Start your career in pain with the British Pain Society
Whether you are studying, beginning your career or developing your expertise in pain management, the British Pain Society (BPS) offers opportunities to connect, learn and contribute to the future of pain research, education and care.
Our Student and Early Career membership is designed to make joining the Society more accessible, helping you build professional connections and develop your knowledge as part of the UK's largest multidisciplinary professional organisation in the field of pain.
Student and Early Career membership is subject to the British Pain Society's eligibility requirements and membership terms and conditions.
Applicants must provide the required evidence of eligibility. Membership applications are reviewed by the Society and are normally processed within approximately two weeks.
Membership fees, benefits, cancellation and refund arrangements are subject to the applicable terms.
Before applying or renewing, please review the relevant information:
Membership fee: £25 per year
Membership year: 1 November 2026 – 31 October 2027
How to apply for Sudent & Early Career Membership
Already a member? Renew your membership for 2026–27 and continue to benefit from the opportunities available through BPS.
Who can apply?
Student and Early Career membership is available to:
Students
Individuals currently undertaking an eligible undergraduate or postgraduate qualification relevant to pain management, research or a related discipline.
Early Career professionals
Professionals early in their career in the field of pain management. This includes clinicians, researchers and allied health professionals.
| Early Career Type | Qualification | Proof – requested to upload a copy |
|---|---|---|
| Student | All pre-professional qualification years (may vary within HCP professions and mode of study) | We would request evidence of HEI course commencement with provider institution and date clearly visible |
| Early Career Year – Researcher | 3 years post Doctoral | PhD Award, provider institution and date clearly visible |
| Early Career Year – Nursing | First 5 years post-professional qualification | Professional Qualification award, provider institution and date clearly visible |
| Early Career Year – Physiotherapy | First 5 years post-professional qualification | Professional Qualification award, provider institution and date clearly visible |
| Early Career Year – Pharmacy | First 5 years post-professional qualification | Professional Qualification award, provider institution and date clearly visible |
| Early Career Year – Psychology | First 5 years post-professional qualification | Professional Qualification award, provider institution and date clearly visible |
| Early Career Year – HCPC regulated clinical workers | First 5 years post-professional qualification | Professional Qualification award, provider institution and date clearly visible |
| Early Career Year – General Practice Medical staff | 5 years post qualification – FY1 and 2 plus 3 years GP Specialty Training | Medical Degree Award provider institution and date clearly visible, plus GP Specialty Training commencement |
| Early Career Year – hospital Doctor | 9 years post qualification to reflect FY1 and 2, plus 7 years specialty training | Medical Degree with provider institution and date clearly visible and Specialty Training Commencement |
Applicants will be asked to provide evidence of their eligibility as part of the application process.
If you are unsure whether you qualify, please contact the BPS Secretariat at [email protected].
What does membership include?
For just £25 per year, Student and Early Career Members can access a range of opportunities and benefits, including:
-
Student and Early Career network Access a community of like-minded people.
-
Professional publications: Online access to the British Journal of Pain.
-
Events and education: Discounted registration rates for the Annual Scientific Meeting (ASM) and BPS study days.
-
Learning opportunities: Access to educational activities and relevant webinars.
-
Specialist networks: Opportunities to join BPS Special Interest Groups (SIGs) and connect with colleagues who share your interests.
-
Professional development: Opportunities to contribute to collaborative projects, working groups and initiatives across the Society.
-
Research and knowledge exchange: Connect with professionals and researchers working across different areas of pain.
-
EFIC Access to all EFIC benefits
Membership provides an opportunity to develop your professional network, share ideas and contribute to the wider pain community.
Connect with the international pain community
Add IASP membership for an additional £25
The British Pain Society has partnered with the International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP) to offer eligible UK-based BPS members the opportunity to add IASP membership for just £25 per year.
IASP brings together a global multidisciplinary community dedicated to advancing pain research, education and treatment.
Adding IASP membership provides opportunities to:
-
Connect with pain professionals and researchers around the world.
-
Access international education, learning and professional development opportunities.
-
Engage with IASP Special Interest Groups and global initiatives.
-
Explore journals, grants, awards and selected event discounts, subject to IASP membership terms.
IASP membership is optional and separate from your BPS subscription. Eligible members must complete the relevant IASP application process to access individual membership benefits.
Frequently asked questions
1. What qualifies as Student or Early Career membership?
Student and Early Career membership is intended for individuals who are studying an eligible qualification related to pain, as below:
| Early Career Type | Qualification | Proof – requested to upload a copy |
|---|---|---|
| Student | All pre-professional qualification years (may vary within HCP professions and mode of study) | We would request evidence of HEI course commencement with provider institution and date clearly visible |
| Early Career Year – Researcher | 3 years post Doctoral | PhD Award, provider institution and date clearly visible |
| Early Career Year – Nursing | First 5 years post-professional qualification | Professional Qualification award, provider institution and date clearly visible |
| Early Career Year – Physiotherapy | First 5 years post-professional qualification | Professional Qualification award, provider institution and date clearly visible |
| Early Career Year – Pharmacy | First 5 years post-professional qualification | Professional Qualification award, provider institution and date clearly visible |
| Early Career Year – Psychology | First 5 years post-professional qualification | Professional Qualification award, provider institution and date clearly visible |
| Early Career Year – HCPC regulated clinical workers | First 5 years post-professional qualification | Professional Qualification award, provider institution and date clearly visible |
| Early Career Year – General Practice Medical staff | 5 years post qualification – FY1 and 2 plus 3 years GP Specialty Training | Medical Degree Award provider institution and date clearly visible, plus GP Specialty Training commencement |
| Early Career Year – hospital Doctor | 9 years post qualification to reflect FY1 and 2, plus 7 years specialty training | Medical Degree with provider institution and date clearly visible and Specialty Training Commencement |
Applicants must provide the relevant evidence of eligibility when applying.
2. How much does Student and Early Career membership cost?
The annual subscription is £25.
The membership year runs from 1 November to 31 October. The fee for the 2026–27 membership year covers 1 November 2026 to 31 October 2027.
3. What is included in Student and Early Career membership?
Members can access core BPS membership benefits, including:
-
Online access to the British Journal of Pain.
-
Discounted rates for the Annual Scientific Meeting and BPS study days.
-
Educational opportunities and relevant webinars.
-
Access to Special Interest Groups.
-
Opportunities to participate in collaborative activities and contribute to the work of the Society.
4. What is the difference between Student and Early Career membership and standard membership?
Student and Early Career membership provides an affordable way for eligible students and professionals at the beginning of their careers to become part of the Society.
The annual fee is £25, compared with standard membership fees, which are based on taxable income and range from £100 to £300 for 2026–27.
Both categories provide access to core BPS membership benefits, subject to the applicable membership terms.
5. How do I apply?
Applications are completed online through the BPS website.
You will need to provide your personal and professional details, a brief CV and the required evidence of your student or early-career eligibility.
You will also be asked to provide details of two referees, who do not need to be BPS members.
Applications are normally processed within approximately two weeks.
6. Are Student and Early Career Members eligible to attend the Annual Scientific Meeting?
Yes. Student and Early Career Members can attend the BPS Annual Scientific Meeting and benefit from discounted member registration rates.
The ASM provides opportunities to hear about the latest developments in pain research and practice, share knowledge and connect with professionals from across the multidisciplinary pain community.
7. Can I renew my Student and Early Career membership?
Yes. You can renew your membership each year while you continue to meet the eligibility requirements.
If you are still within the first five years of your career in pain management, or continue to meet the relevant student criteria, you may apply to renew in this category.
If your circumstances have changed, you may need to transfer to another membership category.
https://www.britishpainsociety.org/for-members/renew-membership/
8. What happens when I move beyond the five-year early-career eligibility period?
If you reach the end of the five-year eligibility period during your current membership year, you can retain your Student and Early Career membership until the end of that membership year.
When you next renew, you should select the appropriate membership category based on your circumstances and eligibility.
You may be eligible for standard membership, with the annual fee determined by your taxable income.
9. Can I join a Special Interest Group?
Yes. Student and Early Career Members can access BPS Special Interest Groups (SIGs).
SIGs bring together members with shared interests in particular areas of pain research, clinical practice and care. They provide opportunities to exchange knowledge, collaborate and develop connections with colleagues.
Explore our Special Interest Groups
10. Are there opportunities to network with other Student and Early Career Members?
Yes. Through BPS Student and Early Career network activities, educational activities, webinars, events and Special Interest Groups, you can connect with other members and professionals working across the field of pain.
These opportunities provide a valuable way to share experiences, develop professional relationships and learn from colleagues at different stages of their careers.
11. Can I get involved in BPS committees or working groups?
Student and Early Career Members are encouraged to contribute to the Society's activities and initiatives.
Opportunities may include involvement in committees, Special Interest Groups collaborative projects, working groups, educational activities and other initiatives that support the development of pain research, education and care.
Opportunities will depend on the relevant group's membership arrangements and requirements but we encourage you to get in touch with us.
12. How do I access the British Journal of Pain?
Once your membership has been confirmed, you will receive information about accessing the British Journal of Pain online.
You can then use the relevant access arrangements to view the journal through the members' area.
13. Can Student and Early Career Members vote in elections or stand for office?
Voting rights and eligibility to stand for elected positions are governed by the British Pain Society's constitution and membership regulations.
Please contact the Secretariat if you would like clarification about the rights associated with your membership category.
14. What payment methods are accepted?
Membership applications are completed by direct debit or online, with payment made through the available payment options during the application process.
Please refer to the application page for the current payment arrangements.
15. What support does BPS offer for career development?
The Society provides opportunities to support your professional development through educational activities, publications, events and networking.
You can also connect with colleagues through the Student and Early Career network, Special Interest Groups and explore opportunities to contribute to collaborative work across the multidisciplinary pain community.
Ready to join?
Become part of a multidisciplinary community committed to improving understanding, research, education and care in pain.
Student and Early Career membership costs just £25 per year.
Apply for Student and Early Career Membership
Already a member? Find out how to renew your subscription.
Who can apply?
Membership terms and conditions
Student and Early Career membership is subject to the British Pain Society's membership eligibility requirements and applicable terms and conditions.
Applicants must provide accurate information and the required evidence of eligibility. Applications are reviewed by the Society and are normally processed within approximately two weeks.
Membership runs from 1 November to 31 October. Membership fees, benefits, cancellation and refund arrangements are subject to the Society's applicable membership terms.
Please read the relevant information before applying or renewing:
For information about cancellation and refunds, please refer to the membership terms and conditions on the application and renewal pages.
For questions about eligibility or membership, contact [email protected].