The Scientist Training Programme (STP) is a three-year programme of work-based learning, supported by a University accredited master’s degree. You can find the full details on the ‘About the STP Programme’ section of the website.
The curriculum for the programme is comprised of a series of core and scientific modules. Each of these modules is made up of academic learning and work-based learning and training. Click this link to view full details of the STP curriculum and modules.
As part of your application, you will be asked to choose where in the country you want to train. This is referred to as your ‘sub-preference’ choices. If you are successful in shortlisting, your sub-preferences, along with your shortlisting rank, will determine the training location to which you are allocated for interview. You can find all available posts and locations within the applicants section of the website. This information is updated regularly to reflect any changes throughout the application process.
The NSHCS recruitment team are not the recruiting office to posts available in Scotland and Northern Ireland however; there are separate training schemes available.
The NSHCS recruitment team are not the recruiting office to posts available in Wales. Further information about the training programme in Wales can be found on the Health Education and Improvement Wales (HEIW) website.
Yes, some employers do hold open days and will confirm details with the NSHCS. You will find details of the STP Open Days in the events section of the website.
The STP is a national training programme to which, the recruitment team are unable to confirm the University provider. The university provider is determined by the employing organisation and confirmed by HEE commissioners. It is not based on location or proximity of available posts. You would be expected to travel where required to complete the academic elements of the course.
No; the tuition fees for the academic part of the training programme are fully funded.
Funding to support travel and accommodation at university or other events may be available. However such funding is at the discretion of the employer and may be subject to local availability. You should contact the relevant department or Local Healthcare Science HEE commissioner for further advice.
The School is responsible for issuing a Certificate of Completion for the Scientist Training Programme (CCSTP). The certificate confirms that a trainee has met all the relevant mandatory completion criteria for the programme and that they are fit to practice. The School is the education provider for STP therefore issuing the CCSTP will also mean that trainees are eligible to apply directly to the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) for registration as a Clinical Scientist.
There is no guarantee of employment on completion of the STP. However, you will be eligible to apply for any suitable clinical scientist posts once you have obtained registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). If you are an in-service trainee, your ongoing employment continues as normal.
Master’s degrees from a Higher Education Institute are recognised academic qualifications under the European Qualifications Framework and is a component part of the award made on successful completion of the STP.
Currently the STP is a full-time 3 year training programme only
This will be determined by the employer.