Experiences of African migrant nurses with career progression in the UK National Health Service (HHS-2026-28)

About the project

About the Project African migrant nurses (AMN) are a vital part of the UK NHS workforce, yet evidence points to uneven career progression, under representation in senior roles, and experiences of deskilling or stalled development. While policy initiatives promote equality, diversity, and inclusion, career opportunities remain underexplored. This study examines how AMN understand and experience career progression across NHS settings and bands, and how organisational cultures and interpersonal dynamics shape those experiences. By focusing on movement through roles, the study highlights facilitators such as sponsorship and culturally responsive supervision, alongside barriers including bias, limited visibility, and poor recognition of prior experience. The findings will inform practical recommendations to support fair, transparent development pathways that strengthen retention, wellbeing, and leadership diversity within the NHS. Aims/Objectives Aim: To explore and describe the experiences of African migrant nurses (AMN) with career progression within the UK NHS. Objectives To document AMN perceptions and experiences of career progression, stagnation, or lack of advancement. To identify organisational, cultural, interpersonal, and structural factors that influence access to training, promotion, and leadership opportunities. To describe strategies used by AMN to navigate barriers, build professional credibility, and progress within their roles. To develop practice‑relevant insights that can inform more equitable progression pathways within the NHS. Methods: This study will use Interpretive Description (ID) to generate practice‑focused understandings of how AMN experience career progression in the UK NHS. Participants will be recruited using purposive sampling to ensure variation in band, specialty, region, and training background. Approximately 15-20 participants will be recruited, guided by data saturation. Semi‑structured interviews will be conducted, transcribed verbatim, and analysed inductively using a thematic ID approach with constant comparison. Rigour will be supported through reflexive memoing, peer debriefing, and participant sense checking. Ethical approval will be obtained, and confidentiality and informed consent ensured. For subject specific enquiries please contact: Precious Adade Duodu via p.a.duodu@hud.ac.uk We encourage you to discuss your ideas with potential supervisors in advance of application. Type of Award: MSc by Research Eligibility: Applications are open to UK applicants only ; ideally with a First-Class Honours degree. Location: Huddersfield/Online Funding: Fee waiver Duration: 1 years full-time / 2 years part-time Application Details To apply please submit the documents listed below to pgrscholarships@hud.ac.uk in full by Friday 30 th October 2026 , including the following documents: A motivational email as to why you wish to apply for the scholarship, stating which project you are applying for. A 2,000-word research proposal outlining how you plan to undertake for the research topic you are applying for. For further guidance on writing a research proposal, please refer to the following webpage: https://www.hud.ac.uk/postgraduate/research/writing-a-research-proposal/ Full CV Provide copies of transcripts and certificates of all relevant academic and/or any professional qualifications. Provide references from two individuals – (at least one to be an academic reference) please contact your referees and ask them to send your references directly to pgrscholarships@hud.ac.uk from their work email address. (references can be submitted late but must be received by Friday 6 th November 2026). Proof of eligibility – e.g. scan of passport photo page Please state the research topic number and title in the subject area of the email Please email pgrscholarships@hud.ac.uk with queries regarding eligibility and submitting documents. Informal enquiries about individual projects should be directed to the lead supervisor listed for each project.

Research areas