Join the MBSA
MBSA is a membership organisation, and has a pending registration as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation. Currently governed by a committee of founding Trustees, it will hold elections to confirm postholders after CIO registration is complete.
Membership is open to scholars engaged in the study of modern British society, politics and culture. No university affiliation is required, and we welcome membership inquiries from all kinds of scholars. All members may stand as trustees, and can put forward their names at the Annual Meeting, usually held at the annual conference.
Membership of the Association enables attendance at the Modern British Studies annual conference 2026 and the application for MBSA prizes. Reduced membership is also available for those not attending the annual conference.
MBSA exists only through membership income and is a not-for-profit body that allocates all its funds to sustaining its scholarly activities.
Benefits of Membership
- The opportunity to attend and participate in the Modern British Studies conference, a regular and sustainable gathering of scholars in your field.
- Consideration for MBSA prizes (best graduate student paper; further prizes are planned).
- A regular member’s bulletin containing news on prizes, calls for papers and events.
Who Can Join
Membership is open to scholars engaged in the study of modern British history, society, politics and culture, usually indicated by:
- being registered for or in possession of a higher research degree (Masters or doctorate)
- significant engagement in research activities activity (within or outside of the academy) relating to British history, society, politics and culture
- possessing a track record of relevant scholarly publications.
No affiliation to a university is required, and we welcome membership inquiries from all kinds of scholars.
All members may stand as trustees and can put forward their names at the Annual Meeting, usually held at the annual conference.
Membership Categories
Choose from the following categories of membership (Please note that membership is already included for those registered for MBS26):
| Waged work | £30 |
| Graduate student | £10 |
| Unwaged | £10 |
| Supporter (includes conference attendance) | £200 |
| Non-conference membership | £10 |
If you want to support the development and viability of the association, particularly at this early stage in our existence, please do select the ‘supporter’ category. We are very grateful for the generous support of those who are able to give an additional sum.

