The Association of University Administrators  is the professional body for higher education administrators and managers in the UK and the Republic of Ireland. It is an open and accessible body.

AUA is committed to:

• the promotion of excellence in higher education management through a professional development scheme, an annual conference, specific training events and publications;
• the advancement of a code of professional standards through a framework of values and principles which members are expected to follow;
• the provision of information networks through newsletters, electronic media and personal networking;
• the development of international links with appropriate organisations and with individuals;
• the enhancement of the profile of the profession nationally and internationally.

AUA is an inclusive membership-led professional body for all those interested in advancing their career in higher education. 

There are over 4000 AUA members nationally and internationally based in universities and higher education colleges as well as HE related bodies such as Universities UK and the funding councils. There are also a growing number of members in further education institutions.

One of AUA's strengths is the expertise of its members, who represent the many and diverse areas of higher education and share a commitment to developing professionalism in the sector. 

The Association's branch network keeps it closely in touch with members' views.  Daniel Ryan is the Branch Co-ordinator for the central University of London.  Please contact Daniel  about membership. 

Joining AUA will help your career in HE by providing opportunities for your professional development, keeping you informed of current issues, sharing best practice and formally recognising your commitment to your Professional Development through the AUA Postgraduate Certificate in Professional Practice.

Benefits of joining AUA 

Raising the profile of your profession

AUA is committed to raising the profile of the profession and developing best practice and the highest standards of professionalism in higher education management and administration.  

AUA's code of professional standards which is endorsed by the Association of Heads of University Administration (AHUA) and a growing number of institutions, provides the framework of core values and principles to underpin the profession of university administration. 

AUA services

 Professional development

AUA events

• annual programme of seminars, workshops and conferences
• wide range of training events are held throughout the UK. For details of these events see http://www.aua.ac.uk/events  AUA's programme of events is endorsed by the Higher Education Staff Development Agency (HESDA, now the Leadership Foundation).

Annual Conference 

• largest professional development conference in the higher education calendar
• design your own personal programme tailored to your individual requirements
• over 160 sessions and keynote presentations.
• pre-conference programmes for newcomers and international delegates.
• opportunities for international networking and exchange of ideas.

The AUA Postgraduate Certificate in Professional Practice (higher education administration and management) - designed by HE administrators for HE administrators

The Postgraduate certificate  in professional practice is a portfolio-based scheme validated at 'M' level by the Open University. Achievement of the Award demonstrates a knowledge of key areas within the HE sector, transferable skills and evidence of the 'professional journey' undertaken. This 'journey' is underpinned by a unique Personal Development Plan (PDP). All participants complete a one day training event and work with an AUA assigned and trained mentor, who acts as a 'critical friend' providing guidance and support. The full registration period for the programme is three years but it is anticipated that many participants will complete the programme in eighteen months.

Mentoring participants undergoing the Certificate is a great opportunity for people with established careers in HE to take on a valuable and rewarding role in developing other HE professionals.  For some it will be a chance to develop new skills themselves in staff-developing and mentoring, and many mentors have commented on how valuable it can be to get perspectives from someone outside their own institution and work area.

Mentors are provided with initial training and subsequent development days free of charge, and can also take advantage of one year’s free membership of AUA.  Promoting mentoring can be a great way to get current members more involved in AUA, and also to recruit new members who might not have thought about joining AUA in this way.

We do currently have a large number of mentors in London, all of whom make a considerable contribution to the programme.  However, it is very important that we continue to recruit new mentors to ensure that we can meet the needs of an ever expanding body of participants. 

A mentor application form  [PDF 4 pgs, 44KB] is available

The certificate has attracted a high level of formal endorsement from across the HE sector including the following bodies: Association of Heads of University Administration (AHUA), Academic Registrars Council (ARC), Association of University Directors of Estates (AUDE), Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE), The Leadership Foundation (LFHE), and the Universities Personnel Association (UPA).

International connections

• links with organisations and individuals worldwide
• work closely with the British Council and Association of Commonwealth Universities
• Awards to undertake individual study visits
• International group study visits

Working groups

AUA has a number of established special interest groups which meet together to organise events or discuss key issues and exchange best practice.

Corporate Planning Forum  
Equality Advisory Group 

Publications and information services

Quarterly journal - the AUA journal perspectives: policy and practice in higher education, is the Association’s international refereed journal which acts as a forum for innovative ideas and research.
Good practice guides - offer expert practical advice to help improve your performance. Members receive a free copy of each new title upon publication.
Quarterly newsletter - newslink keeps members up-to-date with news of professional development opportunities, forthcoming events and activities and news of colleagues.
AUA on-line services - two electronic bulletins, a weekly digest of HE news and a fortnightly professional development bulletin, on the aua-news jiscmail list.

Another jiscmail list, aua-forum, has been set up to give members the opportunity to share news, information and good practice with fellow administrators. This list is also used to provide commentaries on consultative documents and request your views for AUA’s official submissions. Those with an interest in quality may wish to join the aua-quality discussion list. 

AUA’s policy is to keep our members informed but not overburden you with information. We signpost you to sources of more detailed information should you need it.