Using a PhD for exemption from the Section C research project
If you already have a PhD which is considered to be both timely and relevant to your pathway through the programme, you may wish to use it for exemption from completing the Section C research project. However, this will mean you will not gain the full DClinSci award and will still be required to complete the extended innovation component. It may mean that further consideration is required regarding the completion of OneFile, particularly in how the trainee will meet the Standards of Proficiency for Higher Specialist Standards in Domain Four: Research, Development, and Innovation. It is likely that exemption from completing the research project will be granted for PhDs that are relevant to the trainee’s HSST clinical specialty, or a related specialty, and were completed within the last 10 years.
To request exemption status from the Section C research project, you must email the following information to the school within the first 3 months of the programme:
- name and full contact details
- HSST specialty
- year of PhD award
- awarding university
- confirmation of award (e.g. certificate or letter from the awarding university)
- title of PhD
- PhD abstract in full
Use ‘HSST: C Research project exemption request’ as the subject title of your email and send your request to england.nshcs@nhs.net.
Innovation in Clinical Science component is compulsory for all trainees (including those with a PhD exemption)
Two key outcomes of the HSST are for trainees to demonstrate their ability to communicate complex science to a lay audience and to conceive innovation in healthcare science practice.
These elements are assessed by a required submission of an innovation proposal which provides evidence of:
- critical reflection of the relevant literature
- consideration of barriers and enablers for potential implementation of the innovation
- presenting this to a lay audience
A full-scale research project with primary research is not essential as the requirements can be met through a business case and literature review. In addition, this will be presented to and assessed by a Lay panel.
Further details on how your University will register you for completing this component, based on your HSST pathway, is available on the MAHSE website.