Funding & Opportunities
Whether you’re ready to take your next step after completing the INSIGHT Programme or you’ve discovered that SCIP isn’t the right fit for you right now, this section brings together a range of funding routes, training opportunities, and research‑development pathways to explore.
From early‑career research fellowships to alternative Master’s funding, internships, and professional development schemes, these resources are here to help you keep building your research skills and confidence. Whatever stage you’re at, you’ll find clear signposting opportunities designed to support your growth, open new doors, and help you stay connected to the world of health and care research.
Launchpad Programme
The Launchpad Programme, led by the Academy of Research and Improvement at Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, is a regional initiative designed to help health and social care professionals explore, begin, or expand their research careers.
Through a blend of online coaching, drop in support, structured training courses, and funded research internships of up to £10,000, Launchpad makes research more accessible and achievable at any stage. Whether you’re not eligible for SCIP, looking for a stepping stone into research before applying, or ready for development opportunities after completing your Master’s, Launchpad offers flexible, practical ways to build skills, gain experience, and connect with a supportive regional network of researchers
How it complements SCIP:
Launchpad and the South Central INSIGHT Programme (SCIP) work together to support research development at different stages. While SCIP offers a fully funded Master’s for those ready to commit to formal academic study, Launchpad provides a flexible route into research through coaching, training and funded internships. It’s ideal for those not yet eligible for SCIP, those exploring research alongside practice, or SCIP alumni looking to take their next step. Together, they offer a joined up pathway that supports curiosity, development and progression into research active roles.
General UK Funding
For UK Students
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UKRI – UK Research and Innovation: Supports research and innovation across various disciplines. Learn more here
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Wellcome Trust: Offers funding for biomedical research and related areas. Explore funding options here
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UK Government PG Student Loan: Funding support for postgraduate studies. Details here
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Research Council Funding: Various councils provide funding for academic research. Learn more here
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Scholarships for Nurses: Florence Nightingale Foundation offers scholarships for nursing professionals. Visit the site here
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Research Development Programme for Social Care Nurses: Supports research advancement in social care nursing. More info here
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Principal Investigator Pipeline Programme: A development initiative for aspiring research leaders. Check it out here.
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Charitable Funding: Various charities provide postgraduate research funding here
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NIHR Bursaries: Offers financial support for courses in health and social care research here
For International Students
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Chevening Scholarships: Funded by the UK government, supporting future leaders worldwide. Learn more here
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GREAT Scholarships: Offers funding for international students pursuing higher education in the UK. Explore options here
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Commonwealth Scholarships: A set of programmes supporting students from Commonwealth countries:
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Commonwealth Masters Scholarships: Details here
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Commonwealth Shared Scholarships: Find out more here
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Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships: Learn more here
For International Refugees
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Article 26 Bursaries: Supports refugees in accessing higher education. Read more here
Additional Opportunities
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Clinician Researcher Credentials Framework: Provides structured learning pathways for clinicians looking to develop research expertise. For more details, please look here NIHR website.
Additionally, the NIHR provides various funding opportunities for professionals seeking research-specific training:
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The Pre-doctoral Clinical and Practitioner Academic Fellowship (PCAF): Supports applicants who have been registered for at least one year and wish to undertake funded academic training to develop a doctoral fellowship application.
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Pre-Application Support Fund: Designed for applicants within a local authority setting seeking funded academic training and doctoral fellowship preparation.
"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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