NIHR health economics internships for undergraduates – summer 2026

Three paid summer research placements. No economics degree required.

The Health Economics and Policy Evaluation Group at the Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences is recruiting three undergraduate interns for an eight-week programme funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR). Each intern will work on a live research project, receive tailored supervision and training, and present their findings to the group at the end of the placement.

The programme runs from 3 August to 25 September 2026 and is designed for students who are curious about how economic thinking can improve health and healthcare – whatever their current degree subject.

Research projects

Each intern will be matched to one of three projects:

1. A scoping review exploring how measurement error – specifically, inconsistencies between patient- and proxy-reported outcomes – is handled in health economic evaluations within dementia trials.
2. A Delphi survey identifying unanswered questions about living with dementia and multiple long-term conditions, drawing on patient, carer and clinician perspectives.
3. An analysis of prospective cohort data on the relationship between novel Alzheimer's disease biomarkers and cognition, function and healthcare use.

What the programme includes

• Hands-on contribution to a research project with dedicated supervision
• Training in research skills including literature reviews and statistical analysis
• A seminar series delivered by the Health Economics and Policy Evaluation Group
• Interactive sessions with senior researchers and professors on career paths in health economics
• An in-person networking event hosted by the NIHR

Who can apply

• Currently enrolled in an undergraduate degree at any UK university
• Not in your final year of study (first or second year on a three-year programme; first, second or third year on a four-year programme)
• Exceptions may be considered for students from disadvantaged backgrounds or with specific personal circumstances

We particularly welcome applications from students from underrepresented or marginalised backgrounds.

Pay and practical details

The internship is fully funded. Interns are paid at approximately £22 per hour for 36.5 hours per week over eight weeks. Additional support may be available for travel and subsistence if you are not normally based in Oxford.

Interns will be based at the Radcliffe Primary Care Building, Radcliffe Observatory Quarter, Woodstock Road, Oxford OX2 6GG. Flexible and hybrid working arrangements can be discussed with the supervisory team.

Start and end dates may be adjusted slightly to accommodate personal circumstances.

How to apply

Send your CV (maximum 2 pages) and a cover letter (maximum 600 words) to Dr Xiaoxiao Ling at xiaoxiao.ling@phc.ox.ac.uk with the subject line "Summer 2026 Internship Application".

You will also be asked to complete a short equality, diversity and inclusion questionnaire.

Your cover letter should address:

• Why you are interested in this internship
• Your preferred ranking of the three research projects
• Relevant work, research experience or skills
• Examples of strong written, verbal and presentation skills
• Your interest in healthcare and health policy
• What you hope to gain and how the internship fits your career plans
• Your availability during the placement period

Closing date: 31 May 2026