Application deadline: Monday 4 May 2026
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.
Eligibility
All applicants
- 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). See below for specific Public Health requirements.
- Have the support of your employer (if employed) to release you for the duration of your studies.
- Have completed your degree (if currently studying) and had your marks ratified at exam board by the time of registering for the academic programme.
- Be living, studying, or working in the East Midlands.
Additional criteria
Research Methods (Health) MA and Social Research (Health) MSc
You must:
- Be a non-medical health care professional on the list of . If your profession is not listed, you are not eligible to apply for this programme.
- Have an active professional registration if you are qualified. New graduates must apply for registration as soon as possible.
Master of Public Health (Health Research)
You must:
- Be a Public Health professional, already be employed in a public health role.
- Have no more than five years of experience.
- An indicative commitment to apply for UKPHR within 10 years.
If you are unsure if your profession is eligible, please contact em-insight@nottingham.ac.uk for advice.
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 糖心原创
Eligible courses at De Montfort University
The studentships are available on both a 1 year full-time and 2 year part-time basis.
You will receive:
- UKRI Rate Stipend: For full-time study, the studentship offers an annual stipend of at least £20,780 (2025-26), paid in instalments directly to the student, or through participating organisations*. For part-time study, successful applicants will receive 50% of the stipend per year, also paid in instalments, over a two-year period. This may be paid directly to the student, or through participating organisations*.Fully funded course fees.
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‘INSIGHT’ Research Visits: You will be offered the opportunity to participate in research visits to research active areas.
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Mentorship: You will be offered the opportunity to connect with an academic mentor.
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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, and PPIE.
*As part of the NIHR INSIGHT Programme, the stipend may be paid through an organisation, subject to the employer’s agreement to participate. The stipend is intended as a fixed contribution towards the applicant’s salary or wages during their participation. This is based on the UKRI stipend rate for 2025/26. It is not backfill funding and will not cover the full equivalent of the individual’s salary. The stipend recognises the student’s time and commitment to the funded activity and is designed to support their engagement without altering existing employment arrangements. Information can be found in the Manager's Guide within the FAQs document.
How to apply
Application process
The application for an NIHR INSIGHT Programme for the East Midlands Studentship is a 2-step process which can be completed in tandem.
Step 1
All applicants must complete the following:
- The NIHR INSIGHT for the East Midlands Scholarship Application Form Part One
- The NIHR INSIGHT for the East Midlands Scholarship Application Form Part Two
- 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.
Step 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: Monday 4 May 2026
Register for application form
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 1 December 2025
Application closing date: Monday 4 May 2026
Outcome for written application: Thursday 21 May 2026
Interviews will take place between: from Monday 8 June to Friday 19 June 2026
Outcome of interviews fundable/not fundable: Wednesday 25 June 2026
Confirmation of funding (funded/not funded): Thursday 26 June 2026
Start date
Academic year Autumn 2026/2027. Registration and induction for academic programmes will be at the end of September/beginning October (university dependent).
More information
for additional information.
If you still have questions contact the team at HS-EM-INSIGHT@exmail.nottingham.ac.uk
Contact details
Offered by National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) and EM.INSIGHT
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