Visiting scholars

Please note: Our Visiting Scholar scheme is now taking applications for those wishing to visit the university. You would be required to comply with any UK Government visa rules on travelling to the UK. 

The School of Education's Visiting Scholars Scheme enables national and international academics, researchers and practitioners to come to Leeds and spend a period of time conducting research and participating in the school’s collegiate and diverse research community. (This scheme is not offered to PhD students who may apply through the Visiting Postgraduate Research Student Scheme). 

The School of Education welcomes applications from academic colleagues worldwide who are interested in having an active mentoring relationship with a member of staff from the School of Education.  

Prospective applicants should note that the School only accepts applicants who can demonstrate that they will be engaged in a specific research project for the duration of their visit, and who can illustrate that their research will complement the research interests represented within the School.  Visiting Scholars will work with a named mentor and / or other University of Leeds colleagues on a clearly defined project that contributes to the School’s strategic aims and objectives.  Regular meetings with the mentor are expected, to ensure timely completion of the project. 

Visitors are expected to play an active part in the School community during the period of their visit. 

Scheme objectives 

The Visiting Scholar Scheme seeks to enhance the already vibrant research culture and learning environment of the School.  With this in mind, the aims of the scheme are to: 

• Offer external academics and interested professionals the opportunity to carry out research with a view to publishing their work.

• Enhance the research community at the School through the active participation of visiting scholars in academic life at Leeds. 

• Further develop and promote external research links with other universities, institutions and practitioners in the United Kingdom and overseas. 

• Provide School staff and research students with the opportunity to work with and learn from academics from outside Leeds. 

Applicant eligibility 

This scheme is not open to PhD students. 

This scheme applies to Visiting Scholar applicants who: 

• Are active academic staff members of another University 

• Hold a Doctorate qualification (PhD / EdD / DEdPsych) in an education-related field 

Timescale, privileges and costs

Timing 

Visiting scholars are normally expected to start on either 1 October or 1 January but may also start at other times during the year, subject to agreement by the School. Please be sure to allow sufficient time between applying and the requested dates of the visit. 

Duration 

Visiting Scholars may stay for a minimum of one month and a maximum of one academic year, from 1 October–30 September.

Fees/Funding 

The School will charge a bench fee, the amount of which will depend on the length of stay.  For a 12-month period the fees are £6,000 (pro-rated for shorter visits). Bench fees must be paid prior to the commencement of the visit.  Visiting Scholars are responsible for meeting their own visa, accommodation, travel, subsistence, health and personal insurance costs, as well as any personal family requirements. 

Please note that we do not offer funding and the School is unable to contribute financial support to assist scholars with travel and subsistence. 

Provision of resources 

Visitors will receive/be provided with: 

• A Leeds email address.

• Shared office/hot-desk space. 
   
• Six one-hour mentoring meetings per academic year with their mentor (pro-rated for shorter visits).

• The mentorship of a School staff member, who will meet with the visitor and provide guidance and advice for the visitor while in Leeds (individuals will be required to arrange this initial meeting with their mentor).

• Access to the University Libraries and all other University Library Services. 

• Access to electronic holdings, databases and journals where available. 

• Will be invited to school Research Events and Research Seminars.

Please note: 

• Visitors are encouraged to bring their own laptop computers which can be used at wireless areas around the University. 

• We cannot provide assistance with living accommodation. 

Application deadlines

31 January for those starting their visit from 1 October 

30 September for those starting their visit from 1 January 

Relationship with the School 

Depending on the length of their visit and the nature of their research, visitors are expected to contribute actively to academic life in the School, in particular through participating in research seminars relevant to their research. Visiting scholars may identify themselves as 'Visiting Scholar, School of Education, University of Leeds' during their period at the School. 

Requirements of tenure 

Visiting Scholars can expect to meet regularly with their mentor, and will be expected to attend the mentoring meetings arranged with their mentor, and deliver a research or scholarship seminar to staff. 

And depending on the length of tenure, the school expects that during the visit period visiting scholars agree to: 

• Deliver a guest lecture to undergraduates in relevant module(s). 

• Deliver a guest lecture to postgraduates in relevant module(s). 

• Commit to reasonable attendance at appropriate staff seminars. 

• Deliver one-to-one sessions with PhD students researching in the same area where appropriate. 

• Deliver a public lecture.

How to apply

All applicants must: 

• Make initial contact with a member of staff via email in the School of Education in advance of applying and explore a mentorship. As part of this you will develop a mentoring contract that will define your project’s focus and the support we can offer.  A list of staff is available here. 

• Agree how the visit may contribute to the School and to research / scholarship interests of the particular member of staff. 

• Explore our research centres and consider how your research connects. 

• Applications must be accompanied by a statement of support from the academic staff member at Leeds who will be your mentor during your visit. 
   

 Once the applicant has the agreement of a School of Education staff member as a mentor please request the application form from EDU_DoRI@leeds.ac.uk and submit it with: 

• A two-page proposal and a clearly defined plan for research / scholarship, deliverable in the timescale for the visit, that contributes to the School’s strategic aims and objectives. 

• A statement of support from the academic staff member at Leeds School of Education who will be your mentor during your visit. 

• A full curriculum vitae. 

• A copy of your passport personal information page. 

• Copies of your degree certificates, in English. 

• A letter of recommendation from your Head of Department, confirming support for the visit. 

• Evidence of sufficient funding to pay the bench fee and support all living costs in Leeds. 

 Applications and documents should be submitted to EDU_DoRI@leeds.ac.uk.  

The School’s Executive Management Team will make a final decision regarding acceptance of applications. The Head of School or a nominated deputy will notify applicants of the outcome within a few weeks of receipt. 

Post-graduate researchers 

PGR students can apply to be a Visiting Postgraduate Research Student.  Applicants should follow the process for a PhD application, applying online provided they meet the required entry requirements.  Applicants would register for periods in blocks of months up to 12 months and would be charged (pro rata) the minimum fee or the standard international fee. Information about how to apply is the same as for all PGRs here. 

Further information for visiting postgraduate researchers can be found here. 

For any questions, please contact the admissions team at applypgr.socialsciences@leeds.ac.uk. 

Further information on visas can be found here.