University of Oxford Bodleian Visiting Fellowships 2027–2028: Up to £2,200 Monthly for Research Visits

University of Oxford Bodleian Visiting Fellowships 2027–2028: Up to £2,200 Monthly for Research Visits

The University of Oxford’s Bodleian Libraries is inviting applications for its 2027–2028 Visiting Fellowships in Special Collections, offering researchers an opportunity to conduct original research using its extensive archives, manuscripts and rare printed books in Oxford, United Kingdom.

The fellowships support research visits lasting at least one month. Eligible applicants can receive up to £2,200 per month towards eligible research visit costs, subject to the scheme’s terms and conditions.

Applications close on 27 November 2026 at 5:00 pm GMT. Researchers from outside the University of Oxford are encouraged to apply.

About the Bodleian Visiting Fellowships

The Bodleian Visiting Fellowships support research projects that require access to the Bodleian Libraries’ unique special collections, including materials held at the Weston Library.

Researchers may be invited to present their work formally or informally within the University of Oxford or the Bodleian Libraries. Fellows are also encouraged to consider publishing their findings in the Bodleian Library Record.

The programme welcomes applications from academically affiliated and independent postdoctoral researchers, including professionals working in libraries, museums, archives and other institutions that hold collections.

Available Fellowship Opportunities

The 2027–2028 programme includes several specialist fellowships:

• African Studies Visiting Fellowship: For scholars affiliated with a university in Sub-Saharan Africa researching the history of the region using African and Commonwealth archives.
• Albi Rosenthal Visiting Fellowship in Music: Supports research using the Bodleian’s music manuscripts and printed music collections.
• Ann Ball Bodley Visiting Fellowship in Women’s History: Supports research on women’s history across geographical regions and historical periods.
• Bahari Visiting Fellowship in the Persian Arts of the Book: Supports research using Persian and Islamic collections.
• Byrne-Bussey Marconi Visiting Fellowship: Supports research on the history of science, technology, communication and business innovation.
• Carr-Thomas-Ovenden Visiting Fellowship: Supports English literature research, with preference for projects concerning the Romantic period.
• David Walker Memorial Visiting Fellowship: Supports research in early modern history.
• Humfrey Wanley Visiting Fellowship: Supports research using rare books and manuscripts.
• Lewis Carroll Visiting Fellowship: Supports research relating to Lewis Carroll and his interests.
• Queen Jadwiga Visiting Fellowship in Polish Studies: Supports research on Polish culture and history.
• Richard Sharpe Memorial Visiting Fellowship: Supports research using manuscripts from the Canonici Collection.
• Sassoon Visiting Fellowship: Supports research in any field using the Bodleian’s special collections.
• Sassoon Visiting Fellowship in South Asian and Black History: Supports research on South Asian, African and Caribbean diasporas.
• John Sayers Visiting Fellowship: Supports research using printed ephemera collections.
• Yosef Wosk Visiting Fellowship in Hebraica and Judaica: Supports research using Hebrew, Jewish and related collections.

A separate Peter Selley Visiting Fellowship offers £2,500 for eligible members of the rare-book and manuscript trades.

Fellowship Benefits

Successful applicants may receive:

• Up to £2,200 per month towards eligible research visit costs, unless otherwise specified.
• Access to specialised archival, manuscript and rare-book collections.
• Opportunities to engage with researchers and the wider Oxford academic community.
• Opportunities to develop research outputs, publications and future collaborations.

Visits must last at least one month and take place during the fellowship year, which runs from 1 August to 31 July. The award is a visiting research fellowship, not employment. Applicants are responsible for arranging their own accommodation and securing any required UK visa.

Eligibility Requirements

Applications are open to postdoctoral researchers at any academic level, including independent scholars and researchers employed by collection-holding institutions.

Current doctoral students must have submitted their thesis before the application deadline and obtained their doctorate before beginning the fellowship.

Selection considers the need to consult specific Bodleian collections, the applicant’s potential contribution to the research community and the fellowship’s value to their research career. Individual fellowships may have additional eligibility requirements.

How to Apply

Applicants must complete the online application form and email the following documents as separate PDFs to fellowships@bodleian.ox.ac.uk:

1. A curriculum vitae of no more than three pages.
2. A research project description of up to 1,200 words.
3. A detailed list of the specific Bodleian materials to be consulted.
4. Two tailored letters of recommendation.

The project description should explain the research’s significance, why access to Bodleian collections is necessary, intended outputs and plans for engagement with the Oxford research community.

APPLY ON THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE

Researchers should review the official eligibility criteria and fellowship terms before applying.

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