The National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) is funding ‘INSIGHT: Inspiring Students into Research’, an innovative three-year programme starting in Summer 2024. This initiative is part of the NIHR Academy’s portfolio aimed at developing a highly skilled research workforce capable of advancing health and care research, benefiting society and the economy.
About NIHR INSIGHT South West Central
The NIHR INSIGHT programme for South West Central is one of 12 regional programmes, a collaboration between the University of the West of England (UWE Bristol) and Bournemouth University. Together, they host 6,000 pre-registration and 4,000 post-registration students across more than 15 health and care professions. The South West Central region includes:
- Gloucestershire
- Bristol, North Somerset, and South Gloucestershire
- Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon, and Wiltshire
- Dorset
The programme aims to build collaborative partnerships and student networks across the region, involving over 20 co-collaborators from health and social care providers and NIHR organisations.
Who the Programme is For
The NIHR INSIGHT programme is designed for undergraduate or postgraduate students working towards registration and early career professionals registered with one of the following regulatory bodies (excluding doctors and dentists):
- Academy for Healthcare Science
- General Chiropractic Council
- General Dental Council
- General Medical Council
- General Optical Council
- General Osteopathic Council
- General Pharmaceutical Council
- Health and Care Professions Council
- Nursing and Midwifery Council
- Social Work England
- UK Public Health Register
This includes nurses, midwives, allied health professionals, pharmacists, healthcare scientists, social workers, and public health professionals.
What the NIHR INSIGHT Programme Provides
- A series of activities for students and early career health and care professionals to become more familiar with research and its delivery, enhancing their practice careers and showcasing research careers.
- 30 Research Masters studentships annually in the South West Central region funded by NIHR INSIGHT for the next three years.
The first round of Research Masters studentships is open for applications to start in September 2024. The closing date is extended to 5pm, Wednesday 14th August 2024.
Research Masters Studentships for South West Central funded by the NIHR INSIGHT Programme
These competitive awards are for newly qualified and early career health and care professionals with up to 5 years of practice experience. The studentships cover tuition fees and provide a tax-free stipend at the UKRI rate (£19,237 for full-time study and £9,619 for part-time study in 2024-2025). Both full-time and part-time studentships are available.
Who is Eligible to Apply
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Working towards or registered with one of the listed regulatory bodies.
- Newly graduated or with up to five years of practice experience as a registered health or care professional.
- Planning to apply and study for a Masters in Research Health and Care Research at UWE Bristol or Bournemouth University.
- Typically, a Bachelors honours degree of 2:1 or above in a relevant subject is required. Equivalent qualifications or at least 12 months of relevant professional experience may also be considered.
- For non-native English speakers, an IELTS (Academic) score of 7.0 minimum is required.
Research Masters Programmes
UWE Bristol MRes Health and Care Research
Programme Lead: Dr. Mwidimi Ndosi (mwidimi.ndosi@uwe.ac.uk)
The programme provides formal training in health and care research methodologies and methods, applied to inform practice and policy. It includes compulsory modules (150 credits) and optional modules (30 credits), using a student-centred blended learning approach.
Bournemouth University MRes
Programme Lead: Dr. Leslie Gelling (lgelling@bournemouth.ac.uk)
This flexible, student-oriented programme enhances research capacity and leadership, offering opportunities to work with external stakeholders and a strong support system.
How to Apply
The first round of applications is open now to start in September 2024. Both application forms must be received by 5pm, Wednesday 14th August 2024.
- Complete the online application form for a Research Masters studentship.
- Complete the online admissions application form for your preferred research Masters programme at UWE Bristol or Bournemouth University.
The Selection Process
Candidates will be selected for an interview based on their application forms. Online interviews will be arranged, and recipients of the Research Masters Studentships will be selected by a South West Central selection panel.
For more information and application, please visit HERE
Closing date extended: 5pm, Wednesday 14th August 2024