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Accessibility Research Intern (NCL Internship)

Details


1122161


Newcastle University


25/01/2027


6 Months


60 Hours total - Hours can be worked flexibly around other commitments.


Not Applicable

Pay


£14.11


£1.70

Description

Role

Are you passionate about accessibility, inclusion and improving the student experience?

The Newcastle University Careers Service is committed to ensuring that all students can access the support, opportunities and guidance they need to achieve their career goals. We recognise that some students may face additional barriers when engaging with career planning, career development opportunities and Careers Service provision. Through this project, we want to better understand the experiences of students with disabilities, mental health conditions and neurodivergence, and identify ways to make our support more accessible and inclusive.

As an Accessibility Research Intern, you will gather insights from students, student representatives, University networks and relevant research to explore the barriers these students may face. You will identify key challenges, highlight examples of good practice and explore opportunities to enhance our services.

Your findings will help shape future developments to Careers Service provision, ensuring that student voices and experiences are at the heart of service improvement and helping us create a more inclusive experience for all.

We are committed to removing barriers throughout the recruitment process and internship. If you require adjustments at any stage or would like to discuss how the role could be adapted to meet your needs, we would be happy to support you. Please contact Laura Messenger at Laura.Messenger@ncl.ac.uk if you have any questions. 
 
Time commitment: Approximately 60 hours in total (around 3-4 hours per week during term time between January 2027 and May 2027).
 
Working days and times are flexible. Work will take place mainly remotely, with some in-person meetings and activities on campus where needed.

Duties and responsibilities

  • Conduct research into the experiences, barriers and challenges that students with disabilities, mental health conditions and neurodivergence may encounter throughout their career development journey, including engagement with careers support.
  • Gather feedback and insights from students through appropriate engagement activities and research methods.
  • Engage with relevant students, staff, representatives and services, including:
    • Newcastle University Students' Union (NUSU), including the Wellbeing and Communities Officer.
    • Relevant student societies and student-led networks.
    • University equality, diversity and inclusion networks.
    • Student support and wellbeing services.
  • Review and evaluate current Careers Service provision from an accessibility and inclusion perspective, including accessing and experiencing services and resources where appropriate.
  • Undertake desk-based research into current evidence, guidance and examples of good practice from universities and other organisations to identify approaches that support accessibility and inclusion.
  • Analyse findings to identify key themes, challenges, opportunities and examples of effective practice.
  • Develop a summary of findings and recommendations for consideration by the Careers Service.
  • Present key findings and recommendations to Careers Service colleagues.

Skills and experience

  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills. (Essential)
  • Ability to engage effectively with a wide range of people and groups. (Essential)
  • Good research and information-gathering skills. (Essential)
  • Ability to analyse information and identify emerging themes. (Essential)
  • Strong written communication skills, including the ability to produce clear reports. (Essential)
  • Ability to work independently and manage time effectively. (Essential)
  • Interest in accessibility, inclusion, equality and student experience. (Essential)
  • Ability to approach sensitive topics with empathy, professionalism and confidentiality. (Essential)
  • Understanding of the barriers that students with disabilities, mental health conditions and/or neurodivergence may experience in higher education, career planning and graduate transitions. We welcome applications from students with lived experience of these areas, as well as those who have developed relevant knowledge through study, advocacy, volunteering, involvement in relevant networks or other experiences. (Desirable)

Location
Blended - Primarily remote, occasionally in-office as required

Additional information

What the Intern Will Gain

  • Experience of planning and delivering an independent research project.
  • Development of research, consultation, analysis and report-writing skills.
  • Experience of engaging with a range of stakeholders across the University and Students' Union.
  • Insight into service development, accessibility and inclusive practice in higher education.
  • An opportunity to influence how careers support is designed and delivered for future students.
  • A chance to make a meaningful contribution to improving the student experience and promoting equity in graduate outcomes.
  • Towards the end of your NCL Internship you will be required to complete a short reflection activity with your internship supervisor. This is designed to help you recognise the skills you have gained from the experience and how these skills can be evidenced in future applications, including applications for graduate roles.
 

How to Apply: Please apply with an up-to-date CV and Cover Letter. Closing date for applications is midnight on 24/11/26  

Please reach out to Laura Messenger for more information about this opportunity (Laura.Messenger@newcastle.ac.uk). 

Interviews will be held on Monday 7th December.

Newcastle University is committed to being a fully inclusive Global University which actively recruits, supports and retains staff from all sectors of society.  We value diversity as well as celebrate, support and thrive on the contributions of all our employees and the community they represent.  We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications from everybody, regardless of race, sex, ethnicity, religion, nationality, sexual orientation, age, disability, gender identity, marital status/civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, as well as being open to flexible working practices.

At Newcastle University we hold a silver Athena Swan award in recognition of our good employment practices for the advancement of gender equality.  We also hold a Race Equality Charter Bronze award in recognition of our work towards tackling race inequality in higher education REC.

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