INSIGHT Programme: inspiring students into research

The INSIGHT Programme funds a wide range of engagement activities and research Masters places. The engagement activities and Masters places are for current students and recent graduates within registered healthcare, social work and public health professions.

The INSIGHT Programme is led by participating institutions across 12 regions in England. These opportunities showcase the range of research careers available and can help equip you with the skills and training to undertake research. This includes careers combining research and practice.

About the INSIGHT Programme

We have awarded 3 years of funding to institutions with Masters places starting in the autumn of 2024, 2025 and 2026. Each year, up to 30 research Masters places are available in each region. More than 300 opportunities are available across England.

We have funded 12 INSIGHT Programmes for 3 years to deliver:

  • engagement activities that attract people into research and showcase the benefits of research careers
  • places on fully-funded Masters courses that will develop your research skills and experience

Who can apply?

Professions

The research Masters places and opportunities are open to students and recent graduates from a diverse group of professions including:

  • nurses and midwives
  • allied health professionals comprising of:
    • art, music and drama therapists
    • dieticians
    • occupational therapists
    • operating department practitioners
    • orthoptists
    • osteopaths
    • paramedics
    • physiotherapists
    • podiatrists
    • prosthetists and orthotists
    • diagnostic and therapeutic radiographers
    • speech and language therapists
  • pharmacists
  • healthcare scientists 
  • registered social work professionals 
  • registered public health professionals

Alternatives for doctors and dentists

The INSIGHT Programme is not available to doctors and dentists. If that’s you, you could consider alternative Masters-level opportunities:

Eligibility

To be eligible to apply, you’ll need to be:

  • an undergraduate student, postgraduate student, or early career professional
  • working towards or have recently completed your professional registration with one of the approved regulatory bodies (not including 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

Experienced health and care professionals

The INSIGHT Programme is for students and professionals at an early stage of their practitioner career. If you are at a more advanced stage of your registered profession, and are looking to start your career in research, the NIHR offers a number of other predoctoral funding opportunities.

The Clinician Researcher Credentials Framework provides Masters level qualifications for experienced healthcare practitioners from all professional backgrounds who want to take on leadership roles in clinical research delivery.

Explore NIHR support and information tailored to your profession

How to apply

You’ll apply to your chosen research Masters programme or engagement opportunity through the INSIGHT Programme within your region.

Organisations currently offering INSIGHT Programmes

INSIGHT Programmes are collaborations between higher education institutions (HEIs), NHS trusts, local authorities or other providers of health and/or care services. 

Map showing research Masters places in England

The institutions offering research Masters places within each region are:

Region Lead organisation Partners
A. North East and North Cumbria Northumbria University Newcastle University, Teesside University
B. Yorkshire and Humber University of Leeds University of York, University of Sheffield, University of Bradford
C. North West University of Central Lancashire University of Manchester, University of Liverpool, Lancaster University
D. East Midlands University of Nottingham De Montfort University
E. West Midlands University of Birmingham

Aston University, Birmingham City University, Coventry University,

Staffordshire University, University of Keele, University of Warwick

F. East of England University of Essex University of Hertfordshire
G. North London City, University of London Queen Mary University of London, University of East London
H. South London King’s College London London South Bank University, St George's, University of London
I. South Central University of Southampton Oxford Brookes University, University of Winchester, University of Portsmouth, Solent University
J. South East University of Brighton University of Chichester, University of Kent
K. South West Central University of the West of England Bournemouth University
L. South West Peninsula University of Plymouth University of Exeter

Contact us

Contact us if you have any queries.
Call us on 0113 532 8444 or email us.