Information for academic visitors

The Department of English and Related Literature welcomes applications from scholars who wish to spend up to one year in the Department as Academic Visitors. Applicants must hold a senior position in their University and normally have a Ph.D. The Department assumes that visitors will be in York to pursue their independent research and does not provide or arrange academic supervision.

Applicants should read the information below, including application procedures, facilities, fees and deposits, visa procedures, when is the best time to visit, and accommodation arrangements.

Application procedures

To apply, please prepare the following documents:

  • A letter of application, indicating why it would be useful to spend time in York;
  • A CV, with full name, address, and current teaching position;
  • A letter of recommendation from your Head of Department or other senior academic who knows you and your work;
  • A clear indication of how you intend to pay the fees.

Please send your application either by post or email to Helen Barrett, Department of English and Related Literature, University of York, Heslington, York, YO10 5DD [helen.barrett@york.ac.uk].

Facilities

The following are provided for Academic Visitors to the Department of English and Related Literature:

  • University of York email address and limited use of University and Department computing facilities;
  • Use of the University Library;
  • Admission to most undergraduate lectures and workshops (note: Academic Visitors are not normally admitted to Master's seminars);
  • Copies of course material;
  • Admission to research seminars and other public events;
  • Limited free use of the Department's photocopier;
  • Shared academic visitors' room with computing facilities.

Deposit and fees

Academic Visitors spend between three and twelve months associated with the Department.  The current fee is 1,560 for a full calendar year, or £130 per calendar month.  When you have been accepted by the Department, the University will send an invoice for the appropriate amount, which is to be paid in full at least one month before arrival.  

Visa procedures

The Department cannot provide advice on visas. For more information on visa applications, please visit the University's Immigration Advice Service website.

The best time to visit

The academic year at York is divided into three terms. These begin with Autumn term from October to mid December. The Spring term runs from January to March. The Summer term begins in April and ends in June. Term dates are published on the University's website.

The University vacation begins in July and lasts until the beginning of October. Many people are away at this time and the Department provides no teaching or events. The libraries may also open for shorter hours and may close completely for short periods.

Accommodation arrangements

The Department is unable to help with accommodation. Please contact Accommodation Services for more information.

Please note that the Department of English and Related Literature is first and foremost a Department concerned with research and teaching in the field of English literature. It is not a Department concerned with the teaching of the English language to non-native speakers. Should you wish to work on your English rather than do research in English literature, please contact the Centre for English Language Teaching.

If you have any general enquiries about becoming an Academic Visitor, please contact Helen Barrett by email at helen.barrett@york.ac.uk