Research options

Discover more about the research options for visiting students in the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences.

What can I study?

Each year we welcome around 50 visiting research students to the College from across the globe.

The College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences is comprised of 11 Schools, which are home to a vast number of research-active Subject Areas across the fields of humanities and social science.

During your time at Edinburgh you have the opportunity to carry out research in your field, under the supervision of world-leading experts.

How long can I study for?

• The duration of study for visiting research students can range from one month up to a year, and is agreed in advance with the department.
• As you are completing research you are not restricted to semester dates.
• When we issue you with an offer the dates are always from the 1st of the month to the last date of the month (inclusive).

Entry requirements

• An official transcript of a first degree in an appropriate subject or relevant qualifications / experience
• An academic reference
• A personal statement
• A research proposal
• Agreement from an academic at the University of Edinburgh to be your supervisor when studying here
• Appropriate English language skills or valid test- a degree from an English speaking university may also be accepted in some circumstances
• To be eligible to apply students must be registered as a full-time student on a degree programme elsewhere

In addition to these requirements each School may specify additional conditions.

Application

Once you have established your chosen research area, then please contact an academic member of staff involved in this research to seek approval to supervise you as a visiting research student.

If your research proposal is approved, the Visiting Student Office will then provide you with the application form.

Fees

The cost of tuition fees is dependant on the duration of your stay in Edinburgh. The cost of your proposed course of study will be confirmed when you are made an unconditional offer.

Students coming on direct exchange agreements with the University of Edinburgh will not be charged tuition fees.

Further information about tuition fees