Free training resources
There are a vast number of resources available through the internet, many of them freely available. We have provided some suggestions below, but these are not exhaustive. If you find any that you would like us to share, please let us know.
NIHR Learn
NIHR Learn is a free online learning platform that allows NHS professionals to enrol on a variety of online and face-to-face training courses relating to research.
Coursera
Coursera has free research-related courses. Use the search function to explore what’s available.
edX
Online learning platform, founded by Harvard and MIT.
What training do I need?
This will depend on your learning needs and your planned level of research involvement.
Research awareness
NIHR training:
- Starting Out in Health and Social Care Research on Future Learn website
- Improving Healthcare Through Clinical Research – Future Learn
- Future of Health: Focus on Cell and Gene Therapy
- The INCLUDE project
Look at your CRN or trust website to find other relevant local training, both in-person and online.
Research facilitation
Accessed through NIHR Learn:
- Good Clinical Practice (GCP)
When undertaking clinical research, it is important to have an understanding of good practice and the legislation underpinning ethical research. The NIHR have developed GCP training, which is usually a requirement for anyone involved in research activities. The training takes around half a day to complete and can be done online or at a local face to face training session. The certificate lasts for two years and a refresher online course is available for those continuing to work on research projects after this time - Informed consent
- Research practice in clinical settings
- Let’s talk trials
- Advanced level: Becoming a Research Delivery Leader.
Look at your CRN or trust website to find other relevant local training, both in-person and online.
Research leadership
Accessed through your local NHS Research & Development or local CRN:
- Principal Investigator Essentials
- Principal Investigator Masterclass Training
Look at your CRN or trust website to find other relevant local training.
Associate Principal Investigator scheme
An in-work training scheme to learn how to lead and deliver an NIHR portfolio study at your local site, under mentorship of an experienced principal investigator.
Leading research delivery
Developing your career as a research delivery leader.
NHS Clinical Academic Training
The Integrated Clinical Academic programme is funded by the NHS and run by the NIHR and provides a range of opportunities for clinicians to undertake fully-funded clinical research or research training while maintaining clinical practice and salary. There are a range of schemes available depending on the existing level of academic qualifications from research internships to post-doctoral fellowships and lectureships. A mentoring scheme is also available.
Masters, PhD and Professional Doctorate opportunities
There are a range of higher education courses available to qualified audiologists, from Master of Research (MRes), Master of Science (MSc), Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Scientific Training Programme (STP), Higher Specialist Scientist Training Programme (HSST) and Professional Doctorates (PD).
You can find funded and unfunded UK and international opportunities to study for a PhD at universities:
https://www.findaphd.com/
https://www.jobs.ac.uk/phd
https://www.prospects.ac.uk/postgraduate-study/phd-study/phd-studentships
Specialist and Higher Specialist Scientific Training:
https://nshcs.hee.nhs.uk/programmes/stp/
https://nshcs.hee.nhs.uk/programmes/hsst/
