Visiting Researchers
 ACADEMIC VISITORS AT BLACKFRIARS HALL
Academics who wish to pursue independent research in areas aligned with the interests of the Hall – or with one of its two research institutes – may apply to come to Blackfriars as Visiting Research Scholars (post-doctoral academics) or Graduate Visitors (students enrolled on DPhil or PhD programmes at other institutions).
Blackfriars Hall has been a Permanent Private Hall of the University of Oxford since 1994, although its origins as a house of study stem from the Thirteenth Century. Blackfriars today is a rich and friendly environment for intellectual encounter, enabling deep conversations to take place on the fundamental questions of our age.
Up to five academic visitors may be accepted for a minimum of one and a maximum of three terms. It is sometimes possible for an academic visitor to be associated with Blackfriars Hall during the long summer vacation, but applicants should bear in mind that during the months of July, August and September many of the Hall’s Fellows pursue research away from Oxford and few activities take place at the Hall or within the wider University at that time.
An academic visitor will have a University card, enabling him/her to use the extensive library resources of the University, and to attend many of its seminars and lectures.  He/she will be invited to special events organized or hosted by the Hall and its institutes, and will be encouraged to give a seminar on the fruits of his/her research at the end of his/her stay. Visiting Research Scholars will be offered membership of the Hall’s Senior Common Room for the period of their stay; Graduate Visitor are normally accepted as temporary members of the Middle Common Room.
Blackfriars Hall is unable to offer accommodation or meals. Although dedicated office space is not available, visitors are able to use the Hall’s well-equipped research room, which has workspace and IT facilities. Visitors may also make use of the Library, which boasts 35,000 volumes, principally works of Theology and Philosophy.
Fees
Fees for academic visitors to the Hall are £300 per term; there may be an additional fee for visitors working with one of the research institutes.
Language requirements
Although the Hall does not require applicants to take a test in English, those whose first language is not English should ensure that they meet the standard required by Oxford University. Guidance is available on the University website: Required standard of English.
Visa requirements
It is the responsibility of applicants from outside the United Kingdom to ensure that they have obtained appropriate visas to carry out research in the University before arrival in Oxford. The Academic Registrar will require evidence that applicants have the right to enter and stay in the United Kingdom.
Application
To apply for a place as a Visiting Research Scholar or a Graduate Visitor, send an outline of your research proposal, together with a current curriculum vitae, to the Academic Registrar. If the Moderators of the Hall approve your application in principle, you will be asked to nominate a referee who can comment on your current or recent research activity.
Mrs Jayne Chivers
Academic Registrar
Blackfriars Hall
St Giles’
Oxford
OX1 3LY.