Applying to the HSST

How to apply to the HSST

The application consists of an online form in which applicants must provide information on how they meet the person specification, details of their qualifications, experience and motivation

Additional guidance on applying to the programme is available in the HSST Frequently Asked Questions.

Check opening and closing dates

There are multiple opening and closing deadlines that applicants need to be aware of, for different stages of the recruitment process. You will need to check the website on a regular basis throughout the application process for the most recent updates as things are subject to change.

Registering on Oriel, the online application portal

You can register on Oriel as early as you wish but you will not be able to apply until the application window for vacancies opens.

• Visit the Oriel website at https://www.oriel.nhs.uk/Web
• Click on ‘Account Registration’ to create a user account.
• When you have registered an account, click ‘Proceed to Applicant Registration’ – this will allow you to complete further registration details which will be used to auto-populate parts of the application form.
• Use an email address that we can contact you on up until the programme start date, rather than a work or university email address.

We use direct messaging in Oriel to contact you about applications in progress. We may also use the email address supplied to us via Oriel, but your main source of information throughout will be Oriel. Make sure you check your Oriel account on a regular basis to stay informed.

Minimum browser requirements for Oriel

Searching for a vacancy

When HSST opens for applications and you have registered on Oriel, log into your account. Search for a vacancy using ‘Higher Specialist Scientist Training’. Select the vacancy you want to apply for and click ‘To Apply’.

In-service applicants require a code to apply, the school will send this to your employer to pass onto you.

Non-UK applicants

Please refer to national guidance from NHS England and UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) to confirm whether you are eligible to apply.

The application form

You can save and return to your application form as many times as you like before submitting it.

The application form has initial screening questions, and you must meet and be able to evidence the minimum eligibility criteria to be able to proceed with the application. You must provide details on the following:

• personal information
• academic history
• work experience
• general employment history
• equality and diversity data

You may have already provided some of this data when completing the registration process and Oriel will auto-populate your application form.

The ’employment history’ section requires you to enter an end date for your current employment. If you are in current employment and will need to leave your job to join the programme, enter the employment end date as 31 August 2026.

You then complete a series of short answer questions to demonstrate your suitability, understanding and motivation for the programme. You will also be asked to choose your specialty. Add any work experience, including voluntary work, to the supporting information section.

Fitness to practise

The fitness to practise questions in the application form cover things such as criminal convictions. If you answer ‘yes’ to any of these questions you must upload the Fitness to Practise Declaration form to your application. If you are successfully offered a post, the information you have provided will be considered by a panel. They will decide whether the information you have provided makes you unsuitable for the programme.

False declaration

Any false declarations will invalidate your application and you will be removed from the recruitment process.