Visiting researchers

In recognition of the international reach of our research and teaching, the School of Social Policy has a programme for visiting researchers who will be welcomed as part of our vibrant and global academic community. We are keen to encourage applications from international scholars and professionals whose research interests align with those of our School. 

Visiting researchers can be invited to spend up to one year in the School of Social Policy. They will have an opportunity to play a full and active role in the research life of the School and wider University without registering for a formal academic qualification. Visitors will enjoy library access and wherever possible will be allocated shared office space. Visitors will be provided with opportunities to involve themselves in School activities during their stay, e.g. by delivering a research seminar.

We invite visiting researchers to one of three schemes:

• Distinguished Visiting Professor/Fellow – we invite outstanding academics in social policy from world leading Universities to work with staff in the School of Social Policy for the purpose of research collaboration.
• Visiting Scholar – we invite applications from international scholars whose research interests align with and complement the activity of our research centres or staff. We welcome both established and early career researchers, including PhD students.
• Visiting Professionals - we invite non-academic professionals, including government officers and those working in social policy settings, to undertake research activities alongside School of Social Policy staff.

Prospective Visiting Scholars are also required to contact members of staff in the School of Social Policy to seek their support before making a formal request. This will help ensure that the proposed area of research coincides with current research interests and expertise within the School of Social Policy.

Fees and Benefits

Visiting researchers may come for between one week and one year and are expected to be fully self-funding. Before applying, potential applicants should first identify a member of staff in the School with whom they would work and who will support their application.

Fees are not normally charged for researchers visiting the School for up to 6 months. Fees will normally be charged for visits lasting longer than 6 months.

The School will offer desk space in a shared office (where available), access to the University library and access to events organised by the School.

We are strongly committed to promoting equality and diversity. We welcome visiting scholars from all backgrounds and career stages to work with School of Social Policy researchers. 

Visa Requirements

As a UK Border Agency (UKBA) Sponsor, The University of Birmingham is required to ensure that all our international visitors hold a visa which is appropriate for the purpose of their visit to the UK. If your application is successful, our Visa Assessment Team will carry out an assessment to identify the correct visa for your visit. If necessary, we will issue the correct documentation in support of your visa application; but it is the Scholar’s responsibility to use this to enter the UK under the advised visa route. No correspondence from the University of Birmingham, other than where specified, should be used in support of a visa application. 

How to apply

Applicants are required to complete a short application form in which they must detail their proposed research activities and also provide a 2 page (maximum) CV.

Applications and enquiries should be submitted to the Director of Global Engagement Dr Kelly Hall  spvisitingresearchers@contacts.bham.ac.uk 

Short Visits (Less than one week)

For shorter visits lasting less than seven days, we are able to offer a fast-track process for visitors who hold a passport for the following countries:

The EU countries – Austria; Belgium; Bulgaria; Croatia; Cyprus; Czech Republic; Denmark; Estonia; Finland; France; Germany; Greece; Hungary; Ireland; Italy; Latvia; Lithuania; Luxembourg; Malta; Netherlands; Poland; Portugal; Romania; Slovakia; Slovenia; Spain and Sweden.

Or Australia; Canada; Iceland; Japan; Liechtenstein; New Zealand; Norway; Singapore; South Korea; Switzerland, USA.

We anticipate that shorter visits would be for meetings or speaking at/attending a School of Social Policy seminar or conference.