What is FESA?
- Forensic and Expert Social Anthropology (FESA) is a specialised branch of social anthropology, providing evidence to legal-administrative processes addressing questions of human social culture and supporting equitable access to justice on the behalf of vulnerable cultural communities.
What can the FESA programme provide?
- Professional certification or chartership status for Forensic Expert Social Anthropologists.
- A global network of FESA professionals.
- Mentorship programme for FESA practitioners.
- Free-of-charge access to RAI FESA online course recordings (tbc).
- Successful candidates are entitled to post-nominals.
Who is the FESA programme for?
- Professionals working closely on Native Title cases and research who are looking to add a layer of professional accreditation to their work.
- This programme is well suited to those additionally looking to build a professional, global network within the Forensic and Expert Social Anthropology field.
- Full details of the programme’s requirements for entry can be found in the Practitioner Levels, FESA Curriculum, and RAI FESA Code of Practice
Which countries can I apply from?
- All three FESA levels are open to applicants from all countries.
How do the different FESA levels work?
- The programme is split by three levels, according to career stage:
- FESA I (Chartered). The most senior, for those with extensive experience working with courts, governments, NGOs etc., and PhD.
- FESA II. Mid-career professionals with a minimum 5 years’ experience, lead authorship on multiple reports and minimum MA qualifications.
- FESA III. Early career professionals with a minimum 2 years’ experience, joint authorship on reports, and a minimum BA(Hons).
- For full details on the three different levels, please refer to the Practitioner Levels handbook.
How do I apply?
- An application form should be completed and sent to fac@therai.org.uk, along with the required supporting documentation and up-to-date CV in a password-protected pdf. Full details of what to include in your supporting documentation can be found in the Practitioner Levels handbook.
- Applicants must be Fellows of the RAI. Information on joining the RAI can be found here
- The application fee for each level varies, and can be found on the individual level pages (links above). Applicants will be invoiced on receipt of their application.
What is the Centre for Native Title Anthropology (CNTA)?
- The CNTA is an Australian body providing professional development and outreach services to anthropologists working in Native Title.
- In 2024 the CNTA signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Royal Anthropological Institute, in support of the furtherance of FESA as a discipline.
- You can find more information on the CNTA on their website here: https://cnta.org.au/
Have more questions about FESA or certification? Please reach out to our Forensic Anthropology Officer via fac@therai.org.uk