Visiting scholars and academic visitors

The School of Languages, Arts and Societies welcomes visiting scholars and academic visitors from around the world who wish to spend time at the University of Sheffield as part of their research.

Visitors contribute to the research culture of the School, develop academic connections with our staff and postgraduate community, and may have opportunities to attend seminars, colloquia, reading groups and other research events.

All visiting scholars and academic visitors must have research interests that align with the expertise of academic staff in the School. Prospective visitors should identify and make informal contact with a potential academic host or mentor before making an application.

Please direct initial enquiries to slas@sheffield.ac.uk.

Before you apply

Prospective visitors should usually be able to demonstrate:

• a clear research plan for the proposed visit
• a connection between their research interests and the expertise of staff in the School
• the potential for the visit to contribute to the School’s research culture
• the ability to undertake independent and self-directed research during their time at Sheffield

Visits are not normally remunerated by the University. Visitors are expected to make their own funding and accommodation arrangements, although the School may be able to advise on relevant external funding opportunities where appropriate.

Applicants should make their application at least six months before the proposed start date of their visit. Applications may be made at any time of year and for any duration. The proposed length of the visit should reflect the demands of the research plan.

Visiting PhD students are required to pay a pro-rata fee for the period they spend at the University.

Facilities and support

Visiting scholars and academic visitors may be able to access University facilities, including the University Library, computing services and other relevant resources.

The University Library subscribes to major databases and peer-reviewed journals, and there is a regular free minibus service to the British Library’s depository at Boston Spa.

Facilities vary depending on the nature and location of the visit. In some areas, visitors may be allocated a courtesy desk or access to minimal support facilities. In others, dedicated office space may not be available, although quiet workspaces can be found in the Information Commons and Western Bank Library.

Accommodation

Finding accommodation is the responsibility of the individual visitor. Prospective visitors are encouraged to consult the University’s accommodation guidance for further information.

Please note that academic visitors are classed as visiting staff while at the University and may need to pay council tax for private housing.

Disciplines within the School of Languages, Arts & Societies

East Asian Studies

Visitors to East Asian Studies should be willing to present at least one public lecture or research seminar during their visit.

Applicants must propose a clear research plan for the duration of the visit, involving collaboration with members of staff and contributing to the School’s research objectives. This could include:

• joint funding proposals involving East Asian Studies staff
• workshops or symposia
• co-authored research outputs, such as peer-reviewed journal articles or books

Modern Languages and Cultures

The School offers research opportunities in French Studies, Germanic Studies, Hispanic Studies, Russian and Slavonic Studies and Applied Languages. Academic staff are internationally recognised in their fields and have extensive experience in research supervision.

Academic visitors are invited to participate in the School’s research culture, including research seminars and the postgraduate colloquium. A diverse programme of seminars is scheduled each semester, and visitors are encouraged to take part in reading groups, research seminars and academic conferences.

Please note that Modern Languages and Cultures offers opportunities for independent and self-directed study only. There is no option for supervision.

Music

Music welcomes approaches from colleagues at other universities who are interested in spending time in the School, for example while on leave from an existing post.

All visiting scholars in Music must be hosted by a specific colleague in the School whose research area or topic aligns with their own.

Please submit enquiries to slas@sheffield.ac.uk.

Postdoctoral fellowships

The Faculty of Arts and Humanities supports applications for postdoctoral fellowships in the School of Languages, Arts and Societies and is keen to hear from high-calibre candidates.

Prospective applicants should review the Faculty’s information on postdoctoral fellowships and contact the School to discuss potential alignment with relevant academic staff.

Enquiries

For all initial enquiries about visiting scholar and academic visitor opportunities, please contact:

slas@sheffield.ac.uk
0114 222 4396