Trainees — Higher Specialist Scientist Training programme

list

About your time on the Higher Specialist Scientist Training programme

Everything you need to know about your time on the programme.

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.
The academic part of the HSST

About the Doctor of Clinical Science (DClinSci) and the universities that deliver the academic component of the HSST.
Approval process for prior PhDs

Find out if your completed PhD can be used towards part of the HSST programme.

list

Information about the different types of assessment you will experience while on the HSST.

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.
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.
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.
Annual review of progression (ARP)

A supportive process used by HSST trainees and their supervisors to evaluate progression.
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.
Annual review of progression (ARP) common issues

Guidance on common issues highlighted by the annual review of progression.
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.

list

Information and guidance about the HSST final assessment.

Dates for the IAPS 2024

Final assessment dates for Physical, Physiological and Bioinformatics HSST trainees.
Future IAPS dates

Final assessment dates between 2025 to 2027 for Physical, Physiological and Bioinformatics HSST trainees.
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.
Guidance on the Independent Assessment of Professionals Skills for HSST trainees

Information about the different elements of the HSST final assessment.
Guidance on booking and preparing for the IAPS

Information on preparing for each component, and submitting your evidence.

list

Information and guidance about what is required to complete the Higher Specialist Scientist Training programme.

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.
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.
Definitions for HSST completion

Details about some of the definitions used when we talk about completion.
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.
Higher Specialist Scientist Training (HSST) Completion podcast

Listen to this podcast and make sure you are on track for completing the HSST.

list

A variety of guidance and resources to help you during your time on the Higher Specialist Scientist Training programme.

New
HSST Induction 2024 presentations

Download copies of the presentation slides from the induction day.
How to guidance and videos for HSST trainees using OneFile

Get help with some of the common tasks in OneFile.
OneFile webinar recordings

Watch the latest webinars for trainees, training officers and supervisors, on the different elements of OneFile.
How to use the Turnitin Checker in OneFile – A guide for trainees

Familiarise yourself with the Turnitin feature in OneFile by following this guidance.
HSST podcasts

Listen to our series of podcasts aimed at giving essential advice and guidance to HSST trainees and supervisors.
Training planning resources for HSST trainees

Your training plan is a bespoke plan, which is particular to you and the environment you work in.
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.

list

Guidance and resources to support you during your training.

Training support

We want you to have the best training experience, but you should also take care of your health and wellbeing.
HSST Trainee networks

These trainee networks are available to support HSST trainees.
Guidance for trainees about study time

Clarification for trainees on how much protected private study time they are allowed while on their programme.