About the
SCIP Programme
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SCIP is co‑led by the University of Southampton and Oxford Brookes University, working in collaboration with the University of Portsmouth, the University of Winchester and Solent University. Together, these partners offer a supportive, research‑active environment designed to help you grow your skills, broaden your networks and explore what a research‑informed career could look like.
If you’re accepted onto the programme, your Master’s tuition fees are fully covered, and you’ll receive a tax‑free stipend to support your studies, removing financial barriers so you can focus on developing your research confidence and exploring the questions that matter in your field.
SCIP is designed for early‑career professionals who are registered (or working towards registration) with an approved UK regulatory body and who have up to five years of full‑time equivalent practice. Whether you’re a nurse, midwife, AHP, pharmacist, social worker, public health professional or another member of the health and care workforce, SCIP offers a supported, structured route to develop your research skills and shape the future of your profession.
The South Central INSIGHT Programme (SCIP) is an exciting, fully funded pathway created to help early‑career health, social care and public health professionals step confidently into the world of research. Launched in June 2024 as part of the NIHR Academy’s expanding portfolio of development opportunities, SCIP aims to build research capability across the region and inspire the next generation of clinician‑researchers.
What’s in it for you?
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Full tuition fees covered
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Tax free stipend to assist you with learning in any context that may take (i.e childcare, travel, living costs)
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Research training and supervision
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Regional research networks
Who can apply
You are eligible for this scholarship if you are working towards or have recently completed professional registration with one of the following approved regulatory bodies listed below (not including doctors and dentists) by commencement of course.
Eligibility list
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Academy for Healthcare Science
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General Chiropractic Council
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General Dental Council
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General Medical Council
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General Optical Council
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General Osteopathic Council
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General Pharmaceutical Council
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Health and Care Professions Council
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Nursing and Midwifery Council
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Social Work England
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UK Public Health Register
Eligible professions
You must also be at an early stage of your career, with up to 5 years full time equivalent practice in your profession. Professions supported by the SCIP programme and eligible to take the MRes Clinical and Health course include:
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art/music/ drama therapists
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dieticians
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healthcare scientists
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midwives
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nurses
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occupational therapists
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operating department practitioner
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orthoptists
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osteopaths
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paramedics
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pharmacists
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physiotherapist
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podiatrists
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prosthetists & orthotists
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public health professionals
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radiographers
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social workers
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speech and language therapists
"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
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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