The titles of Honorary Professor, Honorary Professor of Practice, Honorary Senior Lecturer and Honorary Lecturer are awarded to recognise and reward an agreed contribution to the teaching and/or research of the University, or input through professional standing, in the interests of the University.

Further information about the Honorary title process can be found on the Academic Affairs website.

The titles of Visiting Scholar and Visiting Student are awarded to facilitate research collaborations and to enhance academic ties and research networks. Below you will find the criteria for these titles and information on the application process.

Visiting Titles may be conferred on individuals who are working on University premises and/or in collaboration with University staff for a fixed period of time.

Visiting Student

What is a Visiting Student?

The Visiting Student title enables current registered students from another institution to spend a period of time at the University to conduct research as part of their own studies, or as a research placement/internship. Candidates must have an assigned supervisor within Queen’s.

Am I Eligible?

The School of Biological Sciences welcomes applications from current registered students at other Universities and institutions, across all levels of study. The Visiting Student title is not applicable to Doctoral Training Partnership students from other institutions.

How long can I visit for?

The title can be conferred initially for a maximum period of one year and can be renewed on an annual basis, up to the end of your registration at your home institution. Renewals are subject to the agreement of the School and students must re-apply to extend their titles.

How can I apply?

A prospective student visitor expresses interest in a visit to the School of Biological Sciences by contacting a potential supervisor. A full list of all our academic staff is also available here.

The student then completes the Visiting Student Application Form and sends it to the School at least three weeks before the start of the visiting studentship.

International students may need to allow additional processing time for visa requirements. You must also provide a copy of your transcript or other proof of your current registration status at your home institution, and a copy of your passport and other relevant documentation with your application.

An additional consideration for students who are non-European Economic Area nationals, and who wish to apply for a Visiting Student title for any duration in certain subject areas, is the requirement to apply for clearance under the Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS). ATAS clearance must be obtained before application to immigration for visas.

Important to Know

• Upon accepting your Visiting Student title, you are signing up to the Terms and Conditions for Holders of Honorary Status.
• Visiting Students will not be a registered student at Queen’s University Belfast and will receive no credit or qualification from the University.
• You will not be remunerated by Queen’s University Belfast.
• A bench fee may be charged.

Visiting Scholar

The School of Biological Sciences also hosts Visiting Scholars from around the world. This facilitates academics, researchers and practitioners visiting from other HEIs who wish to conduct research with Queen’s staff. Candidates must hold a doctorate, or another relevant higher degree and are required to be working in collaboration with, or under supervision of a member of University academic staff.

Application Process

All applicants who wish to be considered for a Visiting Scholar position must be nominated by a member of academic staff in the School. The nominating staff member must complete the Visiting Scholar Nomination Form (link here) for recommendation by the Head of School and onward approval by Academic Affairs.

Completed forms should be returned to SBSIGFSVRT@qub.ac.uk

Please visit here for additional information on both Honorary and Visiting Titles.

If you have a query regarding the above, please contact SBSIGFSVRT@qub.ac.uk.