Our University Partners
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Imagine stepping into a Master’s degree that doesn’t just open doors, it fully funds your tuition, pays you a stipend, and gives you the chance to kickstart a research career that can shape the future of health and care. That’s exactly what the South Central INSIGHT Programme (SCIP) offers. The programme provides funded places on research Master’s courses, including full fee coverage and a taxfree living allowance.
SCIP is part of the national NIHR INSIGHT Programme, created to attract early career health, social care and public health professionals into research by giving them experience, training, support, and a clear path into research active roles. It helps early career professionals gain the skills to lead, manage and deliver research, while connecting them to regional networks and a positive, inclusive research culture.
If you’re curious about research or wondering what your career could look like beyond day to day practice, SCIP is your gateway. It’s funded, it’s career changing, and it’s designed to help you see just how far your ideas and interests can take you.
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Who is SCIP for?
SCIP is for early‑career health, social care and public health professionals who are curious about research and want to explore where it could take their career.
Whether you’re newly qualified, returning to study, or thinking beyond day‑to‑day practice, SCIP offers a funded, supported route into research.
Key Organisations
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NIHR Applied Research Collaborations (ARCs)
https://www.nihr.ac.uk/about-us/what-we-do/infrastructure/applied-research-collaborations -
Wessex and Thames Valley
https://www.nihr.ac.uk/ -
Oxford Academic Health Partners (OAHP)
https://www.oahp.org.uk/ -
Wessex Health Partners
https://wessexhealthpartners.org.uk/ -
Oxford Biomedical Research Centre (Oxford BRC)
https://oxfordbrc.nihr.ac.uk/
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Oxford Health Biomedical Research Centre
https://oxfordhealthbrc.nihr.ac.uk/
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Southampton Biomedical Research Centre
https://www.southamptonbrc.nihr.ac.uk/
Student testimonials
"I returned feeling inspired and equipped to advance my own research. Drawing on what I'd learned, I partnered with the NFU and NFU Mutual to deliver knowledge mobilisation sessions while simultaneously recruiting participants for my project. This year has been transformative, and I'm deeply grateful for the opportunity the fellowship provided and the funding from SCIP!"
Holly Whitcomb
"The SCIP Programme at the University of Southampton has been a defining part of my academic and professional journey this year. The opportunities provided have enhanced my confidence, mentorship and platform to grow as both a researcher and advocate."
Catherine Lodwick
"I am extremely proud to have had the privilege of the NIHR funding my study “Regulating Aesthetics: Stakeholder Perspectives on Patient Safety, Professional Standards and the Future of Non-Surgical Cosmetic Regulation in England” via the South Central INSIGHT programme."
Sabrina Dawkins
How to apply to SCIP
Ready to apply? Here you can view an example of a previous application form, to help guide you through the process. Please note, you must apply to both SCIP for funding and your chosen university by the advertised SCIP deadline.
We strongly encourage you to contact both programme leads and SCIP early to help shape a strong application that aligns with both requirements. You don’t need to choose a local or employer-linked university, so take time to find the partner course that best fits your goals, work, and life. Please do note that full-time study alongside full-time work is not permitted.
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