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Researcher internship scheme

Our researcher internship scheme is a great opportunity for those looking to pursue a career in applied child and adolescent mental health research and evaluation. 

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Anna Freud's internship scheme

Anna Freud values diversity and aims to have a workforce that reflects this. That's why we set up an annual Researcher Internship Scheme that offers six individuals a three-month funded placement at Anna Freud.

The scheme is aimed at making research careers more accessible and inclusive for individuals who often experience additional barriers in pursuing research careers, or who are underrepresented in the field of mental health research.  

Who can apply for the internship scheme?

  • Those who 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. 

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

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

What does the internship 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 happens 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

"This internship at Anna Freud is an excellent place to start a career. There are great opportunities for learning and making connections, with room to personalise the internship so that you get the most out of it. The opportunities to work on and hear about several projects can foster interests that you never had and ultimately this internship allows you to develop personal skills and gain confidence in your career and yourself.”

Subscribe to the Anna Freud Learning Network

To get the latest news on the Researcher Internship Scheme, join the Anna Freud Learning Network.