What is the Queen’s Merit Award?
The Higher Education Academy (HEA) manages the UK Professional Standards Framework (UKPSF) which recognises teaching quality to improve the student experience and forms the basis for its professional recognition schemes. It is part of Advance HE and works with higher education providers and organisations to improve the professional experience of HE teachers through fellowships, accreditation, awards and professional development provision.
The Queen’s Merit Award is a Professional Recognition Scheme which enables individuals in Queen’s to gain HEA fellowship status. This scheme is open to all staff who have a role in teaching and/or supporting learning in Higher Education and provides national recognition of commitment to professionalism in teaching and supporting learning.
How do I apply?
Individuals can apply for HEA Fellowship recognition via this scheme by completing a Fellowship Application and submitting it for consideration for one of 3 panels each academic year. Click here for more details, FAQs and to check if you are eligible to apply.
The QMA Registration Form is the first step in your application for HEA Fellowship, in which you will be asked to provide a brief overview of your higher education career and your teaching and/or supporting learning roles and responsibilities to date.
When complete, please email this form to the QMA Programme Administrator at qma@qub.ac.uk
Once your registration on to the programme has been completed, you will be added to the QMA Registration database. You will receive an email from the QMA Administrator with guidance about your next steps, including booking on to a QMA Induction Workshop.
Which category of fellowship is for me?
See below for more information about the four categories of individual professional recognition under the Professional Recognition Scheme and the application process.
Upcoming QMA Panels:
| Registration deadline* | Draft submission deadline** | Submission deadline | Panel date | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9 September 2024 | 9 September 2024 | 23 September 2024 | 6 November 2024 | Assessment Stage |
| 13 January 2025 | 13 January 2025*** | 27 January 2025*** | 12 March 2025*** | Fully subscribed |
| 28 April 2025*** | 28 April 2025*** | 13 May 2025*** | 25 June 2025*** | Available |
| 8 September 2025*** | 8 September 2025*** | 22 September 2025*** | 5 November 2025*** | Available |
* Subject to panel capacity.
** For those already registered who have not attended our QMA writing sessions.
*** Dates under review and subject to change.
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Associate (AFHEA)
Associate status is likely to be appropriate if you have a relatively circumscribed role or are new to teaching or supporting student learning. Associate status is conferred via the Recognition Scheme or through completion of an Academy-accredited programme.
If you would like to apply for AFHEA via the Queen’s Merit Award scheme, you MUST complete the Registration Form below and email it to qma@qub.ac.uk in order to be entered in the QMA system.
An application form will be made available to applicants at the online QMA Writing Support Session for potential A/FHEA applicants. Staff can register to attend on iTrent. Students can email ced@qub.ac.uk to book a place.
Please send the completed application form and any further correspondence to qma@qub.ac.uk.
- AFHEA Registration Form 2025
- AFHEA Applicant Guidance
- AFHEA Application Form
- AFHEA Guidance and Template for Referees
- Further information on the fellowship
- Fellow (FHEA)
If you have a proven, sustained track record in HE teaching and have a substantive role in teaching and enhancing the student learning experience, the Fellow status may be appropriate for you. Fellow status is conferred via the Recognition Scheme or through completion of an Academy-accredited programme.
If you would like to apply for FHEA via the Queen’s Merit Award scheme, you MUST first complete the Registration Form below and email it to qma@qub.ac.uk in order to be entered in the QMA system.
An application form will be made available to applicants at the online QMA Writing Support Session for potential A/FHEA applicants. Staff can register to attend on iTrent. Students can email ced@qub.ac.uk to book a place.
Please send the completed application form and any further correspondence to qma@qub.ac.uk.
- FHEA Registration Form 2025
- FHEA Application Guidance
- FHEA Application Form
- FHEA Guidance and Template for Referees
- Further information on the fellowship
- Senior Fellow (SFHEA)
Senior Fellow status recognises outstanding achievement in teaching and enhancing the student learning experience, combined with scholarship and academic leadership. Senior Fellow status is conferred via the Recognition Scheme.
If you would like to apply for SFHEA via the Queen’s Merit Award scheme, you MUST first complete the Registration Form below and email it to qma@qub.ac.uk in order to be entered in the QMA system.
An application form will be made available to applicants at the online QMA Writing Support Session for potential SFHEA applicants.
- Principal Fellow (PFHEA)
If you have an established academic career with substantial strategic responsibilities in HE and are seeking to exert influence within the sector, Principal Fellow status may be appropriate for you.
Please Note: Individuals who have successfully completed an HEA accredited professional development course (such as a PG Certificate in teaching and learning in HE or accredited Continuing Professional Development (CPD) schemes) two or more years ago can apply for HEA Fellowship by making a request to their programme leader where they studied to enter details in the respective institution's accredited provision section in the Advance HE's MyAcademy.
Help and Advice
For further information contact qma@qub.ac.uk