Visiting scholars

The Department of English Literature, American Studies and Creative Writing (EAC) at the University of Manchester welcomes applications from international scholars to visit the University for research (usually for either six months or a year). This scheme is aimed at academics working in a higher education institution in their home countries who wish to conduct an independent research project during their stay in Manchester.

In EAC we host a number of scholars each year from a range of countries, including China. Visiting scholars participate in a welcoming department with a lively research culture, that covers the full range of English and American literary and cultural studies, as well as Creative Writing. There are regular research seminars you can attend to learn about cutting-edge research from both colleagues within the department and visiting speakers from other institutions. You are given full University email, internet and library access. You can also audit some undergraduate and postgraduate classes. Each visiting scholar in the department is assigned an informal mentor, who can offer specialist advice on your research project. The department is part of the School of Arts, Languages and Cultures, which is one of the largest centres for research in these areas in the world.

Manchester has superb library provision: the University library is one of only five national research libraries in the UK; its collection of digital resources in the Humanities is especially strong; the beautiful John Rylands Library has world-class special collections; Chetham’s Library, dating back to the 17th century, is the oldest public library in the English-speaking world; and the Portico Library has a superb collection of 19th century volumes. Manchester is a vibrant city, benefiting from world-class cultural institutions and events, including the Whitworth Art Gallery, Manchester Art Gallery, and the Manchester International Festival, as well as its iconic football clubs, Manchester City and Manchester United. Manchester has recently been designated a UNESCO City of Literature, and the University is a central part of the project of making Manchester one of the preeminent literary and creative cities in Europe. The city is well connected, with easy access by train to London and the beautiful countryside of the Lake District, the Peak District and the Yorkshire Moors; and its international airport has direct flights to most European cities and also to China.

Further information and application

For further information about this scheme, please contact the Research Office in the School of Arts, Languages and Cultures (salc.research@manchester.ac.uk) with a copy of your CV and a brief research proposal. Your research proposal should deliver a clear and structured outline of the research project you intend to carry out during your stay in Manchester. It should clearly state the start and end dates for your proposed visit. If your application is successful, the University will issue a formal letter offering you a place in our scheme. You are advised not to make any travel or accommodation arrangements until you have received a formal offer. Although weare unable to arrange accommodation for your stay in Manchester, we can put you in contact with the current cohort of visiting scholars in the School.