The NIHR INSIGHT Programme for the West Midlands studentships 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.
The studentships can be undertaken full-time or part-time, depending on the course and the university chosen. The studentship will pay for your tuition fees for the advertised duration of your course. It will also provide you with a tax-free stipend of £20,780 pro rate (so £10,390 per year if you study part-time). This can be paid to you or your employer. See further information below.
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:
Please note that the NIHR INSIGHT Programme for the West Midlands is only open to candidates who are eligible to be considered as home students and hold a registration with the regulatory bodies, or can demonstrate that you are working towards this, by the time you commence your chosen course.
*This typically refers to 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. If you have questions about your eligibility, please email: INSIGHT@contacts.bham.ac.uk.
Before you apply, you might like to attend one of our webinars to find out more about the NIHR INSIGHT studentship and the different programmes. At the webinars you will hear about:
You can sign up to your preferred webinar time by clicking here. Even if you are unable to attend, please sign up and we will make the recording available to you.
For the 2026/27 academic year, the NIHR INSIGHT programme for the West Midlands is delivered in partnership with Aston University, Birmingham City University, Coventry University, Keele University, University of Birmingham, University of Staffordshire, and University of Warwick.
There are 30 places available in total across the seven partner organisations.
Applications for September 2026 entry courses are open and the application form can be downloaded here (Word document).
Please return your completed application to INSIGHT@contacts.bham.ac.uk by Monday 30 March 2026 by 10:00am.
Please come along to one of our webinars (noted above), or sign up to receive a recording before you make your application.
Application for funding via an INSIGHT studentship does not guarantee you a place on your chosen course.
You must apply via the normal admissions process for the course you wish to follow. We encourage you to apply for INSIGHT funding and your chosen course simultaneously.
The NIHR INSIGHT Engagement Programme for the West Midlands highlights the outstanding research training and development opportunities available to undergraduate students in healthcare and social work. These opportunities will focus on both current and future prospects in the region.
Led by the Impact Accelerator Unit at Keele University, the programme will feature a series of webinars designed to introduce students to research and potential careers in research, offering valuable insights into these fields.
Please visit the engagement programme site to access recordings of past webinars and sign up for those coming up.
Topics include:
NIHR INSIGHT Programmes for the West Midlands studentships are intended for newly qualified or early career professionals who have recently completed a programme leading to registration with one of the listed regulatory bodies. This includes:
Whether you are studying full-time or part-time, it is your responsibility to ensure compliance with HM Revenue and Customs Income Tax laws if you undertake additional paid work alongside receiving your tax-free stipend payment.
Those eligible for the NIHR INSIGHT Programme for the West Midlands includes:
In addition Clinical Research Practitioners (CRPs) who have registered with Academy of Healthcare Scientists or will have registered by the time they would register for a course included in the programme may be considered eligible.
Note Doctors and Dentists are not eligible for the NIHR INSIGHT Programme for the West Midlands