Visiting Doctoral Researchers

The University of Sussex has long benefitted from a collaborative research environment in which doctoral mobility is key, and we welcome visits from Doctoral Researchers registered for a PhD elsewhere.

Enrich your Doctoral Researcher experience

The purpose of a visit to the University of Sussex, whether for a week or a year, is to enrich the Doctoral Researcher experience, to help Doctoral Researchers build a network of professional contacts in their field, and to provide temporary access to the world class facilities and supervision provided by the University.

Types of visit

  • Doctoral Researcher Informal Visit

    Duration: Up to two weeks

    Visa type (if required): Standard Visitor Visa

    Application route: Head of School invitation

    Induction, Sponsorship and Supervision: No supervision is provided, work in laboratories is not permitted

    The purpose of this visit is for a Doctoral Researcher to attend a conference or seminar, to meet students and faculty, to observe specific methodological practice, and/ or to plan a future collaboration or supervised visit.

    Fee: No fee is charged

  • Doctoral Researcher Placement

    Duration: Up to three months

    Visa type (if required): Standard Visitor Visa

    Application route: Online application submitted via PG Apply

    Induction, Sponsorship and Supervision: Sussex sponsor acts as a local point of contact and facilitates induction and training but Home supervisor remains responsible for intellectual content and research direction. No academic supervision is provided by the University of Sussex.

    2023/24 Fee: Administration fee of £575 (for any length of visit up to a maximum of three months)

    2024/25 Fee: Administration fee of £595 (for any length of visit up to a maximum of three months)

  • Doctoral Researcher Supervised Visit

    Duration: Up to 12 months

    Visa type (if required): Standard Visitor Visa for visits up to 6 months. Student Visa for visits of more than 6 months (up to a maximum of 12 months).

    Application route: Online application submitted via PG Apply

    Induction, Sponsorship and Supervision: Sussex supervisor takes on responsibility for a significant portion of the scholarship and research direction of the thesis during the visit.

    Fee: Tuition fee for the course calculated pro-rata (e.g. a 6 month visit = 50% of the annual tuition fee)

  • Doctoral Researcher Supervised Visit Under Partnership MoU

    Duration: Up to 12 months

    Visa type (if required): Standard Visitor Visa for visits up to 6 months. Student Visa for visits of more than 6 months (up to a maximum of 12 months).

    Application route: Online application submitted via PG Apply

    Induction, Sponsorship and Supervision: Sussex supervisor takes on responsibility for a significant portion of the scholarship and research direction of the thesis during the visit.

    Fee: Fee is waived, where agreed as part of an existing strategic partnership between universities – or the development of a strategic partnership - where MoUs are already in place.

Access

Doctoral Researchers undertaking a placement or supervised visit will be provided with an email address, access to all appropriate facilities and support services including the Doctoral School.

How to apply

You should first contact a potential supervisor in the relevant School or department to make sure that they can accommodate your visit.

If you wish to come to Sussex for an informal visit you should obtain a letter of invitation from the relevant Head of School.

If you wish to undertake a placement or supervised visit you are required to submit an application via our PG Apply system.

You must submit the following documents when you apply:

  • an official document confirming you are currently studying a PhD. If the original letter is not in English, we will require a certified translation
  • a letter from a current PhD supervisor confirming they support the visit and it will contribute to your current research;
  • a plan of work for the period you intend to study at Sussex;
  • your English language qualification, where applicable

English language

All visiting Doctoral Researchers should be able to communicate effectively in English (reading, writing, speaking and listening) and are able to do so in an academic environment.

If your first language is not English you should provide evidence of your competence in English as part of your application e.g. previous tests, previous study.

If you need the University to sponsor you via the Student Route, you will be required to meet the English language requirements of your chosen degree. The English language entry requirements vary by degree, so you will need to check our degree pages for the latest information. The University also publishes a list of acceptable English language tests and qualifications.

If you do not require a visa to study in the UK, or you are visiting for up to 6 months and will apply for a Standard Visitor visa, your competency will be assessed on a case-by-case basis following your application. If you are required to demonstrate your level of English, you will be required to meet the published requirements of your chosen degree.

Contact us

If you haven’t applied yet:
Call +44 (0)1273 876787

If you have applied but haven’t received a decision yet:
Please contact the relevant School on the details below.

If you have received a decision:
Postgraduate Admissions Office
+44 (0)1273 877773
phd.applicants@sussex.ac.uk