Information for applicants

Nuffield Research Placements is a UK-wide scheme giving students a chance to work alongside professional scientists, technologists, engineers and mathematicians for 4 - 6 weeks over the summer holidays.

If you are interested in finding out more about a career in science, technology, engineering or maths (STEM), and you meet the criteria below, continue on to How to Apply.

Eligibility Criteria

Are you:

• In your first year of post-16 studies (Year 12 or equivalent)?
• Studying one or more A-levels (or equivalent) in maths or science?
• Studying at a UK school or college?

Do you:

• Have 5 GCSEs at grade B or above, including Maths, English and a science?
• Have an interest in studying science, technology, engineering or maths at university?
• Want to find out more about careers in STEM?

We make sure no-one is excluded on a financial basis by covering travel costs for all students. We also offer weekly bursaries to students who meet one of the following criteria:

• Are eligible for, or in receipt of, Free School Meals, or have been in the last six years
• Are receiving discretionary payments at school or college*
• Have a total household income below £30,000 (before tax)
• Are living in, or have lived in, local authority care

* Please note this does not apply to academic scholarships at independent schools

You can apply for a Full Bursary at the same time as you apply for the scheme - we just need a short declaration from your parents.

Students from all schools and colleges in the UK are eligible to apply to the scheme. However, we are particularly keen to encourage students with no family history of Higher Education, or who have not had the opportunity to participate in an enrichment activity of this nature before, to apply. A small number of places on the scheme are awarded to independent students each year.

If you are from an independent school and are accepted onto the scheme, you will need to source your own project. This should be within the region where you live, as otherwise we are not able to cover travel costs. Please note - you should not begin your search for a project until your application has been confirmed as successful.

What can I do if I don't meet the eligibility criteria?

There are a number of other options open to you if you aren’t eligible to apply for a Nuffield Research Placement.  A great starting point for information about careers, apprenticeships and work experience is the Future Morph website.  You will find lots of useful advice and links to UK-based organisations offering summer placements on the Student Ladder site, too.  In addition, you could speak to your science teacher about arranging a visit from a STEM Ambassador to your school.  As individuals from a science, technology, engineering or maths background, ambassadors can give you some excellent first-hand guidance on their career path which might help you make informed decisions about your own future.