The NIHR Schools for Primary Care Research (SPCR), Public Health Research (SPHR) and Social Care Research (SSCR) (“three Schools”) have joined together in a unique collaboration between leading academic centres in England to collaborate on a programme of work on Mental Health, led by the SPCR and funded through the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR).
A key aspect of the Three NIHR Research Schools Mental Health Programme is building research capacity; to develop a critical mass of mental health research in underserved communities it is essential to build strong capacity with the expertise and local knowledge needed to make an impact.
Applications are open for funding for up to six Masters scholarships.
The NIHR Schools for Primary Care Research (SPCR), Public Health Research (SPHR) and Social Care Research (SSCR) (“three Schools”) have joined together in a unique collaboration between leading academic centres in England to collaborate on a programme of work on Mental Health, led by the SPCR and funded through the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR):
Improving mental health and wellbeing in underserved populations through collaborative research
At least one in four people experience mental health problems, many of whom never access care and treatment. There are also large numbers of people with learning disability (prevalence c.2%) and autism (prevalence c.1%). Mental health problems, learning disabilities and autism generate challenges for individuals with these conditions, their families and the wider society, with often quite high utilisation of health, social care and other services. Those challenges are seen across the life course. The impacts of mental health problems on individuals and the wider societal and economic consequences are multiple and vast and include above-average rates of concurrent physical illnesses, shortened life expectancy, social exclusion, socioeconomic disadvantage, and the need for health and welfare support. Despite the high prevalence, many people do not receive the support they need and there are significant inequalities in access. These underserved groups include, but are not limited to, people with learning disabilities, parts of the autistic and neurodiverse community, people from Black and other ethnic minority backgrounds.
A key aspect of the Three NIHR Research Schools Mental Health Programme is building research capacity; to develop a critical mass of mental health research in underserved communities it is essential to build strong capacity with the expertise and local knowledge needed to make an impact.
There is funding for up to six Masters scholarships are available. Applications are invited from individuals who have a commitment to improving mental health and wellbeing in underserved populations who wish to undertake health research training as part of their development. Applicants must demonstrate a clear commitment to establishing a long-term interest in mental health research.
The scholarship will cover the tuition fees for a UK based Master’s programme. Funding may also be available to backfill substantive employment costs (if applicable).
Applications are particularly welcomed from the north of England/underserved areas and from health and care professional groups not traditionally involved in research.
Please note that there is no funding for salary support. Successful applicants will be asked to provide confirmation that they have employer agreement for undertaking this period of study.
You will need to have a Batchelors degree at a grade of 2:1 or above in a health, social care, or related topic. Please note that some of the Masters courses have specific entry requirements.
The Three NIHR Research Schools are committed to supporting equality, diversity and inclusion for all staff, members and students. Applications for scholarships for part time study are welcome where the course allows.
An application for these scholarships can be made by emailing a two-page CV (including relevant CPD) and letter of application (max of 2 pages, no smaller than 12pt font) to e.g.fletcher@keele.ac.uk.
The letter should outline your reasons for applying for the scholarship, details of the proposed Masters programme, start date, programme tuition fees, your health research topic/interest and the value you would get from the award with your future career aspirations. Please email the documents to e.g.fletcher@keele.ac.uk by 16 December 2021 stating ‘Three Schools Masters Scholarship Application’ in the subject line.
If you have any questions, please contact Dr Georgina Fletcher, Assistant Director, School for Primary Care Research e.g.fletcher@keele.ac.uk.
Selection process
All applications will be assessed by members of the schools who have a role in career development and capacity building and will be reviewed by the Three NIHR Research Schools Steering Group.
Applicants will be informed of the outcome by the end of January 2022.
