In this section
Chartered Society of Physiotherapists Charitable Trust Pre-Doctoral Scheme (formerly Scheme B)
This scheme is available to novice researchers, supported by one or more experienced supervisors. Up to £25,000 funding available for individual projects. Any applications requesting more than this amount are considered individually on merit.
Further information: https://www.csp.org.uk/professional-clinical/research-and-evaluation/research-funding/physiotherapy-research-foundation
Pre-doctoral research funding for Nurses and Midwives
Royal College of Midwifery Wellbeing of Women
Funds Entry-level Research Scholarships (ELS) which provide successful candidates with up to £20,000 for research lasting normally up to one year. Awards are intended to provide ‘pump-priming’ funds to enable midwives to be exposed to a research environment and to obtain pilot data that will enhance an application for a research fellowship (PhD or MD).
Further information: https://www.wellbeingofwomen.org.uk/funding-opportunities/entry-level-research-scholarships-for-midwives
The Barbers’ Company Clinical Nursing Scholarship
Support fees or subsistence of a registered nurse/midwife undertaking a Masters or PhD programme (relevant to nursing/midwifery) in an academic department in the United Kingdom. The award is specifically intended for nurses/midwives in, or planning to return to, clinical practice.
Further details: https://www.uea.ac.uk/study/fees-and-funding/scholarships-finder/scholarships-a-z/the-barbers-company-clinical-nursing-scholarship
Pre-doctoral research funding for any NHAHP
Wellome Trust Master’s Studentships in Humanities and Social Science
Although the Wellcome are changing their funding schemes, there are still some opportunities for funded Masters studentships at The University of Manchester.
Wellcome Trust Master’s studentship in History of Medicine/Medical Humanities
Further details: https://www.chstm.manchester.ac.uk/study/masters/funding/#LocalFunding
HEE/NIHR Pre-doctoral Clinical Academic Fellowship
Offers two funding tracks:
- Funding to support the submission of a doctoral fellowship application and to undertake a programme of academic training at Masters level;
- Funding to support submission of a doctoral fellowship application and to undertake a small amount of academic training at Masters level (PCAF Bridge).
Further information: https://www.nihr.ac.uk/explore-nihr/academy-programmes/hee-nihr-integrated-clinical-academic-programme.htm
HEE/NIHR ICA Pre-Doctoral Bridging Award
for those who have completed a Masters level qualification (or evidence of postgraduate study at level 7) and are looking to further their clinical academic career through doctoral level study and is designed to support those wishing to apply for the HEE ICA Clinical Doctoral Research Fellowship or equivalent.
Further information: https://www.nihr.ac.uk/explore-nihr/academy-programmes/hee-nihr-integrated-clinical-and-practitioner-academic-programme.htm
Doctoral Research funding for AHPs
Royal College of Occupational Therapists
Research Career Development Grant
Offers support towards doctoral or early postdoctoral (up to five years from completion of PhD or similar) research for individuals who can demonstrate their intention to pursue a research career pathway as an occupational therapy researcher.
Further information: https://www.rcot.co.uk/practice-resources/research-and-development
Doctoral funding for Nurses and Midwives
The Barbers’ Company Clinical Nursing Scholarship
Support fees or subsistence of a registered nurse/midwife undertaking a Masters or PhD programme (relevant to nursing/midwifery) in an academic department in the United Kingdom. The award is specifically intended for nurses/midwives in, or planning to return to, clinical practice.
Further details: https://www.uea.ac.uk/study/fees-and-funding/scholarships-finder/scholarships-a-z/the-barbers-company-clinical-nursing-scholarship
Doctoral Research Funding for any NMAHP
Alzheimer’s Society PhD Studentship Grants
Funding of up to £85,000 is provided for up to three years (up to five years part-time) and includes a stipend (£15,000-£16,000 per year), university PhD fees at UK rates, consumables & equipment, and conference dissemination support.
Further information: https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/research/researchers/our-funding-schemes/phd-studentships
Arthritis Research UK Clinical research fellowships
These are PhD awards of up to three years funding, designed to encourage clinically qualified professionals into an academic research career in any discipline relevant to arthritis and related musculoskeletal conditions.
Further details: https://www.versusarthritis.org/research/information-for-researchers/fellowships/types-of-fellowship/
Arthritis Research UK PhD scholarship scheme
Scholarships are awarded annually, to enable applicants to embark on a research career in any discipline relevant to arthritis and related musculoskeletal diseases. Applications should be made by the proposed supervisor at an eligible institute and may include a named student.
- 1+3-year model will allow for the completion of a relevant MRes/MSc in year 1, followed by 3 years of PhD funding.
- 3+1-year model will provide 3 years of PhD funding (stipend, fees and consumables) with the option of applying for supplemental funding for year 4 if required.
These scholarships provide a tax-free incremental stipend, UK tuition fees, improved running costs of £10,000 per year (capped at £10,000 in year 4 of a 3+1 model) and a travel grant for conference attendance.
Further information: https://www.versusarthritis.org/research/information-for-researchers/fellowships/types-of-fellowship/
British Heart Foundation Research Training Fellowships for Nurses and Healthcare Professionals
Funds PhDs for NMAHPs related to the improvement of care and outcomes for people with cardiovascular disease.
Further information: https://www.bhf.org.uk/for-professionals/information-for-researchers/what-we-fund/research-training-fellowships-for-nurses-and-allied-health-professionals
Kidney Research UK Allied Health Professional Fellowships (clinical)
The purpose of these awards is to enable nurses and allied health professionals to undertake a renal research study and obtain a higher degree (e.g. MSC, DPhil or PhD).
Further details: https://kidneyresearchuk.org/research/research-grants/fellowships-and-phd-studentships/
NIHR Clinical Doctoral Research Fellowship (CDRF)
The CDRF is a three year award (up to six years part time). Approximately 80% of awardee time will be spend undertaking a PhD by research, and further professional development. The remaining 20% of fellowship hours will be spent devoted to clinical practice and professional development.
Further details: https://www.nihr.ac.uk/explore-nihr/academy-programmes/hee-nihr-integrated-clinical-academic-programme.htm#three
Wellcome Trust 4ward North PhD Academy for Health Professionals
A collaboration between Leeds, Manchester, Newcastle and Sheffield Universities. 25 PhD fellowships will be funded over 5 years.
Further information: https://www.4wardnorth.org.uk
University Scholarships
Many universities have their own PhD funding opportunities. Look on their websites for details.
The University of Manchester
Details of funded PhD programmes can be found at: https://www.bmh.manchester.ac.uk/study/research/funded-programmes/
Manchester Metropolitan University
Details of funded PhD programmes can be found at: https://www.mmu.ac.uk/research/research-study/scholarships
The University of Central Lancashire
Details of funded PhD programmes can be found at: https://www.uclan.ac.uk/research/research-degrees/studentships
University of Salford
Details of funded PhD programmes can be found at: https://www.salford.ac.uk/postgraduate-research/fees