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Update on student research – new eligibility criteria from 1 September 2021
24th March 2021
The HRA and the devolved administrations, 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 student research approvals were paused to create capacity for urgent COVID-19 research. Now, from 1 September 2021, new eligibility criteria for standalone student research are to be introduced.
The new criteria mean that some Master’s level students will be able to apply for ethics review and HRA/HCRW Approval or devolved administration equivalent. Standalone research at undergraduate level that requires ethics review and/or HRA/HCRW Approval (or devolved administration equivalent) cannot take place. Arrangements for doctoral research remain unchanged. Full details are in table one - permitted student research table. It has also been made clear when students are able to take the role of Chief Investigator, see table 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 ‘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 access the HRA website for further information and ideas: https://www.hra.nhs.uk/student-research/.
If you have any queries about the eligibility criteria, please contact queries@hra.nhs.uk.
Table 1: Permitted student research
This table 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 what types of research require the different types of review.
|
Type of Review |
Undergraduate or equivalent |
Masters (or equivalent) students on non-health and care courses or in university departments not active in health and care research |
Masters or equivalent) students on health and care courses in health and care research active university departments |
Health and care professionals or trainees on courses in health and care research active university departments |
PhD/ doctoral level |
|
Non-REC* |
No |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Proportionate REC review |
No |
No |
only if no other suitable alternative to obtain educational experience |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Full REC review |
No |
No |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
*No ethical review is required under the terms of GAfREC. Research involves the NHS/HSC so falls within the scope of HRA/HCRW Approval or Devolved Administration equivalent.
Table 2: Which type of students may act as Chief Investigator
|
Type of student |
Undergraduate or equivalent |
Masters (or equivalent) |
PhD/ doctoral level |
|
Act as Chief Investigator |
No |
No |
Yes |
