The HPSS R&D strategy, Research for Health & Wellbeing, places emphasis on education and training, which is seen as an essential investment to foster a research-literate HPSS and improve the research workforce capacity in the HPSS and the related academic community. The Education and Training (E&T) strand encompasses a number of schemes aimed at increasing the ability of researchers to conduct high quality R&D.

The HSC R&D Office Bursary Scheme is designed to improve research skills in Northern Ireland. The Scheme provides funding for post-graduate degree or post-graduate diploma level research courses and modules. Only those employed within the HSC, or in voluntary/not-for-profit organisations in Northern Ireland involved in HSC provision are eligible to receive funding under the Bursary Scheme.

The Bursary Scheme was substantially revised in 2008. As a result, the evaluation and administration of R&D Office Bursary funding will be undertaken by the Universities. Please find below a list of the courses at Queen's University Belfast and the University of Ulster which are eligible for funding under the revised R&D Office Bursary Scheme. Queries regarding funding for courses on the list should be directed to the relevant Course Director.

Should you have any further queries, do not hesitate to contact the Office.

QUB courses which are eligible for HSC R&D Office Bursary funding

University of Ulster courses which are eligible for HSC R&D Office Bursary funding

The fellowships provide support including salary to undertake research training leading to a higher degree (eg, PhD, MD, Professional Doctorates), as a means of developing a research career in the health and social care areas.

Those eligible to apply for these awards are individuals currently employed in or by the HPSS or in voluntary/not-for-profit organisations in Northern Ireland involved in health or social care provision, including health and social care managers, medical staff, GPs, nurses, allied health professionals, pharmacists, dentists, social workers and other independent contractors. The awardee must continue to be employed within the HPSS or the voluntary/not-for-profit organisation for the duartion of the Fellowship.

The applicant should have been accepted by an academic institution before applying to the R&D Office for support, but should not have formally commenced their research training i.e. have already registered. A fellowship should only be supported where it is based in, or linked to, designated research units, centres, institutes or departments with a good track record in training and research.

Click Here

Click Here