Pathways for HSST applicants with pre-existing doctoral qualifications

Since the launch of the HSST programme in 2014 there has often been confusion regarding the pathways available for trainees who may have pre-existing doctoral qualifications. This situation is further complicated for Life Science trainees with respect to the requirement to attain Fellowship of the Royal College of Pathologists (FRCPath) in order to achieve successful completion of the HSST programme. Currently some RCPath specialties have a written component to achieve Part 2, which can be satisfied through completion of the DClinSci. Whereas other specialties have removed the written component requirement. Make sure you are aware of the current RCPath requirements for your specialty before deciding on your HSST pathway.

The engagement of the Manchester Academy for Healthcare Scientist Education (MAHSE) by Health Education England (HEE) to deliver the Professional Doctorate programme has seen discussions between the College, School and MAHSE and agreement that:

• MAHSE partner Universities will accept a pass in the FRCPath Part 1 examination in a relevant specialty in place of the Professional Doctorate (DClinSci) Section B.
• The Royal College of Pathologists will accept the research component of the Professional Doctorate (DClinSci) in a relevant specialty as the written option for the FRCPath Part 2.

Click this link to read the joint statement agreement.

What are the different sections of the DClinSci?

• Section A – Leadership and Professional Development
• Section B – Specialist Scientific Clinical Programme
• Section C – Research, Development and Innovation
  • Module: Research Project
  • Module: Doctoral Research and Innovation in Clinical Science

Completion of HSST programme for Life Sciences

The HSST trainee in Life Sciences therefore completes the workplace learning, the DClinSci or PgDip (with an approved previous relevant PhD) and fulfils the requirements of the FRCPath examination to meet all the learning objectives of the College HSST curriculum and successfully exits the HSST programme as is summarised in the pathway diagram below.

Completion of HSST programme for Physical Sciences, Bioinformatics and Physiological Sciences

All HSST trainees in Physical, Bioinformatics and Physiological Sciences are normally required to undertake a ‘Common Pathway’ completing all sections of the DClinSci and the Workplace Learning and exiting HSST with a DClinSci.

An ‘Alternate Pathway’ for those with an appropriate research doctorate (PhD) is available which requires completion of all components of the DClinSci other than the research project. However, since the research doctorate (PhD) is not admissible in lieu of Section C of the professional doctorate those trainees opting to follow this pathway exit HSST solely with a Postgraduate Diploma in Leadership and Professionalism for Healthcare Sciences.