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. If you study full-time, the studentship will cover your course fees and currently you will receive an annual stipend of £19,237, paid in instalments. If you study part-time, your course fees will be covered for two years, and you will receive 50% of the stipend, which will also be paid in instalments.
For the 2025/26 academic year, the NIHR INSIGHT programme for the West Midlands is delivered in partnership with Birmingham City University, University of Birmingham, Coventry University, Keele University, University of Staffordshire, and University of Warwick.
There are a total of five full time places available at Keele and Warwick universities, and 25 part-time places available across all six partner universities.
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 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. If you have questions about your eligibility, please email: INSIGHT@contacts.bham.ac.uk.
Applications for September 2025 entry courses are now open and application form can be downloaded here (Word document).
Please return your completed application to INSIGHT@contacts.bham.ac.uk by Monday 12 May 2025.
Prior to the application deadline we will be holding a series of webinars about the programme, the universities involved in the scheme, and the courses that form part of the NIHR INSIGHT programme for the West Midlands. Opportunity to ask questions will be available.
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.
NIHR INSIGHT Programme for the West Midlands studentships cover tuition fees and provide a maintenance stipend to support with your living costs. Currently full-time students receive a tax-free stipend of £19,237 per annum, paid in regular instalments by your host Higher Education Institution (HEI). Part-time students receive 50% of this amount, also paid in regular instalments.
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:
We understand that some individuals may not fit neatly into these categories due to personal circumstances, such as taking a career break or needing to complete a specific period in practice for regulatory reasons. If you are unsure about your eligibility, please contact the INSIGHT team for advice at INSIGHT@contacts.bham.ac.uk.
Those completing a full-time NIHR INSIGHT Programme for the West Midlands Studentship study will be expected to complete their research masters degree within 12 months. You will receive the full stipend in instalments over that period. We recognise full-time students may want to undertake paid work – we would recommend that you do undertake more than the equivalent to one day/shift per week of additional paid employment during your studentship so you can concentrate on your studies and you can successfully complete the requirements of your course and engage in the regional NIHR INSIGHT community.
If studying part-time, you are expected to complete your NIHR INSIGHT Programme for the West Midlands studentship within two years. The stipend will be paid proportionally over this period. It is recommended you do not take on more than 0.6 FTE (three days a week) of additional paid employment to ensure you have enough time to focus on your studies and participate actively in the regional NIHR INSIGHT community.
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