Bodleian Visiting Fellowships in Special Collections 2027–2028 | University of Oxford

This list illustrates the breadth of the programme; individual fellowships may have their own research focus, duration or additional application requirements. Applicants should consult the official page to identify the most relevant strand.

Who can apply?

Applications are welcomed from academically affiliated and independent scholars undertaking research at postdoctoral level. This includes researchers employed in libraries, museums, archives and other institutions that hold collections.

Applicants who are still doctoral students must have submitted their thesis before the application deadline and must have been awarded their doctorate before the fellowship begins. Meeting these conditions does not guarantee selection, and individual named fellowships may impose additional requirements.

In most cases, priority is given to candidates living outside Oxford and applicants who have not recently completed an Oxford degree.

What the selection committee looks for

The committee considers three central factors:

1. The need to consult the collections: applicants must demonstrate why particular items or collections held by the Bodleian Libraries are important to the success of the project.
2. Contribution to the research community: the committee considers the applicant's potential to contribute to the scholarly life of the libraries and University, including future research collaboration.
3. Career and research benefits: the committee assesses how the fellowship would benefit the applicant's research career and project.

A proposal that merely expresses interest in visiting Oxford may therefore be insufficient. The research question, specific materials to be consulted and anticipated scholarly contribution should be clearly connected.

Application requirements

Applicants must complete the online application form and submit separate PDF files by email to the Bodleian Libraries. The required materials include:

• A curriculum vitae of no more than three pages.
• A project description of no more than 1,200 words.
• A detailed list of the specific Bodleian materials to be consulted. This list does not count towards the project description's word limit.
• Two letters of recommendation tailored to the proposed funded research visit.

The project description should explain the significance of the research, why the Bodleian collections are necessary, the intended outputs and plans for engaging with the research community in Oxford and beyond. If the applicant has no specific seminar or conference plans, the proposal should confirm willingness to present the research materials and methods to a local academic audience if invited.

Applicants do not need to select a named fellowship in advance; successful proposals may be allocated to the appropriate strand. Some named awards, however, have special requirements.

What successful fellows are expected to do

Visiting fellows may be invited to present their work in progress within the University or the Bodleian Libraries. They are encouraged to consider publishing findings in the Bodleian Library Record. A written report must be provided after the fellowship, and publications arising wholly or partly from the research must acknowledge the Bodleian Libraries.

Practical considerations

The fellowship does not guarantee housing. The Bodleian Libraries can provide guidance on local rental listings, but accommodation in Oxford can be expensive. Applicants who require a UK visa are responsible for obtaining the appropriate permission for their research visit.

The funding and duration should therefore be assessed alongside travel, accommodation and other costs before accepting an invitation.