About the programme

The UCA Visiting Scholars, Artists and Creative Professionals Scheme offers a flexible opportunity for individuals to engage with the University’s academic, creative, and professional environment.

Positioned within Academic Enterprise & Commercialisation, the scheme supports international collaboration, creative practice, and knowledge exchange across disciplines.

It provides a structured yet flexible framework for visiting academics, artists, and industry professionals to spend time at UCA, contributing to and benefiting from its creative community.

Who is this for

We welcome applications from:

  • Visiting scholars
academics and researchers undertaking independent research, scholarly exchange, or pedagogic collaboration
  • Visiting artists in residence,
artists, designers, filmmakers, writers, and creative practitioners engaging in project-based creative work
  • Visiting creative professionals and
industry practitioners interested in collaboration, knowledge exchange, or professional development

What you can do at UCA

Participants in the scheme may engage in one or more of the following:

  • Creative or professional practice development
  • Practice-based or scholarly research
  • Knowledge exchange and enterprise activity
  • Teaching observation or pedagogic exchange
  • Industry collaboration or professional shadowing
  • Public talks, workshops, critiques, or seminars

Each visit is shaped around individual interests and agreed in collaboration with a relevant UCA School or academic contact.

The scheme provides scholars with:

  • Formal Visiting status with UCA
  • Access to the University’s academic and creative environment
  • Opportunities to connect with academic staff, Schools, and research groups
  • Participation in seminars, talks, workshops, and events
  • Access to library and digital resources
  • Administrative support and coordination
  • Invitation letter for visa purposes (where applicable)

Please note that the scheme does not constitute employment, or include enrolment on a course or research degree, research supervision, accommodation, travel, living costs or specialist workshop and technical access (additional charges may apply).

Duration & fees

The scheme operates on a duration-based fee model:

Visits up to 6 months

  • Partner institutions: £3,000
  • Non-partner institutions: £4,200

Visits between 6–12 months

  • Partner institutions: £4,000
  • Non-partner institutions: £6,200

How to apply

We welcome initial enquiries and proposals from individuals interested in joining the scheme.


Please send the following details to enterprise@uca.ac.uk:

  • A short proposal outlining your intended activity at UCA
  • Your CV
  • Preferred duration and timing of your visit
  • Any existing or proposed links with UCA Schools or staff

If you would like to discuss a potential visit or explore collaboration opportunities, please contact enterprise@uca.ac.uk.