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.

• ability to start internship in July 2024 and commit to 3-month period.

• 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?

We are currently accepting applications for our 2024 internship. To apply follow the below links. All applications must be submitted by 12pm May 13.

Applicants from a minoritised ethnic group, have lived experience of mental health difficulties, and or are disabled: Apply

Care experienced applicants: Apply

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 of £7,897, covering the three-month internship period (this is based on an annual equivalent of £31,591). 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.

If invited to interview, you will receive your invite by May 23. Interviews will take place May 28 or 30.

We want to ensure all candidates can access and apply for our vacancies equitably, if you require any additional assistance to apply or would like to find out more about the role, please contact us on recruitment@annafreud.org. We aim to provide reasonable adjustments where operationally possible for the work that we do.

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