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Nuffield Research Placements

Nuffield Research Placements provide over 1,100 students each year with the opportunity to work alongside professional scientists, technologists, engineers and mathematicians.

Nuffield Research Placements take place in your summer holidays after Year 12. You will work on a project that relates to an area of science, quantitative social science, computing, technology, engineering or maths (or a combination of these). Most projects are based in an office, but some include working in a laboratory or fieldwork.

Placements are between four and six weeks in length and are available in your local area. Your placement might be in a university, research institute, company, or voluntary organisation. You will work alongside professional researchers on a project that is an important part of their business.

Experiences of students who have taken part in the programme

Can I take part?

This programme is for Year 12 students only, studying science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) courses.

The eligibility criteria:

  • Be over 16 and in full-time education in the UK
  • Have at least five GCSEs or Scottish Nationals at grade B/Grade 6 or above, including maths, a science subject, and English or another humanities subject
  • Studying one or more A-levels (or equivalent) in science, technology, engineering or maths.

Anyone who meets the eligibility criteria is eligible to apply, but preference will be given to:

  • Students from low-income families
  • Those with no family history of Higher Education
  • Those who have not previously participated in a similar enrichment activity.

If you already access the CLF bursary, then you will likely be eligible for the Nuffield Research Placement bursary of around £80 – £100 per week for the duration of the placement.

How do I apply?

Applications are made directly to Nuffield Research Placements, through the regional Nuffield Coordinator (based at the University of Bath).  You will need to provide the following:

  • Personal information (contact details, special requirements etc)
  • Educational information (school, qualifications achieved and qualifications currently studying, preferred subject area for placement)
  • A personal statement outlining why they want to do a Nuffield Research Placement
  • Details about any other outside interests
  • A Full Bursary application (if applicable)

You will also need to nominate a teacher to write a reference for you.

Timeline of the programme

Please note: the timeline of the programme may vary slightly from year to year.

From September

  • Study the information on the Nuffield website
  • Speak to your teacher about your interest in a Nuffield Research Placement
  • Contact your Nuffield Coordinator if you have any queries about the programme
  • If you are in doubt as to which region you come under, check with the relevant Nuffield Coordinator before making an application.

November

  • Applications can be made from late November.

October to April

  • Complete your application (Please note, application deadlines vary by region)
  • Make sure you have uploaded your parent/guardian consent form, checked and completed all parts of your application
  • Check that your teacher has completed their reference through the online system.

May to July

  • Students attend an induction event designed to help them get the most from their Nuffield Research Placement.

July to August

  • Carry out the Nuffield Research Placement.

August to December

  • Students complete a report and show off their work at a celebration event run by their Nuffield Coordinator.