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 refer to the University's main webpage for Visiting students: postgraduate applications

In order to be considered for admission as a Visiting PhD Student, please contact your preferred supervisor from our list of staff. Please note that your preferred supervisor cannot provide a formal offer of admission but only a statement of their willingness to support your application at this stage. Any application received is still subject to the University of York’s standard entry requirements and conditions for visiting students.

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 two semesters (September to January and February to June). During the summer (June to September) 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

The Department of Politics and International Relations has a low cost status as we are 'classroom based'.

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

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.