Routes through the programme — Higher Specialist Scientist Training programme

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There are two routes through the HSST programme:

Route 1 – physiological sciences, physical sciences and clinical biomedical engineering, clinical bioinformatics
Route 2 – life sciences

All trainees must demonstrate an achievement of the curriculum learning outcomes, but the means by which this is documented and assessed are different.

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Route 1 - Mastery of scientific content

Assessment components: Professional doctorate (PD)

Assessment tools: As required by the HEI provider of the PD

Administrative responsibility: HEI

Component weighting: 100%; must pass either the PD or FRCPath to receive the Certificate of Completion for the HSST from the School.

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Route 1 - Mastery of clinical skills, values and behaviours

Assessment components: Workplace-based assessment (WPBA) and demonstration of scientific and clinical skills.

Assessment tools: Evidence of activity in the workplace submitted for assessment in the e-portfolio. Independent Assessment of Professional Skills (IAPS).

Administrative responsibility: Workplace; recorded and assessed in the e-portfolio and monitored by the School. The School in collaboration with Medical Royal Colleges (MRCs) and Professional Bodies (PBs).

Component weighting: 100%; must have a satisfactory portfolio of evidence of activity from the workplace showing that all of the HSST SOPs have been met. Also must either gain a ‘pass’ in the School assessment or FRCPath, to receive a Certificate of Completion from the School.

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Route 1 - Contribution to innovation

Assessment components: Innovation in Clinical Science (ICS) project.

Assessment tools: Innovation proposal report and presentation to a lay panel.

Administrative responsibility: MAHSE and the School in collaboration with employers, MRCs and PBs.

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Route 2 - Mastery of scientific content

Assessment components: FRCPath, with an option to take selected, or all, components of the Professional Doctorate.

Assessment tools: FRCPath

Administrative responsibility: RCPath

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Route 2 - Mastery of clinical skills, values and behaviours

Assessment components: Workplace-based assessment and FRCPath.

Assessment tools: Evidence of activity in the workplace submitted for assessment in the e-portfolio and FRCPath.

Administrative responsibility: Workplace; recorded and assessed in the e-portfolio and monitored by the School. RCPath.

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Route 2 - Contribution to innovation

Assessment components: Contribution to innovation, service improvement, patient safety or quality management in healthcare science.

Assessment tools: Complete full research project, if not using previous PhD or FRCPath Part 2 as exemption.

Administrative responsibility: MAHSE and the School in collaboration with employers, MRCs and PBs.