Standards Framework for teaching and supporting learning in higher education (PSF) has global recognition for raising the profile of teaching and learning in higher education. The PSF’s contribution to reward and recognition is unsurpassed, being used by individuals, institutions and national bodies.
Following a sector and evidence led review, the PSF 2023 is a more inclusive Framework that recognises the critical role of the context in which practice takes place and is more accessible to all professionals with a role in teaching and supporting learning.
Its focus on effectiveness and impact of practice drives attention to improved outcomes for learners across the global community. The concise, streamlined approach offers clarity and ease of use in professional development, leadership of teaching and learning, strategic enhancement and in fellowship and accreditation settings.
We will be opening applications for fellowship for each of the four categories supported by the PSF 2023 on 3 April 2023, new guidance documents and templates will be available from 1 March 2023.
We will continue to welcome applications made against PSF 2011 until 31 December 2023 for individuals already in the process of developing their application.
Fellowship Category Tool
Our Fellowship Category Tool has been designed to help you understand which category of Fellowship most closely reflects your current practice and to reflect on your ongoing professional development and career aspirations.
After you have answered a series of choice questions, which will take around 10-20 minutes, you will be shown your results and a PDF report summarising your responses will be sent to you.
Applying and application fees
There are various application routes for Fellowship, they are made in writing and need to be supported by written references. Find out more about the available application routes.
Application fees vary depending on the route you take to Fellowship, with individuals from subscribing institutions benefiting from discounted fees.
Fees
Accredited Provision (individual from a member institution) - No cost
Accredited Provision (individual from a non-member institution) - £150
Direct application to Advance HE (individual from a member institution) - £150
Direct application to Advance HE (individual from non-member institution) - £300
Do you want to support your staff to achieve Fellowship?
Advance HE offers Fellowship support to institutions through a structured process:
- Fellowship workshops - sessions helping your staff understand Fellowship and the application process
- Fellowship Writing Retreats - expert support providing a structured and guided environment in which to construct an application for Fellowship
- draft Fellowship applications reviews - a consultant will review applications and provide annotated feedback, including points for further development.
All of these services can be delivered online.
Meet some of our Associate Fellows
