A visiting scholar is normally attached to a member or group of staff who share the research interests of the Scholar. The scheme is designed for those who wish to focus on a specific research area, and is not suitable for those who simply want to gain general experience of the UK education system. There are two designations available:

• Honorary Research Fellow (for those already with a PhD or EdD)
• Honorary Research Associate (for experienced and qualified education personnel anticipating doctoral work)

As all activities are conducted in English, prospective scholars will be expected to have a level of IELT 7 in written and spoken English.

Fees and Entitlements

A fee of £1000 per semester  (see here for the University Semester dates http://www.bham.ac.uk/about/term/index.shtml) is normally payable to the University of Birmingham for the period of the programme or £250 per month pro rata. This entitles the Scholar to:

• Access to Information Services (including libraries on both Education sites) and to computer facilities
• Limited consultation time with ‘host’ staff  members (at the hosts’ discretion)
• Attendance at general seminars and open lectures
• Participation in module classes if appropriate, subject to negotiation with relevant tutors
• ID which enables access to all University staff and student facilities (for example, sports or welfare)

If additional resources or inputs are required by the Scholar, then the above fee may be increased. Space in the School is extremely limited, and it is unlikely that a dedicated desk or room would be available; however Scholars are entitled to use the plentiful space in the Education Library, which opens six days a week.

Please note that it isn’t possible to conduct research within schools in the UK without a CRB (Criminal Records Bureau) check.

Accommodation

University living accommodation is very limited, particularly for periods of less than one academic year. Although advice may be given on private accommodation or reasonable bed-and-breakfast hotels, responsibility for arranging accommodation will lie with the Scholar.

The Process

• Interested Scholars are invited to complete the Visiting Scholar Application Form (Word document) and return to the Research Office, at least 3 months prior to anticipated start date.
• This form is then sent by the Research Office to a member of staff who has interests in the area specified to see whether he/she is able to host the Scholar during the period specified.
  • Applicants are encouraged to contact potential members of staff before making the application to seek their support. For mutual benefit, we want to ensure that the proposed research area concurs with our current interest and research expertise within the School.
• The agreed application then goes for approval to the Director of research and any other relevant sections of the school management, to look at implications for provision such as Information Services.
• The applicant is advised of our decision.

Applications

Please send the completed Visiting Scholar Application form to:

Research Office
School of Education
University of Birmingham
Edgbaston
Birmingham
B15 2TT
United Kingdom