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Professional organisations 

Professional Organisations

A masters business qualification will give your career a boost or open doors in many different specific business areas. Another helping hand is provided by the organisations that represent professionals working in many of these areas. Not only can membership give credibility in their specific sector, these bodies can also provide sector-specific qualifications, accreditation in that sector, the opportunity to stand out in your chosen area, financial help, access to specialist resources, advice, networking opportunities, international links and other types of support.

UK professional bodies

Click on the links below to find out more about the following UK professional organisations, including information about the postgraduate courses they offer.

The Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM)
The CIM is the leading international professional marketing body with some 50,000 members worldwide. First established in 1911, it has for almost a century defined the marketing standards that operate in the UK and is the global champion of best marketing practice. The CIM exists to develop the marketing profession, maintain professional standards and improve the skills of marketing practitioners, enabling them to deliver exceptional results for their organisations. It does this by providing membership, qualifications and training to marketing professionals around the world. More...

The Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply (CIPS)
CIPS exists to promote and develop high standards of professional skill, ability and integrity among all those engaged in purchasing and supply chain management. It assists individuals, organisations and the profession as a whole. CIPS is the leading body representing the field of purchasing and supply chain management. Established in 1932, the organisation has grown to become the central reference for industry best practice and its code of conduct is the standard around the world. In 1992, CIPS was awarded a Royal Charter in recognition of its status as a centre of excellence and support for the profession. More...

Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT)
CILT is the professional body for everyone in the logistics, passenger-transport, transport-planning and related industries, and is dedicated to supporting, developing and representing all specialisms at all stages of career development. Membership of CILT, which is represented in more than 30 countries across the world, gives members the tools they need to realise their ambitions and to progress throughout their career, by keeping them informed of the latest news and information, as well as by providing comprehensive opportunities for continuous professional development. More...

The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW)
As a world-class professional accountancy body, the ICAEW provides leadership and practical support to over 130,000 members in 160 countries, working with government, regulators and industry to maintain the highest standards. It is the largest accountancy body in Europe. Three thousand new members qualify each year. The Institute provides its members with knowledge and guidance based on the highest ethical and technical standards. It shapes opinion, understanding and delivery to ensure the highest standards in business and in the public interest. More...

Professional organisations' websites

Professional organisations Click on the following links to visit the websites of some of the main professional bodies in the UK and United States:

Accounting

American Accounting Association
American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (UK)
Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales
• Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland
Institute of Internal Auditors (US)
Institute of Management Accountants (US)

E-commerce

American E-Commerce Association
British Computer Society
Computer and Communications Industry Association (US)
Information Technology Association of America
Software & Information Industry Association (US)

Economics

American Economics Association
Royal Economic Society (UK)

Entrepreneurship

British Venture Capital Association
International Entrepreneurs Association (UK)
National Association for Seed and Venture Funds (US)
National Venture Capital Association (US)

Finance

American Bankers Association
American Finance Association
Financial Management Association (US)
Securities Industry Association (US)

Healthcare management

American College of Healthcare Executives
Institute of Healthcare Management (UK)

Human resources

American Society for Training and Development (US)
Chartered Institute for Personnel and Development (UK)
Society for Human Resource Management (US)

Management

American Management Association
Chartered Management Institute (UK)

Manufacturing/operations management

Association for Manufacturing Excellence (US)
National Association of Manufacturers (US)
Society of Manufacturing Engineers (US)

Marketing

American Marketing Association
Chartered Institute of Marketing (UK)
Institute of Direct Marketing (UK)
Market Research Society (UK)
Marketing Research Association (US)

MIS/IT

Association of Information Technology Professionals (US)
British Computer Society
Information Technology Association of America
Software & Information Industry Association (US)

Public administration  

American Society for Public Administration
Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (UK)
Local Government Association (UK)
National Academy of Public Administration (US)
Office for Public Management (UK)

Supply chain management  

Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (UK)
Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply (UK)
Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (US)
Institute for Supply Management (US)