National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) INSIGHT Programme

What is the NIHR INSIGHT Programme?

The NIHR INSIGHT: Inspiring Students into Research Programme funds a wide range of engagement activities and research masters training opportunities for students and recent graduates within registered healthcare, social work and public health professions. It takes place across 12 regions in England and is led by the participating institutions within each region.

You must:

• Be a home student for tuition fees purposes.
• Be a new graduate (you must complete your studies prior to September in the academic year you are applying for) or recent graduate (up to 5 years FTE) *Please see below points for Public Health requirements
• Be a non-medical health care professional on the list* of HEE/NIHR ICA. programme approved regulatory bodies on the NIHR website. *If your profession is not listed, you are not eligible to apply for this program. Your professional registration must be active if you are qualified. Public health professionals must already be employed in a public health role, with no more than five years of experience, and an indicative commitment to apply for UKPHR within 10 years.
• Have the support of your employer (if employed) to release you for the duration of your studies.
• Have completed your degree (if currently studying) by the time of registering for the academic programme.
• Be living, studying, or working in the East Midlands.

What is on offer?

The NIHR INSIGHT Programme for the East Midlands provides the chance to pursue Master's level research training in the East Midlands. Applicants can choose to apply for:

Eligible courses at the University of Nottingham

• Research Methods (Health) MA (MARM)

• Master of Public Health (Health Research) MPH

Eligible courses at De Montfort University

• Social Research (Health) MSc (MSRH)

The studentships are available on both a full-time and part-time basis.

You will receive:

• UKRI Rate Stipend: For full-time study, the studentship offers an annual stipend of at least £19,237, paid in instalments. For part-time study, you will receive 50% of the stipend per year, also paid in instalments, over a two-year period.

• Fully funded course fees.

• ‘INSIGHT’ Research Visits: Visits to research sites will be arranged for students in all programmes, offering firsthand experience and exposure to various areas of research.

• Mentorship: Each student will be paired with a mentor - an experienced researcher who can offer support and guidance on a 1-2-1 basis.

• Skill Development: The NIHR INSIGHT Programme will also provide access to additional research training necessary for success in developing, delivering, and disseminating research, including skills like writing and publishing research.

Application process:

The application for an NIHR INSIGHT Programme for the East Midlands Studentship is a 2-part process which can be completed in tandem:

Part 1:

All applicants must complete the following.

1. The NIHR INSIGHT for the East Midlands Scholarship Application Form Part 1

1. The NIHR INSIGHT for the East Midlands Scholarship Application Form Part 2

1. Confirmation of employer support: The NIHR INSIGHT for the East Midlands Managerial Support Form will be provided directly to your Line Manager for completion. This must be submitted prior to interview.

Part 2:

All applicants must apply directly to the university offering the Master's programme they wish to pursue. The same personal statement may be used for both applications; however, please ensure you mention in your Master's programme application that you have also applied for the NIHR INSIGHT Programme for the East Midlands Scholarship.

Closing date for applications: Thursday 1 May 2025

Please REGISTER HERE  to express your interest and receive an application form, along with essential application guidance. 

Application criteria:

Have a 2:1 or more achieved at undergraduate degree (predicted/currently achieving if still studying) or 60% or more at Master’s level (currently achieving if still studying and doesn't meet UG academic requirements) or able to demonstrate equivalence (to be discussed on a case-by-case basis with the project lead). 

Application timeline:

Application opening date: Monday 3 February 2025

Application closing date: Thursday 1 May 2025

Outcome for written application: Thursday 22 May 2025

Interviews will take place between: Monday 9 June – Friday 20 June 2025

Outcome of interviews: Wednesday 25 June 2025

Start date:

Academic year Autumn 2025/2026. Registration and induction for academic programmes will be at the end of September/beginning October (university dependent).

Any questions? Please read our FAQs PDF.

For more information, please contact HS-EM-INSIGHT@exmail.nottingham.ac.uk