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HEA Fellowship

Professional Standards Framework (PSF)

NEW: A vision for education and skills at Newcastle University: Education for Life 2030+

About HEA Fellowship (PSF)

Accredited by Advance HE, the Professional Standards Framework Continuing Professional Development (PSF CPD) Scheme provides routes to recognition as Associate Fellow (PSF Descriptor 1), Fellow (PSF Descriptor 2), and Senior Fellow (PSF Descriptor 3) of the Higher Education Academy (HEA) through one academic Masters level programme route, two mentor supported routes, and a route to support Post-graduate researchers (PGRs). Though not part of the Scheme, we also support direct applications to Advance HE for Principal Fellowship (Descriptor 4) - see below. The basis for all routes is the UK Professional Standards Framework (PSF) which outlines the criteria you must meet to be awarded recognition.
 
PSF CPD Framework at Newcastle University
For Route Supported by Recognition Categories Award
PGRs  ELTS  Workshops and group support sessions  Associate Fellow (AFHEA) 

Single recognition panel ratifies award of Associate Fellow, Fellow, and Senior Fellow.
Clinical and academic staff in medicine  CME    Associate Fellow (AFHEA) or Fellow (FHEA) 
Experienced in teaching  Experiential  Workshop and mentor support  Associate Fellow (AFHEA), Fellow (FHEA) or Senior Fellow (SFHEA) 
New to teaching at Newcastle University  NEPS  Blended learning units and mentor support  Fellow (FHEA)

ELTS – Evidencing Learning and Teaching Skills; CME – Certificate in Medical Education; NEPS – Newcastle Educational Practice Skills

Through the Advance HE accredited Scheme, we support all those who teach and support learning in the development of their pedagogic practice.

We recognise that there is a diverse range of teaching roles and environments in which colleagues work and the PSF CPD Scheme is open to all colleagues involved in these activities including PhD students and Research Associates who teach or demonstrate, and professional services staff (e.g. Library, Technical and Careers Service).

Gaining recognition through the PSF CPD Scheme is free for Newcastle University colleagues.

Recognition Categories

Descriptor 1 (Associate Fellow)Descriptor 2 (Fellow)Descriptor 3 (Senior Fellow)
Suitable for individuals whose practice enables them to evidence some dimensions as defined in PSF2023 Suitable for individuals whose practice with learners has breadth and depth, enabling them to evidence all Dimensions as defined in PSF 2023.  Suitable for those who can demonstrate a sustained record of leading or influencing the practice of those who teach and/or support high quality learning (integrating all Dimensions) as defined in PSF2023. 
Descriptor 4 (Principal Fellow)

Suitable for those who can demonstrate a sustained record of effectiveness in strategic leadership of higher education practice with extensive impact on high-quality learning within or beyond the institution, or across a discipline or profession as defined in PSF 2023.  

The University will support you in your direct application for Principal Fellow (D4) to Advance HE by bearing the cost of the application, holding occasional workshops, and offering bespoke support to guide you through the application process. Find out more about applying for Principal Fellowship. 

Further Reading

Visit the Advance HE website

For further information on the PSF, Dimensions of Practice and Descriptors.

Principal Fellowship

Find out more information about becoming a Principal Fellow from Advance HE