New way to secure undergraduate research support

Student support with research projects can now be arranged through our expanded Reading Internship Scheme (RIS).

Previously, academic colleagues could arrange student placements through the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Programme (UROP), however this scheme has now ended.

Colleagues can now use RIS in the same way, with Schools funding the placements. RIS offers several benefits over the previous scheme.

Using RIS for placements

RIS offers undergraduate students the opportunity to undertake short-term, paid internships with charities and external organisations. This can now include placements in University Schools and Departments.

The scheme runs throughout the year (part-time during the semester and full-time or part-time during summer). Students are paid a wage through Campus Jobs.

Using RIS for placements differs from UROP in the following ways:

• Research internship job descriptions submitted to the Careers team are advertised on its student jobs board as well as promoted through various channels.
• RIS is very popular with students – last year having received more than 1,700 applications. In the past, some UROP placements did not have many applicants, so RIS should generate more applications.
• Unlike UROP, internships under RIS can run throughout the year, not just over the summer. Research internships can be advertised through RIS imminently, so students could start as early as November/December 2024.
• RIS cannot provide a grant in the same way UROP did, so academic departments will be responsible for covering the student’s payment through Campus Jobs. See our Temporary Worker Framework for information on hourly rates. Support is available from Careers to calculate and budget for this.

The UROP webpage has been updated to explain the change to students and redirect them to RIS for available opportunities.

Projects Showcase

The annual UROP Showcase returns for the final time under its current title on Wednesday 13 November 2024.

Visit 3SIXTY in the Students’ Union from 13:30-15:30 to see highlights of the past year’s research project student placements and vote for your favourite.