Affiliate Academics
The UCL Institute of Archaeology hosts visiting scholars (known as Affiliate Academics) from across the world.
Affiliate Academics visit the Institute to pursue their research, either individually or in collaboration with members of staff in related fields of interest, while being able to make use of the Institute’s facilities and specialist expertise.
These pages are for visiting researchers only. Applicants using the facilities at UCL towards a higher degree are classified as Visiting Research Students, for which information is available on the UCL International Students website.
UCL Affiliate Academics: visits of more than 4 weeks
This scheme is intended for academics from overseas who wish to spend a short period of time, pursuing their own research either individually or in association with members of staff at UCL in related fields of interest.
Affiliate Academics normally hold established academic posts overseas in institutions of higher education, or occasionally in industry or business who apply to pursue their research. Affiliate Academics do not normally attend courses, but by arrangement with the Director of the Institute of Archaeology they may audit certain lectures or attend seminars.
Affiliate Academics are charged a fee (£6215 for 2025/2026). Fees for visits of less than a calendar year are normally charged on a pro rata basis. If you require access to the Institute's Laboratory facilities and equipment, additional (bench) fees will apply. Affiliate Academics should ensure that they have sufficient funds available to maintain themselves whilst in London, and to pay the UCL fees.
Short-Term Visiting Academics: visits of less than 4 weeks
Academics who would like to stay at the Institute for less than four weeks will not be eligible to join the formal Affiliate Academic Scheme. However, they can still make use of some of our facilities at no cost. Please note that access to the Institute’s Laboratory facilities and equipment will incur additional (bench) fees.
We kindly ask all visiting academics to make a request to use our facilities well in advance (at least 4 months).
Application process
Applications for both short-term visiting academics and longer stays as Affiliate Academics require the following to be completed:
- A proposal form
- A copy of your current CV
- A written statement giving the reason for your visit, and details of your research or work you wish to undertake during your stay
Please send applications (noting that access to the Institute’s Laboratory facilities and equipment should be discussed with the Laboratory Manager in advance) by email to Louisa Goldsmith
Once your application has been approved you will receive a confirmation letter from HR and an invoice for the fee (where relevant) in due course.
Visas
If you will require a visa, please make sure you apply in good time. For more information, see the UK Border Agency website or email Louisa Goldsmith if you have any queries.
Access to facilities for Visiting Academics is based on the duration of their stay at UCL:
Up to 4 weeks
- UCL ID card
- Library access (reference only)
Between 4 weeks and 3 months
- UCL ID card
- Library access (reference only)
- Computer account
- UCL email address
Between 3 months and 1 year
- UCL ID card
- Library access with borrowing rights
- Computer account
- UCL email address
Visas
Please refer to the UK government Visas & Immigration page for up-to-date information on applying for visas.
General advice
Universities UK International Staff and student website has useful information for academics coming to live and work in the UK.
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