T]he Research Training Bursary scheme is intended to support UK registered pharmacists and pharmacy technicians who have an interest in developing their skills in conducting research relating to everyday practice.
Level 1
Funding to undertake training through research modules or courses, particularly with a focus on research methods, or a small-scale project (supported by a research organisation, for example, a Higher Education Institute, Primary Care Research Network or Research Design Service). Funding from a Level 1 bursary can also be used towards a small component of a larger research project.
You can apply for up to £5,000 at this level.
Level 2
Funding to undertake a non-pharmacy MSc or MRes. The masters course you pursue must support your academic or clinical career.
You can apply for up to £30,000 at this level.
To apply for a Research Training Bursary, please download the Research Training Bursary application form and read the Research Training Bursary Guidance document for further information on completing the application form. Please ensure you refer to the guidance document before submitting your application. These are available to download at the bottom of this page.
For further information on the selection process, please see how we fund research. If you are unable to download any of the documents please contact us.
Selection
Shortlisted applicants for Level 2 Bursaries will be invited to interview to discuss their application further, which will include a presentation from the applicant, followed by questions from the interview panel.
Our previous bursary recipients can be viewed here.
| 2026 PRUK funding round launch | 24th November 2025 |
| 2026 PRUK funding round deadline | 1pm on 25th March 2026 |
| Applicants notified of initial outcome (i.e. invitation to interview stage) | w/c 29th June 2026 |
| Online interviews (for shortlisted PhD studentship awards and Level 2 bursaries only) | 8th or 9th July 2026 |
| Applicants notified of final outcome | 31st July 2026 |
Successful PRUK applications often include:
✔ 1. Relevance to Pharmacy Practice & Patient Outcomes
Clear linkage between research aims and pharmacy practice, medicines optimisation, patient care pathways, or service delivery improvements is crucial. Pharmacy Research UK
✔ 2. Feasible, Well-Defined Research Plans
Reviewers look for proposals with clear aims, sound methodology, realistic milestones, and appropriate metrics for success within the funding period.
✔ 3. Clear Professional Development Impact
Training bursaries and studentships should articulate how the award will build research capacity and career progression for the applicant.
✔ 4. Institutional Support & Mentorship
Evidence of support (e.g., host supervisor, academic environment, collaborative structures) enhances reviewer confidence, particularly for PhD applications.
✔ 5. Justified Budget & Value
Budgets should be clearly connected to deliverables and reflect good value, especially for smaller awards where capacity building is a core outcome.
✔ Match your proposal to the right scheme: e.g., skills development vs doctoral research. Pharmacy Research UK
✔ Emphasise patient/public impact: Especially important for theme-specific awards. Pharmacy Research Professionals
✔ Demonstrate feasibility: Describe setting, partners, and timelines clearly.
✔ Outline research capacity outcomes: For training, show how skills or qualifications will be built.
✔ Build strong supervisor/mentor relationships: Especially for postgraduate awards.
| Scheme | Target | Focus | Typical Support |
|---|---|---|---|
| PhD Studentship Scheme | UK registered pharmacists & technicians | Doctoral research in pharmacy practice, service, outcomes | Up to ~£100,000 Pharmacy Research UK |
| Research Training Bursaries | UK registered pharmacy professionals | Skills development or postgraduate research training | Tiered bursaries (~£5k–£30k+) Pharmacy Research Professionals |
| BOPA-PRUK Research Award | Oncology pharmacy researchers | Independent research with patient impact | Up to ~£10,000 Pharmacy Research Professionals |
| CMHP-PRUK Research Award | Mental health pharmacy researchers | Practice research for patient benefit | Up to ~£20,000 CMHP - College of Mental Health Pharmacy |
🔍 When PRUK Funding Is a Good Fit
✔ You are a UK registered pharmacist or pharmacy technician aiming to build research skills or pursue research training. Pharmacy Research UK
✔ Your project is directly relevant to pharmacy practice or patient outcomes in medicines use. Pharmacy Research UK
✔ You seek postgraduate or doctoral research support grounded in pharmacy-centric questions. Pharmacy Research UK
✔ You are part of a clinical or service team exploring research that enhances pharmacy services (e.g., oncology, mental health).
Funding for the training bursaries is to be used for pharmacy professionals who demonstrate a real need for external support to develop their skills and careers in research. The research/course must be taking place in the UK and should not exceed two-three years in duration (projects over 36 months will be considered but must be justified).
All pharmacists and pharmacy technicians who are registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) or the Pharmaceutical Society of Northern Ireland (PSNI) are eligible to apply.
Sponsor Institute/Organizations: Pharmacy Research UK
Sponsor Type: Corporate/Non-Profit
Address: 66-68 East Smithfield London, E1W 1AW
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Mar 25, 2026
Mar 25, 2026
$6,700
£5,000
Affiliation: Pharmacy Research UK
Address: 66-68 East Smithfield London, E1W 1AW
Website URL: https://pharmacyresearchuk.org/for-researchers/personal-awards-2/research-training-bursaries/
Disclaimer:It is mandatory that all applicants carry workplace liability insurance, e.g., https://www.protrip-world-liability.com (Erasmus students use this package and typically costs around 5 € per month - please check) in addition to health insurance when you join any of the onsite Trialect partnered fellowships.