NIHR INSIGHT - Inspiring Students into Research
NIHR INSIGHT Programme: Inspiring Students into Research
The Warwick INSIGHT Programme
Warwick’s INSIGHT programme offers health and care professionals an NIHR-funded opportunity to pursue a research training course, leading to a Master’s qualification at the University of Warwick. Successful applicants will benefit from studying at a Top 10 Russell Group University with Triple Gold TEF ratings for teaching. They will have access to state-of-the-art facilities and learn from expert faculty members who work at the forefront of their health and care specialisms.
About the NIHR INSIGHT programme
The University of Warwick is part of the West Midlands INSIGHT programme to encourage health and care professionals into research careers and/or integrate research into their professional practice. We work with local NHS and local authority partners and other higher education institutions in the West Midlands to deliver the INSIGHT programme.
Studentships are available through the programme to newly qualified or early career healthcare, social workers and public health professionals (excluding medical and dental professionals). The INSIGHT studentship will provide you with valuable research training. You'll expand your understanding and develop knowledge and skills so you can ultimately join the research workforce needed to support high quality research that improves health and care, and benefits society and the economy.
Funding
The studentships can be pursued either full time or part time, depending on the course chosen. If you study full time, the studentship will cover your course fees and provide an annual stipend. If you study part time, your course fees will be covered for two years, and you will receive 50% of the stipend.
As part of the programme, you will also be able to access additional opportunities for research engagement and training.
Courses available
Three courses are available to study with an NIHR INSIGHT studentship at the University of Warwick, all hosted within Warwick Medical School. You can find out more about these courses on the pages below. All the courses provide excellent opportunity to develop your research skills and prepare you for a career that involves health and care research.
Meet the Warwick NIHR INSIGHT Leads
"Working with clinicians and healthcare practitioners to develop impactful research is at the heart of what we do at Warwick Medical School. We're delighted that this programme will expand opportunities to work with a wider range of health and social care professionals for whom research has not been such a traditional trajectory. Research is an important part of enhancing professional practice and developing the evidence-base behind decision-making, and this programme will help foster those skills at an individual level, as well as encourage a more multi-disciplinary approach to addressing complex health and care issues in society.
If you are an early career health or care professional motivated to make a difference through research we would really like to receive an application from you. We encourage you to look at the three courses on offer at Warwick through the programme, to see which best suits your needs and interests. We look forward to working with you and supporting you on your research journey."
"As health and care professionals we're always looking for opportunities to improve the care we provide. There are now more opportunities to improve care through research than ever before and this is reflected in the range of research careers available. The NIHR INSIGHT Programme at Warwick provides the opportunity and support for you as a health and care professional to take the first steps in your research career at a medical school with a track record of world leading research. The courses we offer provide flexibility for busy professionals to balance their studies with their work and personal lives including options for full time, part time, and online learning. Please get in touch if you want to know more"
What can you expect as a Warwick INSIGHT student?
- Funded Master's Programme: Your programme fees and a stipend will be covered, supporting your development as a researcher in your chosen field.
- High-Quality Supervision: Receive guidance from experts in your discipline and research methods.
- Interdisciplinary Learning: Engage in diverse learning opportunities that encourage innovative thinking beyond your primary discipline.
- Community Involvement: Join the INSIGHT West Midlands regional community of practice, providing a supportive environment for your growth as an emerging researcher.
- Practical Experience: Build a portfolio of experiences to deepen your understanding of real-world research delivery.
- Career Development: Participate in activities and opportunities at Warwick that promote a research career.
- Ambassador Opportunities: Act as a representative to support others interested in the NIHR INSIGHT programme.
- Employer Support: Receive backing from NHS or social care employers to help pave the way for your future research career.
Who can apply for the programme?
To be eligible to apply you should be close to completing your professional training or have recently (normally five years* or less) registered with one of the following regulatory bodies:
- Academy for Healthcare Science
- General Chiropractic Council
- General Dental Council (not dentists)
- General Medical Council (not doctors)
- 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
Please note that the INSIGHT programme is only open to candidates who are eligible to be considered as home students and hold a registration with the regulatory bodies by the time you commence your chosen course.
*This typically includes individuals with five years of professional experience. However, we understand there may be cases where applicants have taken a career break, time off for caring responsibilities, or need to complete professional requirements. Therefore, if you are still in the early stages of your career but it has been more than five years since your registration, you may still be eligible to apply. The University of Birmingham is the lead partner for the West Midlands programme. If you have questions about your eligibility, please email INSIGHT@contacts.bham.ac.uk.
Find out more and apply
Where do I find out more?
You can email Dr Jenny Harlock jenny.harlock@warwick.ac.uk and Dr Mike Backhouse michael.backhouse@warwick.ac.uk who lead the NIHR INSIGHT programme at Warwick Medical School.
You can also join the webinar series to find out more:
The West Midlands INSIGHT scheme also includes an engagement programme led by the Impact Accelerator Unit at Keele University (one of the regional partners) targeted at undergraduates and professionals who are thinking about applying for the scheme. The programme features a series of webinars designed to introduce prospective applicants to the world of research, and potential careers in research, offering valuable insights into these fields. The webinars highlight the outstanding research training and development opportunities available to undergraduate students in healthcare and social work. These opportunities focus on both current and future prospects in the region. See the webinar series here: https://www.keele.ac.uk/iau/insight/
How do I apply?
Applications for September 2025 entry are now open, with a deadline of Thursday 24 April. The application form and all the information you need can be found on this page.