Applying is easy, simply download the application form here, complete and send to INSIGHTNW@UCLan.ac.uk. You will need to demonstrate you meet the eligibilty criteria for the programme (see below for details), provide a personal statement detailing you reasons for wishing to undertake a studentship, and, if successful, you will be inivited to an interview.

The call for applications to Round 2 of recruitment will be announced in 2025.
If you would like to be added to an Expressions of Interest contact list to receive information regarding Round 2 of recruitment, please email the INSIGHT Programme Team at INSIGHTNW@uclan.ac.uk

Studentships provide funding to cover the cost of tuition fees and a maintenance stipend to support living costs. Please note that fees will be paid at UK/Home rates only, international student rates are not covered by this programme.

For the academic year 2024-2025, the rate of the UKRI stipend is £19,237 per annum (tax free) which is paid to you in regular instalments by your host Higher Education Institution (HEI).

For those undertaking part-time study, stipends are paid pro-rata, 50% in year 1 and 50% in year 2,

INSIGHT Studentships are designed for newly qualified, or early career professionals who have recently completed or are working towards their professional registration. This encompasses:

•Those who have recently graduated from a health and social care undergraduate programme, including those graduating in summer 2024,

•Those who have been working in practice for up to 5 years (since 2019). Please note: If you were educated, qualified and registered internationally before commencing practice in the UK, the years of experience must be calculated from the date of qualification in your home country.

We understand these definitions offer a perspective of who falls into these categories, and recognise that an individual may not easily fit into them depending on their personal circumstances, for example if a career break has been taken.
If you are unsure whether you are eligible, please contact the INSIGHT engagement team for advice.

Additionally, you must meet the university entry requirements of your chosen course of study, both first and second choices, to be considered for a studentship. Details of the entry requirements for each course can be found here.

Doctors and dentists are not eligible to apply to this funding programme.

Applicants must be registered, or working towards registration with one of the below Regulatory Bodies:

•Academy for Healthcare Science
•General Chiropractic Council
•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

The funding provided under an INSIGHT Programme North West Studentship can be used to support completion of one of six master’s degree programmes, delivered by our four partner universities. Details of courses eligble to be funded by the programme can be found here.

All applicants will be asked to provide their first and second choice of master’s course. This is because it is anticipated that this will be a highly competitive process. Applications to the INSIGHT Programme North West will be co-ordinated in a single call for applications. We recommend all applicants provide a second choice as, in the event that they are not successful in securing a place on their first choice of programme, they may be offered an opportunity on their second choice.

To allow INSIGHT Award holders to simultaneously develop their profession-specific skills, both full and part-time studentships are available.

INSIGHT award holders undertaking full-time study will be expected to complete their research master’s degree within 12-months, and will receive the full stipend during this time period. It is therefore expected that no more than one day per week of additional paid employment be undertaken during this time to ensure successful completion of the programme.

The part-time study route is expected to be completed within 2 years, and the stipend will be paid pro-rata over this period. Award holders studying part-time should undertake no more than 0.6FTE (three days) additional paid employment, to allow sufficient time to focus on their studies.

The below illustration is an example of your potential earnings, based on the agenda for change pay rate for a Band 5 NHS employee.

NB: As the Stipend is tax-free, undertaking additional paid work, over the hours details above may incur tax implications. It is the responsibility of the award holder to ensure they are complying with tax laws should additional paid work be completed in addition to the tax-free stipend payment.