At a Glance
- Tasks: Join exciting health research projects and develop valuable skills in a supportive environment.
- Company: Leeds Beckett University, renowned for its innovative research in health and social care.
- Benefits: Gain hands-on experience, network with professionals, and present your work at conferences.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace, with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in health research while enhancing your career prospects.
- Qualifications: Must be a 2nd year undergraduate in health or social care related fields.
The predicted salary is between 33150 - 43150 £ per year.
Are you a current undergraduate student interested in health and social care research? Do you study a health or social care related degree? We have an exciting opportunity for three ambitious undergraduate students who are in the 2nd year to join the Centre for Psychological Research (PsyCen) on a 24-week, part-time internship funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR).
The successful applicants will work on one of three projects supported by academics across the departments of Psychology and Speech & Language Therapy at Leeds Beckett University. You will work with the specific project supervisors to develop the project details, but the broad topic areas you can choose to work in are:
- Developing a multidisciplinary research agenda to address the needs of people receiving speech and language therapy following neuropsychological impairment. (Supervised by Dr Magda Jordao and Dr Sarah James)
- Exploring the experiences and perceptions of people with stroke-induced aphasia of using AI to support communication and literacy, through a qualitative focus group study. (Supervised by Dr Lindsey Thiel)
- To explore intersectional inequalities experienced by women in midlife and develop community‑specific physical activity resources using creative methods to inspire behaviour change and participation (supervised by Dr Nova Deighton‑Smith and supported by Dr Allie Welsh - CSS)
Each project will give you the opportunity to gain valuable research skills and experience, for example, in developing research questions, literature searching, patient and public involvement and engagement activities, and applying qualitative and mixed methods data analyses. We are also looking for interns to develop their own contributions to our research team, particularly supporting creative dissemination of research outputs.
The internships will be hosted by the Centre for Psychological Research (PsyCen) within the School of Humanities and Social Sciences. PsyCen is an internationally renowned research group comprising over 70 research active staff from Professors to PhD students. You will be hosted primarily within the Health and Wellbeing or the Speech and Language group investigating a broad range of applied research related to the quality and safety of healthcare, public and population health, mental health, physical health and wellbeing.
As an undergraduate intern, you will join our thriving network of applied health and/or speech and language therapy researchers and gain experience of qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods research in health and social care or speech and language therapy. You will also have the opportunity during the internship to explore other groups of interest within PsyCen including Cognitive and Behavioural Neuroscience.
At the end of the internship, you will be invited to present a poster or oral presentation at the PsyCen Postgraduate Research Conference, as well as being invited to a joint NIHR celebration event where you will share what you have learned. There will also be potential for conference presentations and publications to stem from each of the respective projects.
You will have access to an extensive training and supervision programme throughout your internship, and there will be opportunities to network with current MSc and PhD students, as well as members of academic staff from across PsyCen.
Requirements:
- Be studying in your 2nd year undergraduate degree in a subject related to health and social care (e.g. psychology, speech and language therapy, physiotherapy, nursing, occupational therapy etc.)
- Have an interest in pursuing a career in applied health and/or social care research.
- Have enthusiasm to learn new skills.
- Be able to manage your time effectively to balance your undergraduate studies with the internship.
To arrange an informal discussion about this post, please contact Dr Magda Jordao at m.i.jordao@leedsbeckett.ac.uk.
Closing date: Sunday 30th August 2026 (2359)
Interview date: Friday 25th September 2026 (this may be subject to change)
Please be advised that due to the minimum salary thresholds imposed by the UKVI, this post will not qualify for university sponsorship for new applicants to the Skilled Worker visa route. You must have the right to work in the UK to apply for this vacancy.
We welcome applications from all individuals and particularly from black and minority ethnic candidates as members of these groups are currently under‑represented at this level of post. All appointments will be based on merit. Leeds Beckett University is a Disability Confident Employer. Disabled candidates who demonstrate all essential criteria within the Person Specification will be invited to an interview.
NIHR Undergraduate Intern x 3 (Fixed term to 31/03/27) in Leeds employer: Leeds Beckett University
Leeds Beckett University offers a dynamic and supportive environment for undergraduate interns, particularly within the Centre for Psychological Research (PsyCen). Interns will benefit from extensive training, mentorship from experienced academics, and opportunities to engage in meaningful research that impacts health and social care. The collaborative work culture fosters personal and professional growth, making it an excellent choice for students eager to develop their skills in a vibrant academic setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land NIHR Undergraduate Intern x 3 (Fixed term to 31/03/27) in Leeds
✨Tap into University Career Services
If you're looking for an internship in health sciences administration, your university's career services are gold. They often have exclusive partnerships with local hospitals, clinics, and health organisations, so get in touch and see what internships they can connect you with!
✨Join Health Sciences Groups
Get involved in professional organisations specific to health sciences, like the UK Public Health Association or local health councils. They often host workshops, talks, and events where you can meet industry professionals and find internship opportunities. Plus, you're building your network—win-win!
✨Tailor Your Outreach
When reaching out to potential internship providers, personalise your messages. Mention specific projects or values of their organisation that resonate with you. People appreciate when we show genuine interest, and it could set you apart from other candidates!
✨Look for Seasonal Opportunities
Health organisations often have busy seasons, like summer or flu season, when they may need extra help. Keep an eye out for these windows and apply early. Locking in seasonal roles can sometimes lead to longer internships or even full-time positions down the line!
We think you need these skills to ace NIHR Undergraduate Intern x 3 (Fixed term to 31/03/27) in Leeds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Coursework:In your CV, showcase any specific health sciences courses or modules you've taken. This tells us at Leeds Beckett University that you’ve got a solid foundation and are genuinely interested in the field. Don’t forget to mention any projects or papers that relate to health administration!
Emphasise Your Passion for Learning:In your cover letter, let us know why you’re excited about this internship in health sciences administration. Share how this role fits into your career goals and any relevant experience—even volunteering can be a massive plus! We’re looking for enthusiasm and a willingness to learn.
Tailor Your Application Documents:Make sure your CV and cover letter aren’t just generic. Customise them specifically for this internship at Leeds Beckett University by including any skills that are relevant to health administration, such as organisation, communication, and teamwork. Show us that you’ve put thought into your application!
Include Certifications or Skills:If you’ve got any relevant certifications or skills—like knowledge of health informatics systems or project management—you should definitely include them. Even basic administrative skills can be valuable! This helps us see the full scope of what you can bring to the table in the internship.
How to prepare for a job interview at Leeds Beckett University
✨Understand the Health Landscape
If you're diving into health sciences administration, it's key to have a good grasp of the current issues and trends in healthcare. Familiarise yourself with topics like patient care policies, healthcare regulations, and even telehealth advances. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you showcase your knowledge during the interview.
✨Bring a Relevant Project or Case Study
In an internship setting, it's super helpful to have a portfolio or examples of any projects you've worked on, even if they were for class. Whether it's a case study on process improvement in a healthcare setting or a research project on patient data management, bring it along! Being able to discuss concrete experiences can give you a distinct edge.
✨Show Your Interest in Learning
Internships are all about growth, so be ready to chat about how you plan to learn from this role at Leeds Beckett University. Think about your career goals in health sciences administration and how this role can fit into that plan. Be prepared to discuss specific skills you want to develop while contributing to the team's objectives.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Health Software and Tools
Get yourself acquainted with common software used in health sciences administration, like electronic health records (EHR) systems and other management tools. Even if you haven't used them before, understanding how they operate will show that you're proactive and ready to hit the ground running at Leeds Beckett University. Plus, it’ll help during any technical questions about data management or patient interactions.
