Trainees
Information and resources to help current HSST trainees during their training.
About your time on the Higher Specialist Scientist Training programme
Everything you need to know about your time on the programme.
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Your HSST curriculum
Your HSST programme is made up of a number of modules which detail the academic and work-based content, and, where appropriate, the assessment strategy for the module.
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The academic part of the HSST
About the Doctor of Clinical Science (DClinSci) and the universities that deliver the academic component of the HSST.
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Approval process for prior PhDs
Find out if your completed PhD can be used towards part of the HSST programme.
How will I be assessed?
Information about the different types of assessment you will experience while on the HSST.
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What will I be assessed on?
Standardised assessment is used to assess a trainee's competence in core skills and knowledge domains, as part of the decision about a trainee's fitness to practise.
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Building your portfolio of evidence of activity in the workplace
Work-place based evidence should be based around real life scientific and clinical activities relevant to the workplace and specialty.
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Using Multi-Source Feedback as an assessment tool
Multi-Source Feedback is a useful way to gain feedback on your performance and level of skills.
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New
Key dates for the Annual Review of Progression (ARP) 2024
Important dates and times for HSST trainees participating in the Annual Review of Progression.
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Annual review of progression (ARP)
A supportive process used by HSST trainees and their supervisors to evaluate progression.
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Let’s talk about the Annual Review of Progression
Answers to some of those important questions about the Annual Review of Progression, from your HSST Deputy Training Programme Director.
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Annual review of progression (ARP) common issues
Guidance on common issues highlighted by the annual review of progression.
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Outcome statements for the HSST Annual Review of Progression
A HSST trainee will receive one of these six outcome statements for their Annual Review of Progression.
Independent Assessment of Professional Skills (IAPS)
Information and guidance about the HSST final assessment.
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Dates for the IAPS 2024
Final assessment dates for Physical, Physiological and Bioinformatics HSST trainees.
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Future IAPS dates
Final assessment dates between 2025 to 2027 for Physical, Physiological and Bioinformatics HSST trainees.
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Independent Assessment of Professional Skills (IAPS) – the HSST final assessment
The IAPS is an independent assessment of a showcase of completed evidence for the Standards of Proficiency for Higher Specialist Scientists. A successful IAPS is part of the completion requirements for specialties that do not obtain FRCPath status as part of their HSST.
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Guidance on the Independent Assessment of Professionals Skills for HSST trainees
Information about the different elements of the HSST final assessment.
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Guidance on booking and preparing for the IAPS
Information on preparing for each component, and submitting your evidence.
HSST Completion
Information and guidance about what is required to complete the Higher Specialist Scientist Training programme.
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Evidence for certification and completing the programme
The bespoke nature of the programme means that evidence of successful completion will vary depending on the pathway taken by the trainee through the 5-year programme.
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Guidance for trainees about HSST completion
Information about the end date, the timing of your HSST final assessment and how to obtain your completion certificate.
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Definitions for HSST completion
Details about some of the definitions used when we talk about completion.
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Using the Exceptional Extenuating Circumstances policy to apply for an extension of time or change to training
Trainees can apply for an extension of time or change to training via the EEC policy when circumstances affect their ability to continue training.
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Higher Specialist Scientist Training (HSST) Completion podcast
Listen to this podcast and make sure you are on track for completing the HSST.
Resources
A variety of guidance and resources to help you during your time on the Higher Specialist Scientist Training programme.
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How to guidance and videos for HSST trainees using OneFile
Get help with some of the common tasks in OneFile.
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OneFile webinar recordings
Watch the latest webinars for trainees and training officers/supervisors, on the different elements of OneFile.
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How to use the Turnitin Checker in OneFile – A guide for trainees
Familiarise yourself with the Turnitin feature in OneFile by following this guidance.
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HSST podcasts
Listen to our series of podcasts aimed at giving essential advice and guidance to HSST trainees and supervisors.
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Training planning resources for HSST trainees
Your training plan is a bespoke plan, which is particular to you and the environment you work in.
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Guidance on workplace evidence for HSST trainees
This guidance will help you when planning a submission and give you advice on collecting and creating evidence for your e-portfolio.
Support
Guidance and resources to support you during your training.
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Training support
We want you to have the best training experience, but you should also take care of your health and wellbeing.
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HSST Trainee networks
These trainee networks are available to support HSST trainees.
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Guidance for trainees about study time
Clarification for trainees on how much protected private study time they are allowed while on their programme.