NIHR Undergraduate Internship Programme 2026

The NIHR Undergraduate Internship Programme is an 8-week summer research opportunity at the University of Birmingham within the Department of Applied Health Sciences.

The programme gives undergraduate students the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in healthcare research through nationally and internationally recognised projects focusing on:

• Diabetes emergencies

• Women’s health

• Healthcare inequalities

• Healthcare improvement research

This internship is designed for students who are curious about research and academic careers, including those who may not have had previous opportunities or exposure to clinical academia.

We particularly welcome applications from students from backgrounds that are traditionally underrepresented in research and academia.

We welcome applications from undergraduate students interested in:

• Medicine

• Biomedical sciences

• Psychology

• Public health

• Data science

• Allied health professions

• Social sciences

• Or related disciplines

No previous research experience is required. We are looking for motivated, enthusiastic, and curious students who are interested in learning more about healthcare research.

During the internship, students will:

• Work on real healthcare research projects

• Learn basic quantitative and qualitative research skills

• Gain experience in data analysis and scientific writing

• Attend research meetings and networking sessions

• Receive mentorship from researchers and clinicians

• Contribute to presentations or written research outputs

The programme runs from:
8 June to 31 July 2026

Students are expected to actively participate throughout the programme, including:

• Attending meetings and training sessions

• Contributing to project work

• Reading and discussing research literature

• Assisting with data analysis

• Preparing presentations or written summaries

• Engaging professionally with the research team

The funded programme is full-time equivalent (approximately 40 hours per week for 8 weeks).

We are offering:

• 2 funded NIHR internship posts

• 4 unfunded internship opportunities

For funded interns:

• Approximately £3,600 stipend for the 8-week programme

• Additional support for:

  • Travel

  • Accommodation

  • Research training

  • Dissemination opportunities

All interns will gain:

• Hands-on research experience

• Mentorship from clinicians and researchers

• Networking opportunities

• Experience that can strengthen future academic, clinical, or professional applications

How to apply?

Applications require:

• A CV (maximum 2 pages)

• A motivation statement (maximum 300 words)

Key Dates

• Applications open: 16 May 2026

• Applications close: 25 May 2026

• Interviews: 26–29 May 2026

• Programme duration: 8 June – 31 July 2026

Application Form

Apply here

For questions or further information, please contact:

Dr Aspasia Manta
Email: a.manta@bham.ac.uk