Students
Some students are keen to develop a career as a researcher, while others enter clinical practice with a strong foundational knowledge of clinical research and its implications for healthcare.
Clinical trials provide the evidence-base that underpins front-line clinical work. Our students learn how clinical trials are set up and delivered. They also develop an understanding of the impact of research on clinical practice and healthcare services.
We regularly host medical and nursing students. We offer placements through our collaborations with Oxford Brookes University and the University of Milan.
We offer short Spoke and MESH placements , as well as longer placements for up to three months.
OH CRF also work with In2Science to provide placement opportunities for sixth formers and/or S5/6 students through the In2STEM programme. In2Science aims to unlock the potential of young people from disadvantaged backgrounds and boost diversity and inclusion in the sector to ensure the UK remains at the forefront of Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) industries
If you are interested in a student placement at the OH CRF, please email: oxfordhealth.CRF@nhs.net and ask to get in touch with our Student Lead.
Feedback from previous students:
I’m passionate about research into mental health and about becoming a mental health nurse.
From the outset the team at the CRF were warm, welcoming, knowledgeable, and extremely supportive…The CRF has given me the opportunity to practice many physical health skills…that are utilised less frequently in other mental health placements… These learning opportunities increased my confidence significantly, safe in the knowledge that I would leave the CRF with a much broader understanding of nursing and research skills… The CRF has given me the experience, skills, and opportunity to build professional relationships that will support me in finding my way into a research career.
The shadowing experience was really positive…every member of the team that I shadowed or spoke to were encouraging and explained anything I asked about.
My placement at the CRF was the best so far. I learnt a lot and all the staff were happy to help me achieve my goals. I want to thank you for creating a team that goes out of their way to build a student. I felt included in all the plans and the team members were always available to create opportunities for my learning needs. I was able to achieve my goals and even gain more experience in areas I did not know existed. Thank you for the team spirit. CRF is the best place.
Prior to coming to CRF I had a different view of what clinical research was all about and I realised I was wrong all along. I had the opportunity to debrief with every staff I shadowed and was opportune to do a reflection during one of my visits and received good feedback also. The knowledge gained will impact my nursing journey forever.
Cynthia Okoli spent two days at the Oxford Health CRF as a student nurse on a MESH placement. Read Cynthia’s story on the Oxford Health Foundation Trust website.
Jessica Powell completed a 2-month placement at the CRF before later joining the team as a Research Nurse. Jessica shares her experience at the CRF here.
Student Resources
Student Induction Booklet
Practice Placement Learning Profile
Nurse Associate Trainees
Thames Valley Nurse Associate Programme
The CRF is happy to host Nurse Associate Trainees (NAT) on placements. More information can be found on our student board, including our student pack and competency framework and contact us with any queries.
Nurse Cadet Programme
Find more details about our Nurse Cadet Programme here.
Any vacancies for Nurse Cadets are advertised on the Oxford Health BRC vacancies page.
NHS Staff
The National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) encourages health and social care professionals to play an active role in research, as a way to deliver even better services. Resources are available to help steer and guide your research career “Your path in Research“.
Resources for researchers can be found on the Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust website as a Researchers Toolkit which can help support research staff addressing questions about their work such as “Is my project research”? “What is a Research Passport”? “What is Governance”? and more.
Current vacancies at the CRF can be found on the Oxford Health Biomedical Research Centre vacancies page.
