Postgraduate/Postdoctoral Study and Research

There are two primary ways to complete short-term study or research in the UK at the postgraduate and postdoctoral levels:

 

Non-Degree or Visiting Student:

It is possible to apply directly to UK universities to attend as a non-degree or visiting student. Under these arrangements, non-degree or visiting students may be able to complete postgraduate coursework (including research-based classes for credit) and/or have access to university and department facilities for research, similar to that of degree-seeking students.

As a non-degree or visiting student, you will likely pay the similar tuition fees as degree-seeking students. You generally will be able to apply your US government loan or US-based scholarships to cover costs of the program. You may also consider external funding bodies such as the Fulbright Awards and loans as options for funding.

To begin researching universities and choosing an appropriate academic department, you may wish to read the choosing a degree program section of this website. Alternatively, you may wish to network through colleagues or contact UK-based researchers who have published or recently presented at a conference in your field.

Once you have selected universities, you should contact their admissions office or the appropriate academic department or admissions staff to determine whether it is possible to apply to study on a short-term basis and if so, what the admissions criteria and application procedures will be.

Bear in mind that some universities may not have an option for visiting students. Further, you may be asked to submit a transcript, resume/CV, recommendation letter(s) and/or plan of study to apply for these programs. For more information on completing an application, please see the application process section of this website.

 

Visiting Scholar or Fellow:

If you already hold a Ph.D., it is also possible to coordinate an arrangement to lecture, consult or conduct further research at a UK university as a visiting scholar or fellow. Visiting scholars and fellows would also have access to university and department facilities for research, similar to regular faculty members. These positions can be coordinated with a university department directly or may be part of an established exchange program. For more general information on research opportunities in the UK, visit the HERO website.

To begin researching universities and choosing an appropriate academic department, you may wish to read the choosing a degree program section of this website. Alternatively, you may wish to network through colleagues or contact UK-based researchers who have published or recently presented at a conference in your field.

Most visiting scholars/fellows are expected either to be self-financed, whether through an external funding body or a salary from the scholar’s home institution paid while the scholar is on sabbatical. Please note the Fulbright Commission offers Awards for postgraduate study and research, as well as distinguished scholars and fellows programs. For more information on funding postdoctoral research, visit the HERO website.

 

Visas:

Individuals traveling to the UK for postgraduate or postdoctoral study or research should determine the appropriate visa required and apply to the nearest UK consular office. Though visa regulations are subject to change in the coming months as the UK introduces a new Points-Based Immigration system, it is likely you will apply for an Academic Visitor or Student Visa. The UK immigration regulations are currently undergoing significant change, so please check the websites listed below for the most up-to-date information.

Please note that our staff is not trained to handle specific enquiries related to visas in the UK. Detailed information about the visa requirements and application process for both categories can be found on the BritainUSA and UKVisas websites.