ARMA Qualifications Refresh: Building the skills research managers need today and tomorrow

ARMA is delighted to announce the refresh of its Foundation Certificate in Research Management and Advanced Certificate in Research Management, ensuring both qualifications continue to reflect the realities of modern research management and administration.

Developed following a comprehensive review, the refreshed qualifications offer a clearer learning pathway, stronger links to professional practice, and greater alignment with the challenges facing research organisations today. From research culture and open research to AI, trusted research and research integrity, contemporary topics are now embedded throughout both qualifications.

A Coherent Professional Development Journey

The refreshed framework creates a clear progression between the two qualifications. The Foundation Certificate provides a solid grounding in core research management functions, while the Advanced Certificate develops strategic thinking, critical analysis and leadership capability for those looking to advance their careers.

Topics introduced at Foundation level are revisited at Advanced level with a more strategic focus, helping learners build confidence, deepen their expertise and apply their knowledge within increasingly complex organisational contexts.

Reflecting the Modern Research Environment

Research management has evolved significantly in recent years, and the refreshed qualifications have evolved with it. Contemporary issues now feature throughout the curriculum, including:

• Artificial intelligence and automation
• Trusted Research and research security
• Open research and FAIR principles
• Responsible research metrics
• Research culture and integrity
• Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) in research environments

These topics are integrated within relevant units rather than treated as standalone additions, helping learners understand how they influence day-to-day practice and strategic decision-making across the research lifecycle.

EDI Embedded Throughout

One of the most significant changes is the way Equality, Diversity and Inclusion is addressed across both qualifications. Rather than being confined to a single unit, EDI is now embedded throughout the curriculum as a core design principle. Learners will explore how inclusive practices inform research funding, governance, culture, collaborations, public engagement and organisational change.

Learning That Reflects Professional Practice

The refresh has also strengthened assessment design to ensure learning is practical, relevant and meaningful. Assessments are now closely aligned to professional practice, encouraging learners to work with real-world organisational contexts, data and case studies. This approach enables participants to produce outputs that can support their professional development and benefit their organisations.

A new optional Advanced unit, Leading Change in Research Management, has also been introduced in recognition of the growing expectation for research management professionals to lead change initiatives across institutions. The unit explores change management approaches, stakeholder engagement and the challenges of implementing change in complex research environments.

Stronger Links to the ARMA Professional Development Framework

Both qualifications now include enhanced links to the ARMA Professional Development Framework (PDF), helping learners assess their current capabilities, identify development opportunities and build a clear picture of their professional growth throughout their studies and beyond.

What This Means for ARMA Members

Whether you are new to research management or looking to develop strategic leadership skills, the refreshed qualifications provide a contemporary, professionally relevant route for career development. They have been designed to support research managers and administrators working across universities, research institutes, funders, industry and the public sector.

By strengthening the academic rigour, practical relevance and strategic focus of both programmes, ARMA’s refreshed qualifications will help equip the profession with the knowledge, skills and confidence needed to navigate a rapidly evolving research landscape.

Find out more about the refreshed ARMA qualifications and how they can support your professional development by visiting the ARMA Qualifications page on the website and exploring the Foundation and Advanced Certificate programmes. You can also sign up to the upcoming Qualifications Information session.