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Please find answers to most questions we receive. If the information below does not answer your question please contact rebekah.seymour@ucl.ac.uk
Questions on applying
I've just found out about the fellowships but enquiries are now closed so I can't check collection acessibility, can I still apply?
Yes we welcome your application but there is a chance some items will not be available for your research.
The deadline says 12 January 2026. Can I submit on 12 January?
Yes, you can submit your application to ric-forms@ucl.ac.uk until 11:59pm on 12 January 2026. We cannot accept applications after this deadline.
Do I need a PhD to apply for a fellowship?
No, we welcome applications from people at any career stage.
I am a UCL student/member of staff – can I apply for a fellowship?
Yes, you can apply for the Liberating Fellowship. This is open to internal candidates too, including current UCL students.
The Museum Collections Visitng Fellowship and Special Collections Fellowship are for visiting researchers only and not UCL staff/students.
I have applied before and was unsuccessful, can I apply again?
Yes, you are welcome to make another, updated application.
Will I get feedback on my application?
Feedback will be provided to shortlisted candidates. We regret that, due to volume, we cannot usually provide detailed feedback other than this.
Can I ask about my proposal before I apply?
We are happy to discuss the eligibility and feasibility of your project before you apply, in terms of the required access to collections, facilities and resources, but we are unable to provide detailed advice on the content of applications.
How do I know if my interest area is relevant?
To get a general idea of whether we might have anything that is relevant please consult our webpages and catalogues before getting in touch to discuss your project ideas.
Will my proposal need to go through an ethics review? If so how long will this take?
If your proposal includes working with living subjects, we expect that your application form will include information as to the ethical processes you have undertaken. We reserve the right to undertake further, light-touch, ethical reviews of a successful proposal.
How do you store my personal details? How do I know they are secure?
All applications and personal details are stored securely and managed according to the UCL records retention schedule. Details are only kept as required in order to process your application and any feedback. Please see UCL’s Privacy Notice.
Questions on use of UCL facilities and collections
Are digital collections included?
Yes, digital collections are included. These are, on the whole, digitised versions of items in our physical collections, so the application would need to specify whether the applicant would use the physical items or the digital surrogate.
Am I restricted to looking at one collection?
There is no need for proposals to consider collections as a whole; proposals can focus on a number of items in one collection, or indeed items from different collections, as long as they link clearly to the project proposal. The Special Collections Visiting Fellowship is restricted to collections managed by Special Collections. The Liberating the Collections Fellowships includes UCL’s Museum collections and material managed by Special Collections.
What facilities are available for the successful applicants?
- Mediated access to the collections
- Space in our reading rooms or museums
- A desk on the Bloomsbury campus
- Access to specialist staff
- Access to IT systems and libraries at UCL, including borrowing rights if needed
I want to do a performance. What spaces can I use?
There are several performance spaces at UCL, but not all are managed by Museums and Special Collections. We will do our best to link you up with space providers depending on the nature of your project but cannot guarantee specific spaces. If your project is dependent on access to a performance space, please get in touch to discuss your project before submitting your application.
Is accommmodation available at UCL?
Unfortunately we cannot provide accommodation. There may be limited accommodation outside of term dates. For more information and contact details please see UCL Summer Residences.
Practical information
Will I need a Visa to carry out my work?
Please consult the UK Government website visa checker.
A mandatory right to work check will be carried out by UCL Human Resources before you can start your fellowship.
When and how will I receive the fellowship payment?
If the payment is being made to your institution, UCL will ask for an invoice and you will be paid that way. If the money is being paid directly to you, UCL Human Resources will be in touch regarding right to work checks and setting you up on the payments system. We aim to complete the payment process by the end of July.
Do I have to send evidence of what the payment is being spent on?
No, you do not need to tell us what the payment is being spent on so long as the agreed outputs are completed.
Do I have to be onsite for the duration of the fellowship? / Can I complete my fellowship remotely?
We aim to be as flexible as possible around the dates and duration of the fellowship, however these will need to be agreed in advance with the RIC Support Officer, as will any changes during the term of the fellowship. Flexible, part-time and remote working are all possible. You will be expected to be at UCL at regular intervals throughout the period of the fellowship, and to participate in the events programme of workshops, talks and lectures run by the Special Collections Department.
Will UCL cover additional costs associated with the proposed project outputs and activities?
UCL will not cover any additional costs. Any costs should be covered by the funding provided. Please outline associated costs in the project proposal.