Joining the Royal Historical Society
Applying to join the Royal Historical Society is straightforward. On this page the distinction between Fellows and Members and Postgraduate Members are set out and the manner of application to each category explained.
All those who join the Society enjoy a similar range of benefits. They may attend the Society's regular lectures and will automatically receive the Society's Transactions every year; in addition, they are able to purchase the Society's Camden and Studies in History Series publications at a substantial discount. They will also receive regular electronic mailing providing updates on the Society's events and other items of historical interest.
The right of serving on the Society's Council and voting for its members is reserved to Fellows.
If you have any queries regarding an application to join the Society, please contact us.
Applying for Election to the Fellowship
Fellowships are awarded to those who have made "an original contribution to historical scholarship in the form of significant published work", normally a book or several substantial scholarly articles or alternatively "by the organisation of exhibitions, collections, or conferences, or by the editing of local history serials".
To apply to become a Fellow you will need to read the Notes for Applicants and Referees and arrange for one current fellow to act as your referee using the guidance supplied in the notes. Application and referee forms are available to download in Word format.
Fellows are entitled on payment of an annual subscription to receive the Society's Transactions and may purchase all publications of the Society at a reduced rate. They also receive the Society's Newsletter and periodical mailings about the activities of the Society and related bodies. Fellows may participate in the Society's public meetings and elections; they may stand for and vote for election to the Society's Council.
Fellows are entitled to use the status title FRHistS.
Applying for Election to the Membership
Members are engaged in advanced historical scholarship and research or in teaching history in higher or further education, but may not have made the original and significant contribution required for election to the Fellowship; or, alternatively may have rendered many years of service to history at local or national level. This category of membership is recommended to those studying for a higher degree in History.
To apply to become a Member you will need to read the Notes for Applicants. Application forms are available on-line as Microsoft Word documents.
Members are entitled on payment of an annual subscription to receive the Society's Transactions, and may purchase all of the Society's publications at a reduced rate. They will also receive the Society's Newsletter and periodic mailings about the activities of the Society and related bodies.
Members are entitled to participate in the Society's public meetings.
Applying for Election to the Postgraduate Membership
Postgraduate Members are currently registered for postgraduate research degrees in higher education.
To apply to become a Postgraduate Member you will need to read the Notes for Applicants. Application forms are available on-line as Microsoft Word documents.
Postgraduate Membership Application Form
Members are entitled on payment of an annual subscription to receive the Society's Transactions, and may purchase all of the Society's publications at a reduced rate. They will also receive the Society's Newsletter and periodic mailings about the activities of the Society and related bodies.
Members are entitled to participate in the Society's public meetings.
Closing dates for receipt of applications in 2013
(and, where applicable, references and supporting materials) are:
Monday 22 April 2013
Monday 24 June 2013
Monday 9 September 2013
Monday 11 November 2013
Incomplete applications will be held on file until we have received all the necessary materials, which will then be put to the Society's Membership Committee at their next meeting.
Completed forms should be submitted by post to:
The Administrative Secretary, Royal Historical Society, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT
or electronically to the Administrative Secretary at m.ransom@ucl.ac.uk
Fellows and Members of the Royal Historical Society
