The University of Aberdeen has now changed and increased the support available for staff and postgraduates who teach to become recognised professionally by Advance HE (formerly the Higher Education Academy). Named the ABDN:PRS (Professional Recognition Scheme), the new Scheme now operates on a more formal footing than previous.
As such, the University is NO LONGER able to accept applications that have been written without being part of the ABDN:PRS Scheme or having received formal support to complete their application via the Centre for Academic Development (CAD). As application fees for University of Aberdeen staff and PGRs are met by the University as part of its ongoing commitment to professional development, please do not download and use application forms direct from Advance HE; the University has its own, contextualised version which must be used instead. Using the incorrect application form might result in you being charged with the full application fee yourself.
Since successful re-accreditation by Advance HE in early 2024, the University of Aberdeen provides potential applicants with a choice of how to engage and be supported towards Advance HE recognition.
- Via the formal, taught: ' Principles of Learning & Teaching in Higher Education ' course. This course is open to staff and postgraduate students who teach. Successful completion of this course leads to professional recognition as an Associate Fellow of Advance HE.
- Via an individual application , written with the support of a mentor allocated by CAD. Individual applications can be made at Associate Fellow (D1), Fellow (D2) or Senior Fellow (D3) categories. Applications made via this route all start with attending a MANDATORY one-hour introduction session, through which you will find out about the approach required to complete the process and also to become registered on the ABDN:PRS Scheme.
Following an 18-month sector-wide consultation, the revised Professional Standards Framework (PSF) was launched in January 2023. This globally recognised framework is used to support individuals and institutions to benchmark success in teaching and learning in higher education. The revised Framework builds on the strengths of the previous UKPSF 2011 while placing explicit emphasis on - digital/technology, professional values, support for students and collaboration, the revisions are designed to ensure the PSF 2023 is future-proofed and remains relevant. All applications for Advance HE recognition are based on the PSF 2023, hence it is a key document that we recommend you download and familiarise yourself with prior to engaging with either of the routes to recognition above.