Researcher internship scheme

Who can apply?

• have an undergraduate degree in psychology, the social sciences or a related field. Candidates can be in the 2nd or 3rd year of their degree or have equivalent experience (e.g., 12 months’ experience in a researcher role). 

• those who are from a minoritised ethnic group, have lived experience of mental health difficulties, are disabled and/or care experienced. 

• have the right to live and work in the UK without restrictions. 

• you would not otherwise be able to take part in an unpaid internship for reasons of lack of financial support. 

What does the scheme offer?

• first-hand experience of working on research and evaluation studies

• training sessions on applied research and evaluation methods 

• opportunities to shadow cross-organisational functions such as fundraising, training and communications

• access to workshops, seminars and other learning events

• weekly supervision meetings

• career development mentorship from a senior researcher at Anna Freud.

How do I apply?

Applications for our 2024 internships are now closed. 

To get the latest news on vacancies and to be notified about the Researcher Internship Scheme, please subscribe to the Anna Freud Recruitment Portal or the Anna Freud Learning Network.

What are the agreed working hours?

Placements range from part time (at least three days or 21 hours per week) to full time (five days or 35 hours per week) and working patterns will be agreed to accommodate other roles and responsibilities. Placements benefit from flexibility and involve home working. You will have the option to work 100% remotely or you can spend 20% of your time working onsite at our London or Manchester offices, at the addresses listed below:

• London:  Anna Freud, 4–8 Rodney Street, London N1 9JH

• Manchester: Huckletree, The Express Building, 9 Great Ancoats Street, Manchester M4 5AD

What is the agreed internship salary?

We are offering a full-time salary covering the three-month internship period. The salary will be pro-rata if part-time working hours apply. We are offering this to make the Scheme inclusive of individuals who would not otherwise be able to take part in an unpaid internship. 

Please note: The purpose of offering a paid internship scheme is to be inclusive of individuals who would not be able to take part in an unpaid internship for reasons of lack of financial support. By applying to this scheme, you are confirming that you would not otherwise be able to take part in an internship. 

What to expect after the closing date

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an online interview via email. Candidates will be selected on the basis of the requirements stated in the applicant guidance document. Please note, all our posts require candidates to have the Right to Work in the UK at the time of applying and we do not hold a sponsorship licence. 

Feedback from our research interns

"Being a recent graduate with very little experience, this internship was a massive confidence boost. I didn’t know what to expect from a full-time ‘9–5’ role so I was very nervous going into it, but my biggest takeaway would be ‘if you don’t ask, you don’t get’ so take every opportunity that comes your way even if you feel underqualified. Everyone I worked with at Anna Freud has been so lovely and it made me realise that people genuinely do want to help you, so if you ever want any advice, people are more than willing to talk to you!" - Samra (2022 intern)

Read our intern feedback