BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT : Employer profile

Company profile

BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT, promotes wider social and economic progress through the advancement of information technology science and practice.

We bring together industry, academics, practitioners and government to share knowledge, promote new thinking, inform the design of new curricula, shape public policy and inform the public.

As the professional membership and accreditation body for IT, we serve over 70,000 members including practitioners, businesses, academics and students, in the UK and internationally. We deliver a range of professional development tools for practitioners and employees.

A leading IT qualification body, we offer a range of widely recognised professional and end-user qualifications.

In an increasingly competitive world, BCS membership gives you an important edge; it shows you are serious about your career in IT, and committed to your own and the IT community's professional development.

BCS Student membership is open to anyone on a course of IT related study. You can apply online or download an application form at www.bcs.org/students

What you can receive from BCS membership

Career recognition

• Industry leading post nominal letters to signify professionalism (AMBCS, MBCS and FBCS)
• A structured career path to Chartered IT Professional (CITP) status
• Career development services
• Browse SFIAplus - Free access to the IT skills, training and development standard widely used in the UK and beyond
• Career advice and support
• BCSrecruit.com – Our independent job board lists exciting job opportunities in IT and provides CV and career advice. Don’t forget to upload your CV!

Networking opportunities and events

• BCS currently has over 40 branches in the UK, more than 15 international sections and over 45 specialist groups
• Young Professionals Group - as a BCS student member you’re automatically entitled to membership of the YPG - the largest networking group within the society, giving you opportunity to meet with other active and interested students.
• Free information and research services

Free access to Books 24x7 - This library transforms the industry's most authoritative reference content into an interactive, web based, problem solving and instant learning environment

• Access to a huge range of IT related academic journals and magazines from our internationally recognised supplier, EBSCO
• Up to 3 high level IT research reports per month from Forrester, the independent technology and market research company

Publications

• eBCS - Free weekly and monthly news e-bulletins available on a variety of topics
• 6 Editions a year of ITNOW magazine - The magazine from BCS for the IT professional
• Digital Computing - All members are eligible to receive a copy delivered directly to their desktop
  

Exclusive benefits

• Free legal advice service for BCS members available 24x7, providing personal legal advice on subjects including UK Family, Employment, Consumer and Property Law
• Discounts off professional indemnity insurance from various providers

As a student member you will receive great savings!

• Exclusive deals on hardware and software
• Discounts of up to 25% on BCS publications plus titles from key IT publishers
• Free email forwarding facility
• Free training with Sun Microsystems to become Sun certified

How to apply

Student membership - How to Join

Apply online or find out more at www.bcs.org/students

BCS Student membership costs only £25 a year - or £40 to cover your full course (up to 4 years).

Upgrade to Professional membership (MBCS) upon graduation
If you are on an accredited course of study, you will be able to upgrade to Professional membership (MBCS) upon graduation.

To find out if your course is accredited, contact Customer Services on 01793 417 424.