Research Students undertaking doctoral (research) degrees are welcome to apply to IDS to pursue supervised study in relation to their thesis as a visiting research student. A flexible programme of work is agreed between you and the member of IDS that will supervise you.
We also welcome applications from taught postgraduate students registered at other institutions to visit IDS for one or more terms to take modules from our taught postgraduate degrees.
We can only accept a few among many applications each year. Preference is given to applicants who are working in areas that have strong overlaps with current IDS research. This maximises the benefits for all parties, so strengthening the basis for future collaboration.
Duration and timing
The normal minimum length of a visit is one term, and the maximum is three terms. Shorter or longer visits will be considered under exceptional circumstances. Visits should coincide with the University’s term dates. Visiting Research Students have formally recognised status as members of the Institute and members of the University of Sussex.
Fees and Funding
Tuition fees will be charged by the University of Sussex and will vary according to the length of your visit. The fee you are charged is based on whether you are classified as a ‘home/EU’ or ‘overseas’ student. For further information about current fees, please see the University of Sussex website. Unfortunately, IDS cannot provide funds to help support Visiting Research Students during their stay at IDS.
Visa and related formalities
We’ll provide a letter of invitation and appointment to help you make visa arrangements. However, we are unable to provide special advice and assistance in this area. We recommend that you seek advice from the office of the British Council in your home country.
Accommodation
You’re responsible for finding accommodation for your stay and covering all associated costs. The Institute and the University of Sussex have a range of residential accommodation from single study bedrooms to one or two bedroom flats. The University Housing Office can also provide help in finding suitable accommodation.
Facilities
You’ll have full access to all IDS and University facilities and are encouraged to take an active part in the life of the Institute.
Office space at IDS is limited. If available at the time of your visit, you’ll be provided with a designated desk and computer in our PhD room. If a desk is unavailable, we’ll provide a hot-desk with computer access.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is essential and must cover medical expenses. Guidance on NHS charges for NHS hospital care can be found on the UK Department of Health website. We strongly recommend that you organise travel insurance prior to your departure to the UK.
How to Apply
Applications must be made through the School of Global Studies at the University of Sussex. Please note that IDS does not process applications.
If you are a doctoral student, we strongly advise that you make contact with an IDS Fellow who specialises in your chosen field before submitting a formal application. You should send the Fellow your research proposal indicating what you wish to investigate and how you intend to conduct your research. The Fellow will let you know if s/he can in principle offer supervision, and may be able to provide guidance on how to sharpen research ideas and connect with the IDS research agenda.
For more about the application process and to download an application form see the University of Sussex website.
Completed application forms should be sent to the: School of Global Studies, University of Sussex, Falmer, Brighton, BN1 9SJ, UK or email: [email protected]
For enquiries about the application process, please contact the IDS Teaching Team (E: [email protected])
Terms and conditions
The terms and conditions on which the University makes offers of places on its programmes of study can be found in the University of Sussex Postgraduate Prospectus.
Enquiries
Queries about the Visiting Research Student scheme should be directed to the IDS Teaching Team.