Data Futures: Introducing Data Careers in the NHS Placement and Graduate opportunities

Data placements exist to enable students to gain valuable work experience in the NHS. Different organisations may offer local work experience schemes but there are two national schemes to apply for.

NHS Work Placements The NHS Undergraduate Placement Scheme offers year 2 students a fantastic opportunity to gain a unique insight into how finance, procurement or digital teams work within the NHS.

Health Data Science Black Internship Programme – HDR UK The internships are for 8-weeks running from the end of June to the end of August. There is no prior experience, academic grade or coding requirement for this programme. Our internships for summer are open to all Black people (individuals with African, Caribbean and Other Black backgrounds and those with Black mixed heritage) who are:

• Current students at a UK university at any level (undergraduate, post grad diploma, Master’s, PhD or returning student)
• Recently graduated from a UK university (2023 and 2024)
• International students currently registered at a UK university
• Of any academic background, but is ideally suited to individuals with a degree in maths, physics, engineering or computer / data sciences, and bioinformatics-allied subjects.
• Based in the UK for the duration of the recruitment process and internship
• All applicants must have the Right to Work in the UK

Graduate Management Training Scheme runs programmes for General Management, Human Resources, Finance, Policy & Strategy, Health Informatics and Health Analysis.  Applications for 2026 scheme entry will open on 22nd September 2025. You can register your interest now to be notified when the scheme opens. The GMTS central team will also run awareness sessions throughout Autumn 2025.

Data placements and graduate schemes can lead to careers such as:

• Data Analyst
• Data Scientist
• Performance Analyst
• Data Engineer
• Analytics Engineer
• Machine Learning Engineer
• Data Governance
• Data Ethicist

NHS data placements are ideal for students with an interest in technology, problem-solving, and data-driven decision-making. They are open to year 2 undergraduates.

We are looking for applicants who will be able to grow their talents in areas such as programme management, data analytics, policy, HR, finance service re-design, and transformation within the NHS environment.  Who are ambitious, committed and driven, keen to take the initiative and get things done in a resourceful and efficient manner. Values matter to us, which is why we’re looking for aspirational, collaborative, insightful and respectful people who will help us achieve our vision and put patients first.

Requirements will vary from placement to placement. You need to be a current undergraduate student and all will require good Maths and English. Grade C/4 or equivalent.

2:2 degree minimum in any subject

Health Analysis requires a 2:2 degree minimum in a numerate subject or a degree with at least 30% numerate content.

There is no specific numeracy proficiency requirement for Finance or Health Informatics, though it is highly recommended.

Requirements apply to graduates and NHS employees

OR

A postgraduate qualification (MBA, Masters, PhD)

OR

Health or management related degree level equivalent qualifications

e.g. NVQ Level 5 in Management

Diploma in Management Studies (DMS)

Diploma in Nursing, Midwifery or Health Visiting (Dip HE Nursing) etc.

Diploma from the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy

Diploma in Speech & Language Therapy

Diploma from the College of Occupational Therapy (DipCOT)

Diploma from the College of Radiographers (DCR)

Diploma in Social Work (DSW) or the Certificate of Qualification in Social Work (CQSW)

All candidates must have the right to work in the UK for the entire duration of the Scheme.  It is your responsibility to ensure you have the right visa.

NHS Graduate Management Training Scheme (GMTS) trainees will be in full-time employment for the duration of the Scheme. This is not a student programme.

We don’t require any specific work experience to be eligible for our Scheme. However, any tangible examples of work experience (paid or unpaid) you can gain will be helpful at the interview stage. For example, you could volunteer at your local hospital. This would be a great way to get valuable experience and gain a better understanding of the challenges facing the NHS.

Health Informatics Trainees work towards a Postgraduate Diploma in Data Analytics, delivered by University College London and the University of Manchester. Previous modules have included: Essentials of Informatics for Healthcare Systems, Principles of Health Data Analytics and Health Information Systems and Technologies.

Alongside your Data Analytics qualification, you will be completing the NHS’ Rosalind Franklin Leadership Development Programme which will introduce, develop and harness your leadership style and potential. This programme will be delivered through a blended mix of conference style, virtual workshops and small group learning.

Trainees will also participate in Action Learning Sets and attend a range of conferences throughout the Scheme which will allow them to work and develop together as a group, learning from leading experts within the health and social care sector and further afield.

Teaching is delivered during working hours, but trainees can expect to complete coursework and revision in their own time.

General Management trainees work towards a Postgraduate Diploma in Healthcare Leadership, awarded by the University of Birmingham.

Finance trainee train to gain a professional finance and accountancy qualification from the Chartered Institute of Public and Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA). You will study for 12 modules, including Management Accounting and Financial Accounting, Audit and Assurance, Company Financial Reporting and Financial Management, submitting a strategic case study at the end of the scheme. Alongside your finance qualification, you will be completing the NHS’ Rosalind Franklin Leadership Development Programme.

HR trainees study for a Postgraduate Diploma in Human Resource Management with the University of Leicester. Modules include: Employee development and workplace learning, Managing human resources in a business context, Implementing improvements in organisational performance and Managing change and technology at work.

After graduating from the Scheme, you will become a qualified member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD). Alongside your HR qualification, you will be completing the NHS’ Rosalind Franklin Leadership Development Programme.

Policy & Strategy trainees undertake a fully funded Postgraduate Diploma in Health Policy, delivered by Imperial College, London. Alongside your Health Policy qualification, you will be completing the NHS’ Rosalind Franklin Leadership Development Programme.

Data placements offer:

• Paid employment.
• Real-world experience in using data to improve healthcare outcomes.
• Exposure to cutting-edge tools, technologies, and techniques.

You’ll receive a minimum starting salary of £29,225 on commencement, plus where applicable (dependant on the location of your placement) the NHS High Cost Area Supplement (HCAS).

This salary is calculated as 65% of the top spine point of a Band 6 salary as per the NHS Agenda for Change pay rates.

All trainees, subject to satisfactory probation and ongoing work and academic performance, will have the opportunity of a salary increase to £31,473 after 12 months.

Salary for current NHS employees – If you are currently an NHS employee earning more per annum than the starting salary stipulated above, you may be eligible to commence on a higher starting salary. Please note this and the annual 5% increases are up to a maximum 85% of the top spine point at band 6 salary, currently equating to £38,217 per annum on the 2024/25 pay rates.

Holiday – 27 days annual leave increasing with length of NHS service (including reckonable NHS service if eligible), plus bank holidays.

Fully funded study package – Education is an important component of the NHS GMTS.  You’ll study for at least one professional qualification during your time with us. There are no academic costs to trainees, the qualifications are fully funded.

Regardless of which graduate scheme you apply for in the NHS, you are supported and funded to obtain higher education qualification as well as NHS leadership and management qualifications.

Placement students earn while they learn. Salaries vary by role and level, but all placements are paid at Band 2 £22,383.

You’ll receive a minimum starting salary of £29,225 on commencement, plus where applicable (dependant on the location of your placement) the NHS High Cost Area Supplement (HCAS).

This salary is calculated as 65% of the top spine point of a Band 6 salary as per the NHS Agenda for Change pay rates.

All trainees, subject to satisfactory probation and ongoing work and academic performance, will have the opportunity of a salary increase to £31,473 after 12 months.

Yes. NHS trusts across England offer data apprenticeships. Opportunities can be found on the NHS Jobs Website or the Health Careers Website.

Some of the larger NHS organisations also run their own graduate intake schemes.

Graduate scheme – NHS SCW Support and Transformation for Health and Care

Check out the NHS GMTS YouTube NHS Graduate Management Training Scheme – life as a trainee.

Gain virtual work experience with our Step Up career challenge.

You can contact your local NHS trust or the NHS Careers team to arrange a tailored session. These sessions may include presentations by NHS staff, Q&A opportunities, and guidance on how students can apply for data apprenticeships.

Or connect with the NHS GMTS scheme via LinkedIn. The scheme leads run events every autumn across universities in England.

Yes. Students need a strong willingness to learn, problem-solving ability, and basic numeracy and digital skills. Possess good Maths and English. Grade C/4 or equivalent.

Regularly check the NHS Jobs Website, follow the GMTS scheme via LinkedIn or Instagram. Follow the NHS Data and Analytics Academy or connect with local NHS apprenticeship leads for updates on upcoming opportunities.