Research Internship opportunities

Developing a research skilled workforce in the southwest – Internship, Degree/Masters, and Developing Research Leader Programme opportunities

Please see details of a range of Research Internship opportunities for consideration for registered health and social care professionals.

Paid NIHR (National Institute for Health and Care Research) Internships

The NIHR HCP Internship Programme offers registered health and social care professionals the opportunity to develop their knowledge and skills in research and so is an ideal scheme for many health and care professionals in the south west.

The programme is designed to support health and care professionals to get involved in research, build experience in research delivery, and begin developing their own research projects. Each intern is supported with a personalised training plan tailored to their individual development and learning needs.

SW Central Internship offer

(Bath/Bristol/Gloucestershire, North Somerset, Wiltshire, Dorset)

Applications close on May 25th this year for the south west central area (Bath/Bristol/Gloucestershire, North Somerset, Wiltshire, Dorset).

Further information about the programme can be found:

• On the website: NIHR Health and Care Professionals Internships Programme – South West Central – NIHR Programmes Sou…
• There is a recording of a previous webinar on the above website.

NIHR HCP Internships – South West Central ​

• NIHR Health and Care Professionals Internships Programme – South West Central – NIHR Programmes South West Central Research Development for Health and Care Professionals  

Paid master’s in research degrees opportunities

These NIHR offers are organised via two consortia in the south west: south west central and south west peninsula. Different degrees are on offer, and people can apply from across the region to any of the universities. Courses are full time and part time.

INSIGHT programme INSIGHT Programme: inspiring students into research | NIHR

Studentships will support fees and a stipend to study a research master’s qualification via a full time or part time route for registered healthcare, social work, and public health professions.

NIHR INSIGHT Research Masters studentships South West Peninsula

• University of Plymouth and Exeter University
• NIHR INSIGHT South West Peninsula research studentships – ARC South West
• Open for applications until 5pm 31^st May 2026

NIHR Developing Research Leader Programme | APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN

We are excited to announce the launch of the NIHR Developing Research Leader (DRL) Programme for Nurses, Midwives and Allied Health Professionals (AHPs). 

• This is a unique opportunity for Nurses, Midwives and AHPs to develop their research leadership skills and embed a positive research culture within their organisations. 
• We will be hosting some drop-in sessions for application support during the process, if you receive any queries from applicants with specific questions, please signpost them to this inbox.

Are you a Nurse, Midwife or AHP committed to leading and supporting others to embed research in health and care practice?

• Do you have a good understanding of research?
• Doyou aspire to develop your research leadership skills and promote an inclusive research culture?

If so, the NIHR Developing Research Leader (DRL) Programme for Nurses, Midwives and AHPs could be an excellent fit for you.

• The programme offers you the opportunity to lead research capacity and capability initiatives in your organisation.
• You will use your knowledge, skills, and personal experiences to motivate and enable others to get involved in research activities that help improve health and care outcomes.
• As a DRL, you will receive guidance and practical support as you pioneer research leadership activities.
  This opportunity is open to all Nurses, Midwives and AHPs who meet the DRL eligibility criteria, regardless of current band/grade or salary, and can demonstrate a passion for embedding research in health and care settings.
• Visit our website to learn more about the programme and stay informed about the application process. 
• Please also come along to our upcoming information webinar! To book your place simply fill out this form and you will receive a calendar invite to join a webinar: https://www.nihr.ac.uk/developing-research-leaders-webinar-sign-form?token=c6094abf4816e12c126de71b865a7e616e735f4290271892be103f75736cf3ad.
• Managers who wish to support team members in applying are also welcome.

For any questions, please contact drl@nihr.ac.uk