
Undergraduate Research Internships
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What are the research internships?
Develop your skills working on a cutting-edge research project in your chosen academic discipline. The Research Internships are paid work experience opportunities for Lancaster University undergraduate students who meet widening participation criteria. The internships are open to Part II undergraduate students and all academic disciplines - just check the subject-specific criteria on each project description.
With support from an academic supervisor, you can apply the research skills you have started to develop on your course, identify strengths and interests, and begin to consider postgraduate study and employment opportunities. You will have the opportunity to create an academic poster and also the opportunity to present at the Undergraduate Research Conference.
Most internships are full time across four weeks in July (running from July 3rd - July 28th). Some internships will vary in dates and length. If you attend during July, you will also have access to complementary workshops based on improving your knowledge surrounding employability and postgraduate study.
Benefits of the Research Internships
As an intern you will be joining other undergraduate students studying in the cutting edge research environment at Lancaster University. Some of the key benefits of being an intern include:
- Paid work experience in your chosen academic discipline.
- Deepen your understanding of research practices at universities.
- Increase your knowledge on postgraduate study and post-university employment.
- Join a community of undergraduate research interns.
- Identify your strengths and interests in research and consider your next steps after graduation.
- Make meaningful contributions to research in your chosen field.
- Connect to other staff and explore similar research and results-sharing opportunities.
- Present your work in a research-based environment by creating and presenting an academic poster
How to apply
Applying for the research internships is a simple process and all applications are made online through the Employment and Recruitment Service (ERS). The research internships are open to all Part II undergraduate students and do not require previous research experience to apply. Each person specification criteria can be met from your current degree course and university experience.
Follow these easy steps to find out more:
Who can apply?
Application requirements:
These internships are only open to current Part II Lancaster University Undergraduate students. The internships are open to undergraduate UK fee-paying students in any year. To be eligible, you must meet one of the following widening participation criteria. Please confirm which criteria you meet in your cover letter.
- I am from a low-income background (i.e. household income of £30,000 or less)
- I am the first in my family to progress to higher education (neither of your parents attended university except as a mature student)
- I am from a neighbourhood where higher education participation is low (defined as your home postcode being POLAR4 quintile 1 or quintile 2) https://www.lancaster.ac.uk/widening-participation/postcode/
- I am care-experienced
- I am a carer
- I am on the Lancaster Success Programme or GROW your future programme
There will also be subject-specific criteria for each internship.
Application process
Applying to the Undergraduate Research Internships:
The details and application process for these internships will take place through the Employment and Recruitment Service (ERS) website.
The application process will include submitting a CV and covering letter explaining why you want to apply for the internships and successful candidates will be invited for an interview.
Application guidance
Applications must include:
All internships are advertised on the ERS website. You can apply to more than one internship. To apply, please upload:
- CV
- Cover letter
In the cover letter please include why you wish to do the internship, which WP criteria you meet and how you meet the other subject-specific criteria outlined in the person specification on the job vacancy.
For help with your application please seek support from the careers service.
Student support and events
Successful students will be contacted in June with further information about what to expect during the internship. Students will have access to continued support throughout the internship from their academic supervisor and the Student Success team.
Interns will attend a series of workshops and events during the main internship period.
There will be complementary events during the main internship period of 3-28th July. These include:
- Opening Ceremony/Induction Seminar: An opportunity to meet other interns and understand what will happen throughout your internship. The project co-ordinators will establish the processes and expectations for the duration of your internship.
- Seminars: Personal development seminars, such as the process of applying for postgraduate study, and post-university careers.
- Closing Ceremony/Academic Poster Exhibition: This is our closing ceremony where all interns will be invited to share their projects with the UGRI community.
What our students think
"I really enjoyed my internship this year and loved being part of the research group I was in. It was great that the project I was accepted onto took into account what I wanted to gain out of it and I was able to work on something that best suited me."
"I'm very grateful to have been given this opportunity; not only has it developed my physics and research based skill sets, but it has also given my more confidence and self belief."
Similar Research Opportunities
Frequently Asked Questions
Accordion
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How do I apply?
Applications for specific projects are advertised on the Employment and Recruitment Services (ERS) website. Through this page, you will need to submit a CV and a covering letter on why you are suitable for the role before the specified closing date.
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Who can apply for the internships?
These internships are only open to current Part II Lancaster University Undergraduate students. The internships are open to undergraduate students in any year. To be eligible, you must meet one of the following widening participation criteria:
- I am from a low-income background (i.e. household income of £30,000 or less)
- I am the first in my family to progress to higher education (neither of your parents attended university except as a mature student)
- I am from a neighbourhood where higher education participation is low (defined as your home postcode being POLAR4 quintile 1 or quintile 2) https://www.lancaster.ac.uk/widening-participation/postcode/
- I am care-experienced
- I am a carer
- I am on the Lancaster Success Programme or GROW your future programme
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When and where will the internships take place?
Most internships are 4 weeks long and take place in July on campus (July 3rd - July 28th). However, some will start earlier or later, some will be up to 8 weeks, and some may be completed remotely.
Typically the internships will consist of 36-hour working weeks but some projects will vary offering around 20 hours, again each project differs so please check the specific advert for clarification. When browsing the internship adverts on ERS, please check the dates and locations of the specific projects.
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Is accommodation included with the Internship?
Accommodation is not included with the internship, however, arrangements can be made for accommodation on the Lancaster University campus. If you are a current student at Lancaster University, you may already have accommodation booked over the summer months. If not, summer vacation residences may be available for LU and non-LU students. We will be able to assist with accommodation bookings however direct payments will need to be made by yourself.
If you are a GROW Your Future Student then you can apply for a bursary to help towards your accommodation.
For more information please check the accommodation page.
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Are the research internships paid?
All of these internships are paid the national living wage. Payments are made monthly via ERS. Please check the job description of the research project you are interested in applying for as each project's hours vary per week which will impact the monthly payment you receive.
Although the internships are paid please do take into consideration living and accommodation costs for the duration of your internship.
Contact Us
If you have any questions or queries that have not been answered on this page, please contact us.
Student Success, University House, Lancaster University, LA14YW