I am currently a clinical pharmacist working part-time in a GP surgery and a first-year PhD student. Before joining the NIHR INSIGHT programme for Yorkshire and Humber, I had worked across multiple sectors of pharmacy, including inpatient and outpatient hospital settings, community pharmacies, and primary care networks. Although these roles provided valuable experience, I felt I had not yet found the right long-term career pathway. I began considering a return to university to explore research, but I was uncertain about how to begin or which direction to pursue. The MSc in Clinical Research through the NIHR INSIGHT programme was transformative. It allowed me to discover a genuine passion for research, while the variety of modules helped me identify my interests and strengths.
Returning to academic study after a three-year break was initially challenging, but I adapted quickly. I received excellent support for ADHD, and the flexibility to choose elective modules enabled me to focus on topics I found meaningful. The University of Sheffield provided a highly supportive learning environment.
Although finances were occasionally a concern, NIHR funding made a significant difference and allowed me to fully engage with my studies.
During the MSc, I developed a broad understanding of research methodologies and disciplines, including research methods, statistics, epidemiology, health economics, randomised controlled trials, and the sociology of health and illness. These modules were particularly influential. I found my dissertation especially rewarding and was deeply interested in sociological perspectives on health, which ultimately shaped my decision to pursue a PhD. I am now building on my dissertation work by developing a doctoral project using an intersectional approach, supported by excellent supervisors.
My current focus is progressing through my first year of the PhD. I am preparing for my confirmation review, conducting literature reviews, and undertaking further training in ethics and qualitative research methods. I hope to begin data collection and participant recruitment following confirmation and ethics approval.
A key insight from my studies is the importance of researching underrepresented groups and understanding how inequality and discrimination shape health outcomes. Through my experience as a pharmacist working with diverse populations, I have developed a strong interest in contributing to meaningful change, particularly within women’s health. I hope my research will support more equitable, evidence-based care.
I would strongly encourage anyone considering the INSIGHT programme to apply. It provides a valuable opportunity to explore different areas of research and discover your interests. Undergraduate degrees, particularly intensive programmes such as pharmacy, often offer limited opportunity to engage with disciplines like sociology, health economics, or research methodology in depth. This programme creates that space. It is especially beneficial for individuals who feel uncertain about their career direction and want time to explore their options.
I studied full-time and found this to be highly beneficial. It allowed me to fully engage with the course and develop my skills. With good planning, it is also possible to balance full-time study with part-time work. Key strategies include effective time management, open communication with tutors and employers, and seeking support when needed.
Looking back, the only thing I might have done differently is to begin this journey sooner. The INSIGHT programme helped me find direction at a time when I felt uncertain about my future. If I were to suggest one improvement, it would be increasing awareness of programmes like INSIGHT among employers, so they can better support staff who wish to pursue further study. Overall, I am incredibly grateful for this opportunity; it has been genuinely life changing.