We offer research and academic training at every stage of your clinical career. The level of entry onto the ICAT programme depends on where you are in your clinical training and prior research experience. Opportunities exist in both undergraduate and postgraduate levels to progress along a professional clinical academic career pathway.
Please email our team to find out more about the ICAT programme.
Important information
The application window for 2026 is 19 December 2025 to 19 January 2026 at 7pm.
Candidates will be notified by Friday 30th January 2026.
Interviews will be scheduled for week commencing 16th February 2026.
Late applications will not be accepted under any circumstances.
If you would like to make an application or you have any questions relating to this process, please email the ICAT Team.
Why choose to Intercalate?
Intercalation brings many benefits to students, including:
- Contributing to new medical advancements that may one day help to improve the health and wellbeing of the nation
- Deepening your knowledge of your chosen medical specialty
- Dedicating a year to honing your research skills
- Working closely with internationally recognised academics, clinicians, and investigators
Intercalation and the NHS
Participating in intercalation is a vital way to contribute to the NHS’s Fit for the Future: 10 Year Health Plan. The NHS is constantly innovating and is keen to support its staff in upskilling to turn the service into an innovation powerhouse.
The NHS plans to increase its research opportunities and reverse the decline in clinical academic roles. They will be collaborating with major charity funders and encouraging additional funders to support schemes such as the Clinical Future Leader Fellowships.
Intercalating will provide an excellent foundation for students to continue onto these exciting new opportunities.
Choosing the right course for you
We offer a range of courses suitable for an intercalated degree, which can develop your research skills or complement your passion for medicine.
For more information about the courses, please see their respective pages:
Available Projects
You will be able to select or propose a project across a diverse range of disciplines allied to front-line medicine, surgery, dentistry, vision sciences, medical sciences, and psychology within the supervisory and resource availability
Projects vary from year to year depending on the current research activities of our academic staff. There may be opportunities to pitch project ideas, so please consider what kind of projects you’d like to work on, and any supervisors you’d like to work with whilst making your application.
How to apply
The Mackenzie Research Institute at the University of Lancashire are offering ten scholarships funded by the National Institute of Health Research (NIHR) to Year 4 MBBS students to intercalate between Year 4 and Year 5 of study.
Selected candidates will have the opportunity to enrol on one of our research courses and work on projects with world leading experts to advance healthcare with cutting-edge research.
Successful candidates will be provided with cost-of-living payments and payment of tuition fees (at the home student rate).
If you would like to make an application or you have any questions relating to this process, please email the ICAT Team.
Important dates
The application window for 2026 is 19 December 2025 to 19 January 2026 at 7pm.
Candidates will be notified by Friday 30th January 2026.
Interviews will be scheduled for week commencing 16th February 2026.
Discover more about intercalated degrees
If you are interested in finding out more about intercalated degrees and opportunities at other institutes in the UK, you can visit the following websites:
- Read The BMJ Guide To Intercalated Degrees on the BMJ Careers website
- Read A guide for medical students on intercalated degrees on British Medical Association's website
- Visit the Intercalate website to discover more
Become a member of the Medical Research Society. To join, visit the Students' Union website.
