Can students or postgraduates join?

1. Student membership:

This category is open to students training to teach in post-school education, including PGCE students, as well as postgraduate students at a university or HE college that are planning a career in higher education (but are not an employed postgraduate student).

This category of membership will allow you to participate in training and campaigning, access guidance and other support resources, and attend meetings of your branch or national briefings in a non-voting capacity.

As you are not employed by a higher education institute you will not be eligible to take part in any local or national industrial action ballot.

This category of membership is free while you complete your studies.

2. Postgraduate Researcher membership:

This category is open to those who are enrolled on (or prior to graduation from) a postgraduate research programme at an institution based in the United Kingdom and are not in accompanying employment that would entitle you to join as a standard member.

This category provides you with all the entitlements of Standard membership, in addition to those afforded to Student members. This will allow you to fully participate in UCU's democratic processes, including voting in branch meetings and national leadership elections, standing for position in your branch or nationally, and acting as a branch delegate in national meetings and conferences.

As you are not employed by a higher education institute you will not be eligible to take part in any local or national industrial action ballot.

This category is capped at the lowest subscription rate.

3. Standard Free membership:

This category is open to enrolled PhD students who are also contracted to teach at the higher education institution at which you are registered for your PhD studies.

As you are employed by a higher education institute you will be eligible to take part in any local or national industrial action ballot.

This category is free for 12 months, under the Future of the Profession scheme. After this period, membership fees are based on your annual earnings.

You should update your membership to the appropriate and desired category if you move into or out of employment that would qualify you to join as a standard member and be balloted over industrial action.