NHS Scientist Training Programme (STP)
What is the NHS Scientist Training Programme?
The STP is a graduate-entry programme leading to more senior scientist roles. You will be employed by an NHS trust for the duration of your training.
What does the training involve?
STP trainees are paid a salary while they are training.
Postgraduate training for the STP leads to a specifically commissioned and accredited master's degree and certification of achievement of work-based training following one of nine themed pathways:
- microbiology (infection control and epidemiology, mycology, virology, toxicology, bacteriology and parasitology)
- blood sciences (clinical biochemistry, haematology/transfusion science, immunology)
- cellular sciences (histopathology, cytopathology, reproductive science)
- genetic sciences (genetic science, bioinformatic genomics)
- neurosensory sciences (audiology, neurophysiology, ophthalmic and vision science)
- cardiovascular respiratory and sleep sciences (cardiac science, respiratory and sleep science, vascular science, critical care science)
- gastrointestinal physiology and urodynamic sciences
- clinical engineering (rehabilitation engineering, clinical measurement and development, medical device risk management and governance), reconstructive sciences (maxillofacial prosthetics)
- medical physics (radiation safety physics, radiotherapy physics, imaging with ionising radiation, imaging with non-ionising radiation, clinical pharmaceutical science)
How is the training structured?
Learning is delivered through approved and accredited three years of workplace-based training, with the first year in a range of settings before specialisation in the last two years of training. Scientist trainees will also be required to undertake a specifically commissioned master's degree in their chosen area.
What are the entry requirements?
Applicants must have an honours degree (1st or 2:1) in a pure or applied science area relevant to the specialism for which they are applying. Applicants with a relevant 2:2 degree will also be considered if they have an MSc or PhD in the specialism for which they are applying.
For all candidates, evidence of research experience (e.g. in the form of a higher degree or equivalent evidence of scientific and academic capability), is considered desirable.
The most commonly accepted degrees are:
Life Sciences: biomedical sciences, biology, microbiology, genetics or biochemistry. As the STP specialism in bioinformatic genomics links informatics and science, candidates can apply with a wide range of relevant degrees (e.g. biological, biomedical, natural sciences, computing/informatics, computer science, mathematics, etc). The strongest candidates will be able to demonstrate an understanding of both science and informatics in a clinical setting.
Physical Sciences and Biomedical Engineering: pure or applied physics, engineering, applied mathematics
Physiological Sciences: physiology, pure or applied physics, engineering, biology or human biology.
Applicants for reconstructive sciences (maxillofacial prosthetics) will require registration with the General Dental Council as a clinical dental technician/technologist.
Science degrees related to medicine may be considered suitable if relevant to the specialty or theme for which they are applying.
Applicants must check the person specification for the STP, to ensure that they can demonstrate how they meet the required criteria for their application.
How and when do I apply?
There is an annual application cycle. The application cycle for 2013 is now closed but click here for the latest information.
Further information
More information about the other training routes into healthcare science is also available.
For more general information about Modernising Scientific Careers, please visit the Department of Health website.