Research Nurse
6AI EXPOSURE TODAY6
20-YEAR SCENARIO
NOT A FORECAST54%
NOT A FORECAST54%
THE DOOR · ENTRY DIFFICULTY TODAYB
STARTING PAY£25,000 - £30,000
REGULATORY MOATThe law requires human oversight. That human could be you.
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CAREERMASH (EN)FROM NURSING AND MIDWIFERY →
Research Nurse
Research Nurses help run medical trials and studies. They work with patients who are taking part in a trial, make sure the study is done properly and safely, and collect the information doctors and scientists need to find out if a new treatment works.
THE DOOR: ENTRY DIFFICULTY TODAY, graded A (easy) to E (extremely hard). A Careermash rule-of-thumb index built from our AI exposure index and the job's moat class. It is not a forecast and not a count of job openings.
AI EXPOSURE TODAY is a Careermash index from 0 to 100 of how exposed this job's everyday tasks are to AI today. We estimate it by matching published research on how people use AI to this job, usually by keyword or subject area, and we lower it where the work is protected (for example by physical, personal or legal requirements). It is not a direct measurement of how much people in this job use AI.
This job holds up well against AI
AI exposure today is low on our index (6), and the law requires human oversight. That human could be you. That is about as safe as careers get right now, though it is still worth learning to use the tools well.
Career progression path
Is this the only route?
This is the standard academic trajectory, but modern careers are highly flexible. You can often skip stagesby entering the industry with an advanced qualification (like a Master's or PhD), or pivot sideways from a related discipline.
0ACADEMIC FOUNDATIONUniversity DegreeUsually 3 to 4 years of full-time academic study, explicitly preparing you for the theoretical realities of the industry. Requires A-Levels, BTECs, or equivalent Level 3.-£67,350Avg. UK tuition & living
1FIRST STEPJunior Research NurseAs a Junior Research Nurse, you will assist in the recruitment of participants and support senior staff in managing clinical trials. This role is ideal for newly qualified nurses looking to gain experience in research.£25,000 - £30,000
2GAINING EXPERIENCEMid-level Research NurseIn a mid-level role, you will take on more responsibility, including leading trials and mentoring junior staff. Your experience will allow you to contribute significantly to research design and implementation.£35,000 - £45,000
3PEAK CAREERSenior Research Nurse/Clinical Research ManagerAt the peak of your career, you will oversee multiple research projects, manage teams, and liaise with stakeholders at all levels. Your expertise will shape the future of clinical research and patient care.£55,000+
Apprenticeship listings for this career → (June 2026 snapshot; check closing dates on the official service)
The degree route
Courses in this career's subject area, from the live library of 35,000; every one is AI impact assessed through its actual graduate destinations.
🎓Mental Health and Learning Disabilities NursingRoyal School of Needlework(The) · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£34,500 median
🎓Mental Health Nursing with foundation yearCoventry University · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£32,000 median
All Nursing and Midwifery courses as cards →
There is more than one way in
You do not have to go the university route to get here. There is an apprenticeship route into this career.
Degree subjects that lead this way
Courses in this career's subject area, from the same register that priced the degree above. Subject-matched, not a guaranteed qualifying route: check each course's own entry requirements and any professional accreditation before you rely on it.
Nursing AssociateThe University of Cumbria · DegreeMental Health and Learning Disabilities NursingRoyal School of Needlework(The) · DegreeMidwiferyUniversity of Southampton · DegreeMental Health NursingDancebox Theatre Works · DegreeMental Health Nursing with foundation yearCoventry University · DegreeMidwiferyUniversity of Plymouth · Degree