NIHR INSIGHT for the West Midlands
NIHR INSIGHT for the West Midlands programme provides an NIHR funded opportunity to study a research training course leading to a Masters in one of our regional partner universities - Aston, Birmingham, Birmingham City, Coventry, Keele, Staffordshire, and Warwick. The programme is delivered in collaboration with NHS and local authority partners and is available to newly qualified or early career healthcare, social workers and public health professionals (excluding medical and dental professionals).
About the programme
The NIHR INSIGHT for the West Midlands 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 pursued either 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 provide an annual stipend of £20,780, 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.
Who can apply?
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 NIHR INSIGHT 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 first registered in another country your registration will be counted from your original registration not registration in the UK. If you have questions about your eligibility, please email INSIGHT@contacts.bham.ac.uk
INSIGHT West Midlands programmes
The INSIGHT studentship 2025/26 offers the opportunity to study at one of six universities: Birmingham, Birmingham City, Coventry, Keele, Staffordshire, or Warwick.
For the 2025/26 academic year, there are a total of five full-time places available (only at Keele and Warwick) and 25 part-time places available across all six partner universities.
Starting from the 2026/27 academic year, the participating universities will include Aston, Birmingham, Birmingham City, Coventry, Keele, Staffordshire, and Warwick.
Programmes available in 2025/26
Birmingham City University
University of Birmingham
- Clinical Health Research MRes
- Mental Health (Youth/Interdisciplinary) MSc
- Spinal Pain MRes
- MA Social Research
- Applied Health Research MSc
Coventry University
University of Keele
- Health and Care MRes (full-time and part-time available)
University of Warwick
Applications
Applications for September 2025 entry courses are now extended! You can download the application form by clicking the button below.
Please return your completed application to INSIGHT@contacts.bham.ac.uk by Tuesday 24th June 2025.
Prior to the application deadline we will be holding a webinar on Friday 13th June 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.
NIHR INSIGHT Engagement Programme for West Midlands
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.
NIHR INSIGHT Engagement Programme
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.
What you can expect as a NIHR INSIGHT for the West Midlands 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 WM 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 that promote a research career.
- Ambassador Opportunities: Act as a representative to support others interested in the NIHR INSIGHT for the West Midlands programme.
- Employer Support: Receive backing from NHS or social care employers to help pave the way for your future research career.
FAQs
What does the funding cover?
What does the funding cover?
NIHR INSIGHT Programme for the West Midlands studentships cover tuition fees and provide a maintenance stipend to support living costs. For the academic year 2025-2026, full-time students will receive a tax-free stipend of £20,780 per annum, paid in regular instalments by your host Higher Education Institution (HEI). Part-time students will receive 50% of this amount, also paid in regular instalments.
What does "Newly Qualified" or "Early Career" mean?
What does "Newly Qualified" or "Early Career" mean?
NIHR INSIGHT Programmes for the West Midlands studentships are intended for newly qualified or early career professionals who have recently completed their professional registration. This includes:
- Recent graduates from healthcare professional and social work undergraduate programmes, including those graduating in summer 2025.
- Health, Public Health and Social Work Professionals who have been working in practice for up to five years (this period includes relevant professional experience within the UK and overseas).
- The length of working in practice is calculated from your original registration not UK registration.
- If you have taken a career break you may still be eligible if you have only practiced as a registered health or social care professional for five years or less. If you wish to discuss eligibility contact the programme team on INSIGHT@contact.bham.ac.uk.
- If you originally trained overseas and have more than five years of relevant professional experience and subsequently registered with one of the eligible regulatory bodies in the UK you are unlikely to be eligible.
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.
Can I work while undertaking a studentship, and how will this affect my stipend?
Can I work while undertaking a studentship, and how will this affect my stipend?
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.
Which Professions are Eligible?
Which Professions are Eligible?
Those eligible for the NIHR INSIGHT Programme for the West Midlands includes:
- Nurses and midwives
- Allied health professionals (comprising of art/music/drama therapists; dieticians; occupational therapists; operating department practitioners; orthoptists; osteopaths; paramedics; physiotherapists; podiatrists; prosthetists and orthotists; diagnostic and therapeutic radiographers; and speech and language therapists)
- Pharmacists
- Healthcare scientists
- Registered social workers
- Registered public health professionals.
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
NIHR INSIGHT Programme for the West Midlands university partners
The NIHR INSIGHT Programme for the West Midlands is delivered in partnership with Aston University, Birmingham City University, University of Birmingham, Coventry University, Keele University, Staffordshire University and Warwick University.