About Modern Languages Writers & Translators in Residence Programme

Writer and Translator in Residence

Launched in 2017, the Writers and Translators in Residence programme is intended to bring a practice-based perspective to the School’s teaching and research.

The School aims to host each semester one writer, translator, or cultural producer working in any of the languages taught in the School. 

Nominations

Nominations should be made early in the semester preceding the proposed start of the residency.

Staff who are considering making a nomination are encouraged to speak with the Research Events Coordinator in the first instance.

Nominations should be submitted as a one-page statement outlining the form that the residency would take and the activities to which the proposed Writer in Residence would contribute. Nominations will be considered by the Research Committee who will approve the residency term and commitments.

Residency term and commitments

The residency term must be approved by the Research Committee. The residency might take the form of a continuous stay of between one and three weeks. Alternatively, it might take the form of a number of shorter visits over the semester equivalent to a stay of between one and three weeks.

Writers in Residence are expected to make an active contribution to the academic life of the School. In addition to working on their current project, Writers in Residence are expected to undertake the following commitments:

  • participation in at least one research-related event
  • participation in at least one student-facing event
  • production of at least one creative output – for example, a blog of their residency

Where possible, the hosting department should also consider ways to facilitate the participation of the Writer in Residence in regular School events such as Byre World or a School/department research away day.

Payments

Each Writer in Residence receives a fee.

Travel, accommodation, and subsistence

In the first instance, the payment must be used to cover travel and accommodation expenses arising from the Writer in Residence’s visit(s) to St Andrews. All expenses must be in accordance with the Expenses Policy.

If the residency involves international travel or travel costs exceeding £300, the travel must be booked through the School Office.

The University does not actively encourage the use of Airbnb or similar accommodation as there are no regulations to ensure properties are safe. However, Airbnb or similar accommodation may be used. Such accommodation must not be paid for in cash – cash transactions with Airbnb or other providers could be construed as aiding and abetting tax evasion by a third party which is a criminal offence under the Criminal Finances Act (2017). The University will not facilitate cash transactions for Airbnb. Payment must be made via an invoice and not through an expenses claim.

Writers in Residence may not claim expenses for subsistence costs.

Honorarium

Any remaining funds after travel and accommodation expenses have been covered are payable directly to the Writer in Residence as an honorarium.

Honoraria will be paid after the end date of the residency term and are subject to completion of all commitments associated with the residency. No payment can be made to the Writer in Residence unless a right to work check has been completed.

Please note that honoraria may be subject to statutory deductions. The University is not able under any circumstances to pay cash gifts or make a payment in kind.

Immigration requirements

The School Office is not able to advise on immigration requirements for Writers in Residence who do not hold a UK or Irish passport.

A right to work check must be completed on or before the start of the residency – no honorarium can be paid to the Writer in Residence unless a right to work check has been completed. Please speak with the School Office for advice on how to complete a right to work check.

Permitted paid engagement route

The permitted paid engagement route can be used by visitors who do not hold a UK or Irish passport and who are coming to the UK in a professional capacity to undertake a one-off paid engagement relating to the visitor’s primary occupation or qualifications/expertise. It may therefore be suitable for Writers in Residence who do not hold a UK or Irish passport.

Visitors entering the UK under the permitted paid engagement route may remain in the UK for up to one month; that period cannot be extended. Writers in Residence intending to use the permitted paid engagement route should consult the UK Government advice for permitted paid engagement visitors. In particular, they should:

  • Check that they meet the eligibility criteria to enter the UK under the permitted paid engagement route.
  • Check whether they will need to apply for a permitted paid engagement visitors visa before travelling to the UK. The UK Government online visa check tool can be used to check whether a visa is needed. Most EU nationals will not need a visitor visa. If a visitor visa is not needed, the visitor must still have their passport endorsed when they enter the UK.

Writers in Residence intending to use the permitted paid engagement route must hold a letter of invitation that confirms the nature of the engagement and how this relates to the visitor’s primary occupation or qualifications/expertise. Letters of invitation can be prepared by the School Office.

A right to work check is not needed for visitors entering the UK under the permitted paid engagement route. However, an immigration status check must be completed. This is done in the same way as an in person right to work check and, like a right to work check, must be completed on or before the start of the residency. Please speak with the School Office for advice on how to complete an immigration status check.