The Scientist Training Programme (STP) is a 3-year, integrated programme of work-based learning, supported by a university accredited master’s degree.
In your workplace, you will follow a programme of work-based learning to develop the skills and behaviours required for day one on the job as a Clinical Scientist in your specialty.
To provide you with the underpinning academic knowledge to practise as a Clinical Scientist, you’ll also attend university part-time over the 3 years, where you will complete a master’s degree.
The curriculum for your specialty sets out the learning required for both parts of the programme. In the workplace, you will submit evidence to an e-portfolio to demonstrate that you have completed the work-based curriculum. At university, successful completion of your master’s degree evidences your completion of the academic curriculum.
Your responsibilities as a trainee
You have a number of responsibilities as a trainee on the STP, to ensure you are an active participant in your own learning. The school’s training standards for trainees set out what is required of you to meet these responsibilities.
Key events on the STP
The STP is a 3-year programme. There are a number of key events throughout the 3 years you need to be aware of. Please check the exact dates for your cohort. These dates cannot be changed so make sure you plan ahead to be ready and available at the right times.
Year 1
- A 6 month ‘check in’ to make sure you’re settling into the programme.
- At the end of the year, your progress will be reviewed.
Year 2
- At the end of the year, your progress will be reviewed.
Year 3
- Towards the end of the programme you’ll sit a final synoptic assessment.
- September – you need to have successfully completed all elements of the programme in order to complete the programme.
Support with your training
Your Training Officer will be your primary point of contact throughout the programme. They are responsible for the delivery of training, your day-to-day welfare and employment. They have a duty of care to support any wellbeing or training issues as they arise, and it is important that you have regular, open and honest communication with your Training Officer throughout your training.
We at the school, are here to support trainees and Training Officers at every stage of the training journey, providing the guidance and resources needed for successful completion.