Visiting researchers

Visiting academics

*Please note* if you are applying as a visiting PhD student, please follow the relevant guidance which can be found here.

Visiting researcher roles involve no remuneration, but are a formal attachment to the Department along with access to research facilities such as the library. You will normally be expected to present a paper in at least one of the departmental seminars or events.

Application procedure

• The title and aims of your research project; the proposed academic host at York; the reasons why you wish to spend time in the Department; and how you intend to pay for your stay here and the fees. The research project should ideally be linked to one of the departmental research clusters;
• A 1-2 page CV;
• A letter of recommendation from your Head of Department or other senior academic (e.g. current supervisor) who knows you and your work.

While there is no formal deadline, applications will typically be considered twice each year at the mid-point of each academic semester.

Facilities

The following are provided for academic visitors:

• 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: visiting researchers are not normally admitted to Masters seminars);
• Copies of course material;
• Admission to research seminars and other public events;
• Desk space will be provided within the Department where possible.

Duration of visit and cost

Visitors generally spend between three and a maximum of twelve months associated with the Department and pay a fee, currently £250 per month, or £3,000 for a full year. A deposit of £100 is payable two months in advance of arrival, with the balance payable either in advance by post or on arrival. When you have been accepted, the University will send an invoice for the appropriate amount.

The academic year at York is divided into two semesters:

Semester one: Mid-September - start of February. 

Semester two: February to June. 

Semester dates are published on the University's website. Please note that the University vacation begins in June and lasts until mid September. Many people are away at this time and the Department provides no teaching or events. The libraries may also be open fewer hours, and may close completely for short periods.

Visas

The Department cannot provide advice on visas. For more information on visa applications, please visit the UKVI website.

If you require a visa to enter the UK it is essential that you seek advice on how to obtain the correct visa to suit the purpose of your visit.

Accommodation

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

Information correct as of September 2023

Visiting PhD students

As an internationally-leading research centre, the Department of Politics and International Relations is keen to host PhD candidates of the highest calibre from across the world. You must be a registered PhD candidate at a recognised higher education institution in order to be eligible to apply. We aim to host a very limited number of excellent PhD candidates, who will both benefit from and contribute to the Department’s vibrant research environment.

Application procedure

In order to be considered for admission as a Visiting PhD Student, please send a brief (2 page) overview of your research project. This overview should also include an explanation of why you are keen to spend time in the department, information on the proposed dates of your visit, and a suggested member of staff to act as a mentor during the proposed visit. In addition, please send a brief (2 page) CV. These documents should be sent to poli-graduate-office@york.ac.uk

Facilities

The following are provided for visiting PhD students:

• 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: visiting PhD students are not normally admitted to Masters seminars);
• Copies of course material;
• Admission to research seminars and other public events;
• Desk space will be provided within the Department where possible.

Duration of visit and cost

Visiting PhD students generally spend between three and a maximum of twelve months associated with the Department. 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. Visiting PhD students are strongly encouraged to come during the autumn or spring terms. During the summer term and vacation many people are away and there is less teaching and fewer events. The libraries may also open for shorter hours and may close completely for short periods.

Find information about tuition fees and living costs for visiting students here. 

Visas

The Department cannot provide advice on visas. For more information on visa applications, please visit the UKVI website.

If you require a visa to enter the UK it is essential that you seek advice on how to obtain the correct visa to suit the purpose of your visit.

Accommodation

There is limited accommodation available for visiting PhD students - see the Accommodation webpages for further details. Having submitted your application to study through the University's online system you will become eligible to apply for accommodation if you receive an offer to study in the department.

Case Study: Li Liu

Li Liu an associate professor at Huaiyin Normal University in China came to the Department of Politics and International Relations as a visiting researcher for the Autumn and Spring Terms during 2018/19.

Li's aim was to expand her research considering the rise of the modern world in the history of ideas; new interpretations of historical materialism, bringing together critical theory and the critique of political economy; and selected controversies within Marxist literature.

Whilst Li was here she worked closely with Professor Werner Bonefeld who supervised her work.

Since returning to China Li has written offering her thanks to the department, Li says “I was fortunate to receive the guidance and care of Professor Werner Bonefeld for supplying valuable sources. Professor Werner’s personality and knowledge will be my infinite wealth for life” and “I would especially like to thank Dr. Simon Parker for his support and encouragement, my research has made new progress with his help”

Li goes on to say how welcome she was made to feel by the whole department. "During the visit, I was also fortunate to get the help of many teachers and staff in the Department of Politics and International Relations"

Case Study: Alina Renee Oxendine

Alina Renee Oxendine (Ph.D., University of Minnesota; M.A., Emory University) is associate professor in the department of political science at Hamline University in St. Paul, MN.

She is currently serving as resident director of the Hamline in York program.

Professor Oxendine’s research interests include American politics, political psychology, public opinion, race, class and gender.

Her article "The Political Psychology of Inequality and Why It Matters for Populism" is forthcoming in International Perspectives in Psychology (as part of a special issue on the psychology of populism). Also, her original research titled “Politicized Media Coverage of Economic Inequality and Its Impact” was published this year in Race/Gender/Class/Media 4.0.