Visiting STS

STS welcomes academic visitors from UK and foreign universities whose stay will be of mutual research benefit to the individual and the Department.

The Department offers different visiting options depending on the length of stay, Right-to-Work requirements, and funding.

Visitor Status

Visitor Status is offered for a short period of research collaboration with STS academics. The maximum time for which Visitor Status can be given is three months for the proposed activity only.

Academic visitors applying for Visitor Status do not incur any fees.

Affiliate Academic

The UCL Affiliate Academic Scheme is intended for academics from overseas who wish to spend a period of time at UCL, normally not less than four weeks and not more than one calendar year, pursuing their own research, either individually or in association with members of UCL staff in related fields of interest.

Affiliate fees are charged on a pro-rata basis and set annually by UCL. 

Facilities

Both Visitor Status and the Affiliate Academic scheme will provide the individual with a UCL ID card and access to the library. The Affiliate Academic scheme also offers a UCL IT account.

As space is limited within our building, we are unable to accept all those wishing to visit; our priority is focused on applicants whose research interests fit closely with STS academic staff; we usually limit the number of visitors at any given time to a maximum of two.

The Department aims to provide up to two desks for academics with Visitor Status or those using the Affiliate Academics scheme, as appropriate. Please note however, this may not always be possible. 

Right-to-Work Checks

All academic visitors applying for either Visitor Status or via the Affiliate Academic scheme must have the right to live and work in the UK and a Right-to-Work check will be undertaken before conferment of their title.

For information about the visa routes available to Affiliate Academics, please refer to the ‘Visa routes’ section of UCL Affiliate Academic Scheme web page.

Appointment Process

Researchers wishing to visit STS must first identify a sponsor from within the Department – this will normally be an academic member staff that the visiting researcher will collaborate with throughout their stay. Researchers will then work with their STS sponsor to discuss visiting plans and complete the Academic Visitor Application Form:

The application form needs to be submitted at least two months prior to the intended visit via email to sts@ucl.ac.uk. A copy of the visitor’s CV and, if relevant, proof of funding must also be enclosed. When submitting the relevant application form, visitors are required to include the STS sponsor in their email. 

All applications are reviewed and considered by the STS Head of Department, Director of Research and Departmental Manager. 

For further information, please get in touch with us via sts@ucl.ac.uk.