Academic visitor applications

We're currently accepting applications for the academic year starting September 2026.

Academic Visitor Application Form

Enquiries

School of English: englishpgr@sheffield.ac.uk
Telephone number: +44 114 222 8480 / +44 114 222 0220

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Our research community

We have over 40 staff, each of them internationally renowned in their field of expertise and with many years of experience in research supervision. We also have a thriving postgraduate community; as an Academic Visitor, you would be invited to attend research seminars (a diverse programme is scheduled per semester) and the postgraduate colloquium (which usually takes place in May). We are proud of our lively and open research culture, and we encourage all our Academic Visitors to participate in the many reading groups, research seminars, and academic conferences which are regularly held here.

The School has a long history of welcoming Academic Visitors from around the world to join the teaching and research life. Should your application be accepted, you would be invited to stay for either a 6 or 12 month period.

Facilities

The School is based in the Jessop West building at the heart of the University campus. It houses staff offices, work stations for postgraduate students, teaching spaces, and a cafe on the ground floor, which is a useful meeting place for our postgraduates. 

The University Library subscribes to the major databases and peer-reviewed journals, and there is a regular free minibus to the British Library’s depository at Boston Spa. We also have strong links with Sheffield’s museums and theatres, contacts which we use in our research and teaching.

As an Academic Visitor, you will have full access to the University Library, computing services and other University facilities. Unfortunately, we are unable to provide office space specifically for Academic Visitors, however quiet workspaces are available in the Information Commons, the Diamond and Western Bank Library.

Opportunities for Academic Visitors

With the permission of the module convenor, you will be able to sit in on up to three MA modules per semester. Dr Emma Rhatigan is the first point of contact for all enquiries about research supervision. Depending upon the nature of your research interests, you may then be given the name and contact details of another member of staff most suited to your needs and research area.

Bench Fees

The following bench fee rates are required depending upon the length of your stay:

• 6 months: £800
• 12 months: £1,300

Shorter visit periods will be considered and an informal enquiry should be sent to englishpgr@sheffield.ac.uk in the first instance to see if this is possible.

The bench fees should be paid during the first month of your arrival at the University.  You will be issued an invoice for the full payment of your bench fee by our Faculty Finance Team, and this can be paid at our Income Office (located at Level 6, University House). 

Accommodation

Finding accommodation is the responsibility of the individual Academic Visitor and it is recommended you view the University’s Accommodation Services webpages for further guidance. Please note that, whilst at the University, you would be classed as Visiting Staff and would need to pay the Council Tax for private housing.