National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) INSIGHT Programme

What is the NIHR INSIGHT Programme?

The NIHR INSIGHT: Inspiring Students into Research Programme funds a wide range of engagement activities and research masters training opportunities for students and recent graduates within registered healthcare, social work and public health professions. It takes place across 12 regions in England and is led by the participating institutions within each region.

All applicants

• Be a home student for tuition fees purposes.
• Be a new graduate (you must complete your studies prior to September in the academic year you are applying for) or recent graduate (up to 5 years FTE). See below for specific Public Health requirements.
• Have the support of your employer (if employed) to release you for the duration of your studies.
• Have completed your degree (if currently studying) and had your marks ratified at exam board by the time of registering for the academic programme.
• Be living, studying, or working in the East Midlands.

Additional criteria

Research Methods (Health) MA and Social Research (Health) MSc

You must:

• Be a non-medical health care professional on the list of HEE/NIHR ICA. programme approved regulatory bodies on the NIHR website. If your profession is not listed, you are not eligible to apply for this programme.
• Have an active professional registration if you are qualified. New graduates must apply for registration as soon as possible.

Master of Public Health (Health Research)

You must:

• Be a Public Health professional, already be employed in a public health role.
• Have no more than five years of experience.
• An indicative commitment to apply for UKPHR within 10 years.

If you are unsure if your profession is eligible, please contact em-insight@nottingham.ac.uk for advice.

What is on offer?

The NIHR INSIGHT Programme for the East Midlands provides the chance to pursue Master's level research training in the East Midlands. Applicants can choose to apply for:

Eligible courses at the University of Nottingham

• Research Methods (Health) MA (MARM)

• Master of Public Health (Health Research) MPH

Eligible courses at De Montfort University

• Social Research (Health) MSc (MSRH)

The studentships are available on both a 1 year full-time and 2 year part-time basis.

You will receive:

• UKRI Rate Stipend: For full-time study, the studentship offers an annual stipend of at least £20,780 (2025-26), paid in instalments. For part-time study, you will receive 50% of the stipend per year, also paid in instalments, over a two-year period.

• Fully funded course fees.

• ‘INSIGHT’ Research Visits: You will be offered the opportunity to participate in research visits to research active areas.

• Mentorship: You will be offered the opportunity to connect with an academic mentor.

• Skill Development: The NIHR INSIGHT Programme will also provide access to additional research training necessary for success in developing, delivering, and disseminating research, including skills like writing and publishing research, and PPIE.

Application process

The application for an NIHR INSIGHT Programme for the East Midlands Studentship is a 2-step process which can be completed in tandem.

Step 1

All applicants must complete the following:

• The NIHR INSIGHT for the East Midlands Scholarship Application Form Part One
• The NIHR INSIGHT for the East Midlands Scholarship Application Form Part Two
• Confirmation of employer support: The NIHR INSIGHT for the East Midlands Managerial Support Form will be provided directly to your Line Manager for completion. This must be submitted prior to interview.

Step 2

All applicants must apply directly to the university offering the Master's programme they wish to pursue. The same personal statement may be used for both applications; however, please ensure you mention in your Master's programme application that you have also applied for the NIHR INSIGHT Programme for the East Midlands Scholarship.

Closing date for applications: Monday 4 May 2026

Register for application form

Use the registration form to express your interest and receive an application form, along with essential application guidance. 

Application criteria

Have a 2:1 or more achieved at undergraduate degree (predicted/currently achieving if still studying) or 60% or more at Master’s level (currently achieving if still studying and doesn't meet UG academic requirements) or able to demonstrate equivalence (to be discussed on a case-by-case basis with the project lead). 

Application timeline

Application opening date: Monday 1 December 2025

Application closing date: Monday 4 May 2026

Outcome for written application: Thursday 21 May 2026

Interviews will take place between: from Monday 8 June to Friday 19 June 2026

Outcome of interviews fundable/not fundable: Wednesday 25 June 2026

Confirmation of funding (funded/not funded): Thursday 16 July 2026

Start date

Academic year Autumn 2026/2027. Registration and induction for academic programmes will be at the end of September/beginning October (university dependent).

More information

See our frequently asked questions for additional information.

If you still have questions contact the team at HS-EM-INSIGHT@exmail.nottingham.ac.uk