Update on student research – new eligibility criteria from 1 September 2021

The Health Research Authority (HRA) and the devolved administrations (DAs), supported by the Wessex Institute at the University of Southampton, have reviewed their approach to study approval for student research.

The review aimed to ensure students have the best learning experience of health and social care research, and to reduce the time that the HRA, DAs and NHS Research Ethics Committees (RECs) spend advising on and reviewing student applications.

In March 2020 we paused student research approvals to create capacity for urgent COVID-19 research. Now, from 1 September 2021, we are introducing new eligibility criteria for standalone student research.

The new criteria mean that some Master’s level students will be able to apply for ethics review and HRA/Health and Care Research Wales approval or devolved administration equivalent. Stand-alone research at undergraduate level that requires ethics review and/or HRA/Health and Care Research Wales Approval (or devolved administration equivalent) cannot take place. Arrangements for doctoral research remain unchanged.

Full details are in list one – permitted student research. We’ve also made it clear when students are able to take the role of Chief Investigator, see list two - which type of students may act as Chief Investigator?

It is possible for students to learn about health and social care research without completing standalone projects. Looking at other ways to build skills and experience better reflects modern research and emphasises team science. View the video of the HRA event ‘Exploring good practice in Student Research’ to hear from course leaders about how successful these alternative approaches have been (registration is required to view) or visit the HRA website for further information and ideas.

If you have any queries about the eligibility criteria, please contact queries@hra.nhs.uk.

 

List 1: Permitted student research

This list shows the type of stand-alone research projects that students will be able to do from September 2021. Stand-alone research means research where the student designs the study, submits for approval and conducts the project on their own with supervision. Please check the HRA website for what types of research require the different types of review.

Undergraduate or equivalent

Type of review:

• Non-REC* - no
• Proportionate REC review – no
• Full REC review – no

Masters (or equivalent) students on non-health and care courses or in university departments not active in health and care research 

Type of review:

• Non-REC* - no
• Proportionate REC review – no
• Full REC review – no

Masters (or equivalent) students on health and care courses in health and care research active university departments

Type of review:

• Non-REC* - yes
• Proportionate REC review – only if no other suitable alternative to obtain educational experience
• Full REC review – no

Health and care professionals or trainees on courses in health and care research active university departments

Type of review:

• Non-REC* - yes
• Proportionate REC review – yes
• Full REC review – yes

PhD/ doctoral level  

Type of review:

• Non-REC* - yes
• Proportionate REC review – yes
• Full REC review – yes

*No ethical review is required under the terms of GAfREC. Research involves the NHS/HSC so falls within the scope of HRA/Health and Care Research Wales approval or devolved administration equivalent.

List 2: Which type of students may act as Chief Investigator

Undergraduate or equivalent

• Act as Chief Investigator - no

Masters (or equivalent)

• Act as Chief Investigator - no

PhD/ doctoral level  

Act as Chief Investigator – yes