Eligibility
Undergraduate membership of the Royal College of Pathologists is open to all undergraduates currently studying a relevant degree in the UK and Republic of Ireland for the entire length of their course. 

Key benefits

• Access to members' area of the website (MyRCPath)
• Discount for College conferences
• President's newsletter
• Access to Science Communication training
• Bulletin (online)

How to apply
Undergraduate membership is free for those who are eligible. If you would like to apply for Undergraduate membership please complete the form below and return this by post or email back to [email protected]

For more information on how the College supports undergraduates.

Eligibility
Affiliateship of the Royal College of Pathologists is open to anyone who wishes to be linked with the activities of the College. Examples of those who may wish to affiliate include: clinical scientists, research academics, biomedical scientists, and members of specialist societies. This list is not exhaustive; others working in a pathology discipline may wish to affiliate, and will be welcome to do so, including overseas-qualified pathologists working in the UK.

Please note: those persons who would be eligible for another category of membership (e.g. Fellowship or Diplomateship) are not eligible for Affiliate membership.    

Key benefits

• Stand for College roles (excluding Council)
• Bulletin
• Discounts on College conferences and selected medical publications
• Access to CPD portfolio (subject to conditions*)
• See more...

*UK-based medically qualified pathologists, research academics, and scientists in career grade positions (grade B or C or AfC >=7) not actively involved in completing their training for the FRCPath will be eligible to participate in the College's Continuing Professional Development scheme. 

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Eligibility
Diplomateship of the Royal College of Pathologists can be obtained by either:

• FRCPath Part 1
• Combined Infection or Medical Genetics
• IBMS & RCPath Conjoint Board Advanced Specialist Diploma
  • Need current membership of IBMS and completed relevant Advanced Specialist Diploma Examination in one of following:
    • Specimen Dissection
    • Cervical Cytology
    • Non-Gynaecological Cytology
    • Ophthalmic Pathology
    • Histopathology Reporting - Dermatopathology
    • Histopathology Reporting - Gastrointestinal Tract
    • Histopathology Reporting - Gynaecological Pathology
• Diploma examinations in Dermatopatholog or Forensic Pathology 

If you have passed FRCPath Part 1 and subsequently pass the FRCPath Part 2 examination you will become eligible for Fellowship but not Diplomateship of the College.

Key benefits

• Use of post-nominals (DipRCPath*)
• Access to CPD portfolio (subject to conditions**)
• Stand for College roles (excluding Council)
• Receives the Bulletin
• Discounts on College conferences and selected medical publications
• Access to RCPath research publishing gateway
• See more...

*For holders of the Diploma in Dermatopathology or Forensic Pathology post-nominals will be denoted as DipRCPath Dermatopathology or DipRCPath Forensic Pathology

**UK-based medically qualified pathologists, research academics, and scientists in career grade positions (grade B or C or AfC >=7) not actively involved in completing their training for the FRCPath will be eligible to participate in the College's Continuing Professional Development scheme. 

Eligibility
Fellowship of the Royal College of Pathologists can be obtained by either:

• Examination (FRCPath Part 1 and Part 2)
• Published Works 
• Fellows by election. This is for accomplished medical practitioners or scientists.
  Admission to fellowship under this route shall not be used as an alternative to fellowship by examination or published works for whom one of these would be appropriate.

Key benefits

• Use of post-nominals (FRCPath)
• Access to CPD portfolio
• Vote in and stand for College elections
• Receive the Bulletin
• Access to RCPath research publishing gateway
• Discounts on College conferences and selected medical publications
• See more...

Honorary Fellowship may be granted by the College to those who have made notable contributions to pathology, and other persons who have shown distinction of a nature fit to be recognised by the College.

Eligibility
Medical Examiner membership of the Royal College of Pathologists is only open to individuals practising in England, Wales, Northern Ireland or Gibraltar and can be obtained by:

• Completion of 26 eLfH Medical Examiner e-learning modules (Nov 2018 revision).
• Completion of RCPath Medical Examiner face to face or virtual training
• Demonstration of GMC registration

Key benefits

• Use of post-nominals (RCPathME*)
• Receives the Presidents e-newsletter
• Discounts on College conferences and selected medical publications
• Access to RCPath research publishing gateway
• See more...

Medical Examiners practising in England, Wales, Northern Ireland or Gibraltar will be invited to apply for membership upon completion of the RCPath face to face or virtual training.

Find more details about becoming a medical examiner

Eligibility

Medical Examiner Officer membership of The Royal College of Pathologists is only open to individuals practising in England, Wales, Northern Ireland or Gibraltar and can be obtained by:

• Completion of 26 e-learning modules and attending a face-to-face or virtual training day.

Key benefits

• Use of post-nominals (RCPathMEO)
• Receives the Presidents e-newsletter
• Discounts on College conferences and selected medical publications
• Access to RCPath research publishing gateway
• See more...

Medical examiner officers practising in England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Gibraltar will be invited to apply for membership upon completion of the RCPath face to face training.

Find more about becoming a medical examiner officer.

Eligibility
To be eligible for Retired membership of the Royal College of Pathologists you must have retired completely from remunerative employment and previously been a Fellow or Diplomate member of the College, and continued to pay a reduced subscription fee. 

Key benefits

• Continued use of post-nominals (FRCPath or DipRCPath)
• Vote at a General Meeting and in Honorary Officer elections (Fellows only)
• Attend the annual retired members' luncheon
• Receive the Bulletin
• Receive the President's newsletter
• See more...

How to apply
If you are retired or about to retire, please email [email protected] to discuss your change of circumstances.