Membership Review 2026: your opportunity to shape change

This summer we will be embarking upon a review of PSA membership which will include looking at both the type of membership we offer, and what we offer through membership. This will include exploring how we can make your membership as relevant, valuable and rewarding as possible.

What is membership, and why is being a member important?

Being a member of the PSA can often be a unique professional and personal experience. Your membership provides access to valuable opportunities, resources, and support that help members achieve their personal or professional goals, while also offering recognition, connections, and member-only advantages. And as a member you also get a say in how the PSA operates and advocates, be that by voting at the AGM or by getting involved with PSA networks, specialist groups or by becoming a trustee.

Members of PSA are part of an international community of people engaged with politics and international relations who get access to information, resources and support, including networking and community connections. You have access to discipline-specific learning and development opportunities, representation and member-related subscriptions, events and discounts.

Your membership brings rewards and recognition, including professional and personal growth that can emerge from access to opportunities, networks and partnerships – giving you increased visibility, influence and impact. But being a member also means being part of something bigger, being part of a community and having a sense of belonging, shared-purpose and ‘giving something back’.

Whatever your motivations, needs or reasons for membership we want to know what you think, what you want so that we can offer as many people as possible an accessible, relevant  and rewarding membership experience. And in return, the PSA can continue to advance, support and promote political studies and international relations for its members and supporters.

Why are we doing the membership review now?

It has been some time since our last membership review, and we know – more broadly – that what people are looking for from their membership, and from membership organisations, has changed over the last few years. With a new PSA website and membership database now in place we feel that this is a good time to check in with members and ask questions about the current PSA membership.

We will only know what you tell us, so we strongly encourage you to get involved!