HRH, MBE, MSc, FRIBA… You have probably spotted them in the news, in the Royal Family, at university or next to your colleague’s name on social networks. What are the most common title abbreviations in the UK, and what do they mean?
In truth, many abbreviations are used in Britain, and remembering them all can be a headache! As many depend on different fields, such as law, medicine, academia, military, and royal honours, we decided to list the most common title abbreviations in the UK – because why not!
Royal and Government Titles:
- HRH – His/Her Royal Highness
- HM – His/Her Majesty
- KC (formerly QC) – King’s Counsel (senior barrister; was QC under the Queen)
- MP – Member of Parliament
- PM – Prime Minister
- CMG – Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George (diplomatic honour)
- GCMG – Knight Grand Cross of St Michael and St George
Honors & Awards:
- MBE – Member of the Order of the British Empire (UK honour)
- OBE – Officer of the Order of the British Empire
- CBE – Commander of the Order of the British Empire
- KBE/DBE – Knight/Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire
- CH – Companion of Honour
- VC – Victoria Cross (military honour)
Academic Degrees:
- BA – Bachelor of Arts
- BSc – Bachelor of Science
- MA – Master of Arts
- MSc – Master of Science
- MBA – Master of Business Administration
- LLB – Bachelor of Laws
- LLM – Master of Laws
- PhD – Doctor of Philosophy
- MD – Doctor of Medicine
- JD – Juris Doctor (law degree, mainly in the US)
- DPhil – Doctor of Philosophy (used in some universities, like Oxford)
Academic and Professional Titles (UK-Specific):
- FRS – Fellow of the Royal Society
- FRSA – Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts
- FBA – Fellow of the British Academy
- RIBA – Royal Institute of British Architects
- MInstP – Member of the Institute of Physics
- CPhys – Chartered Physicist
Medical and Healthcare Titles:
- MBBS – Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery
- FRCS – Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons
- MRCP – Member of the Royal College of Physicians
- FRCGP – Fellow of the Royal College of General Practitioners
- FRCP – Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians
- FRCSEd – Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh
- MRCGP – Member of the Royal College of General Practitioners
Legal, Professional, and Chartered Titles:
- CA – Chartered Accountant
- CPA – Certified Public Accountant
- CFA – Chartered Financial Analyst
- CEng – Chartered Engineer
- FCA – Fellow Chartered Accountant
- FRIBA – Fellow of the Royal Institute of British Architects
- LLD – Doctor of Laws (higher legal degree)
- DipLP – Diploma in Legal Practice
- BPTC – Bar Professional Training Course (for barristers)
Military, Police, and Government Titles:
- Lt – Lieutenant
- Capt – Captain
- Maj – Major
- Col – Colonel
- Gen – General
- MP – Member of Parliament
- POTUS – President of the United States
- DSO – Distinguished Service Order
- MC – Military Cross
- DFC – Distinguished Flying Cross
- DCI – Detective Chief Inspector (police rank)
- PC – Police Constable
Religious Titles:
- Rev – Reverend
- Fr – Father (Catholic priest)
- Imam – Islamic religious leader
- Rabbi – Jewish religious leader
Now, hopefully, the next time you come across a title, you will know what it means! If regal legacy fascinates you, pursue your learning with our unique Royal Tours or explore the best of British heritage and history in our guided multi-day trips. Whatever you choose, prepare for memorable adventures!
