At Pearson we’re delighted to have partnered with the Royal Society of Biology (RSB).

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This collaboration means we can now offer BTEC National Applied Science and Applied Human Biology learners and teachers access to RSB membership at a greatly reduced rate.

The RSB acts as a unified voice for biological science; influencing policy, advancing education and encouraging public interest in the life sciences. The RSB recognises the important role that BTEC Applied Science plays in enabling progression into a career in the Life Sciences. They offer membership status for those committed to the sector, including access to online resources, events, a print magazine subscription and digital newsletters.

Engagement with the RSB is an important way for learners to ensure their continued professional development and their commitment to the sector.

Who’s eligible for membership discounts?

This offer is available for those studying or teaching the following qualifications:

  • BTEC Nationals in Applied Science RQF (2016, all sizes)
  • BTEC Nationals in Applied Human Biology RQF (2018, all sizes)
  • BTEC Nationals in Forensic and Criminal Investigation RQF (2016, all sizes)

What does membership include?

For learners

Learners are eligible for the discount on RSB Affiliate Membership status. The membership usually costs £67 per year, reduced to £15 for eligible BTEC learners. This offer runs until 31st July 2022.

The benefits of this membership include:

  • access to RSB online resources,
  • subscription to the quarterly print magazine, The Biologist,
  • invitation to events,
  • digital newsletters.

For teaching professionals

Teaching professionals are eligible for a discount for full RSB Membership (MRSB), usually costing £137 annually.

Eligible teaching staff can claim 25% off the fee for 2 years, with an additional waiver of the initial £15 application fee. Full membership includes:

  • use of MRSB post-nominals to signify your status as a biologist,
  • access to professional registers such as Chartered Science Teacher (CSciTeach), Chartered Scientist (CSci) or Chartered Biologist (CBiol),
  • subscription to the quarterly print magazine, The Biologist,
  • digital newsletters,
  • invitation to events,
  • use of a member’s only CPD scheme.

Next steps

Want to claim your discount, or learn more? 
BTEC learners - how to get the discount

To obtain a one-year discounted rate of £15 for RSB full affiliate membership (normally priced at £67) students should:

  1. Visit this webpage
  2. Enter personal details
  3. Under ‘Grade to apply for’, select ‘Affiliate’
  4. Leave ‘How did you hear about us’ blank
  5. DO NOT select full-time student
  6. Click ‘Submit and Continue'
  7. Click to agree to the declaration on the next screen, then ‘Confirm and Continue’
  8. Pay online at the next screen (the discounted rate has already been applied)

RSB will then process the application.

BTEC teaching staff - how to get the discount

To obtain a two-year 25% discounted rate for RSB membership (guidance on grades is available on the RSB website), staff should:

  1. Visit this webpage 
  2. Enter their personal details
  3. Select the appropriate grade under ‘Grade to apply for’
  4. Leave ‘How did you hear about us’ blank
  5. Click ‘Submit and Continue
  6. Click to agree to the declaration on the next screen, then ‘Confirm and Continue’
  7. Contact membership@rsb.org.uk who will be pleased to waive the £15 administration fee
  8. Once you receive acknowledgement, pay online at the next screen (the discounted rate has already been applied)

RSB will then process the application.