NHS Scientist Training Programme 2016 applicants!

Scroll to see replies

stp2015

Hi all, glad to see the STP threads are still going strong. I applied last year for Clinical Biochemistry...

Hey Bagsworth, I remember you from the thread last time as you were a frequent poster :smile:

I'm glad to hear you found a job you are enjoying, as it seemed like you'd put a lot of effort into researching the STP and it was a shame you didn't get an interview. If you reapply again this year then good luck and fingers crossed! I'm also re-applying after making reserve last year (Genetics/Genomics), so I hope I can make it to interview again.

Reply 21

sarahthatsit

Hey guys i'm currently in my third year of Bsc Biochemistry and i'm adamant on applying for the scheme through the Clinical biochemistry route.

I don't have that much experience in a lab aside from my Uni lab and my third year project but i do have ALOT of society and volunteering work that i have done during my time at uni.

It's my first time applying and it will be my first time completing an aptitude test, does anyone have any links for practice tests? My exams are happening at the same time as the application process opens so i really need lots of help

Reply 22

sarahthatsit

I'm Also wondering what the Application form is like

Reply 23

Bagsworth

Original post by stp2015

Hey Bagsworth, I remember you from the thread last time as you were a frequent poster :smile:

Thank you! Best of luck to you as well! I hope you get a place this time around!

(edited 8 years ago)

Reply 24

hgo

Hi just thought i would ask how you arranged work in an IVF research lab??

Original post by a6georgia1

Hi!

I am a final year Genetics student and I will be applying for the Reproductive Sciences strand. I have 6 weeks full time work in an IVF research lab and a few one-off day clinical placements, by I'm really worried my experience isn't enough to to get me in? I'm hoping my knowledge and enthusiasm can make up for that though? How much has other people done?
Will be applying for a MSc also as a back up!

Reply 25

a6georgia1

Original post by hgo

Hi just thought i would ask how you arranged work in an IVF research lab??

Hi hgo!I messaged someone at the Uni of Kent who I knew did research in IVF in pigs/cattle (pretty much identical techniques to humans) and after a meeting he offered me a voluntary summer placement 😊. All my experience has just been from emailing random relevant people and hoping that something comes from it!

Reply 26

aliceemilyrose9

Hi everyone,

I applied last year for Microbiology after completing a BSc in Biomedical Science, but didn't get very far. I have now completed a MSc in Medical Microbiology and am currently working as a research assistant in a micro lab at a uni so fingers crossed for this time!

Would like you hear from other micro people or people in similar situations :smile:

Reply 27

Susanna75

I will be watching this thread with interest! I applied for Audiology earlier this year, made it to interview but didn't get a place. Still deciding whether I will try again in 2016 or pursue a different career path. Either way, good luck to everyone, the application process is a long and winding road!

Reply 28

stp2015

Original post by Susanna75

Good luck Susanna if you apply again, I remember you posting a lot in last year's thread (I didn't post much, lurked mainly :biggrin:

) I found it a very time-consuming process and it felt endless!! I just hope to get to interviews again, it would be awful to fail further back than last time...

Reply 29

Sophiepalmer87

I'm applying this coming January for a place on the reproductive science programme.. Looking forward to the open day :smile:

I'm currently in my 3rd year of biological sciences and I'm praying that I can get through.. I feel like everything has led me to this course - I set out in 2012 thinking I'd like to enter midwifery, fell in love with lab work, found out I am very competent in micro work and did shadowing in a fertility clinic where I realised my future lay. So far I've flown through a HND with distinction and have gained great research experience. I was fortunate enough to be accepted under a supervisor who has a background in reproductive science and so I'm currently doing a funded research project at the moment, which is furthering my microbiology technique set. Just praying that my current background and personal attributes can get me a place so I can stay on the right track to my future career.
Good luck to everyone applying, looking forward to meeting those attending southamptons open day on January 6th 2016 :smile:

Reply 30

Evelyn47910

Hi everyone,

I'm applying this intake for the first time, hopefully getting a place on the reproductive sciences programme. I'm currently half way through my integrated MSci year, which is basically a year in research, working with the assisted conception unit at Sheffield Teaching hospital. My BSc was in Biochemistry, so I hope that's relevant enough! Desperately hoping to get through as its really the only way to become an embryologist!

I was just wondering how everyone found the Maths section of the online tests last year as I did the practice one and found it awful! By the time I had worked out what the question wanted I had run out of time!

Reply 31

RevisionNad

Original post by thatslogik

Hello everyone, I'd like to take the opportunity to start this thread in hopes of sharing our experiences with the application process for this cycle! I hope this finds everyone interested!

A bit about me: currently a final year Biomedical Sciences student (did a 9 month placement) with an interest in the neurosciences.

I have thought long and hard about this scheme and how I can put forward the strongest application possible, as I know that these guys don't waste time in selecting the best of the best. My plans for after my degree other than this scheme is to enter academia with one of the large research councils, preferably with a funded studentship.

Enough about me, if you find this please share!

Regards,
Thatslogik.

what exactly is this scheme? I am interested to know

Reply 32

aliceemilyrose9

Does anyone know when they put the posts/locations up for the different specialisms? I seem to remember them being up this time last year? Unless they are changing how they do it...

Thanks :smile:

(edited 8 years ago)

Reply 33

alex83

Original post by aliceemilyrose9

Does anyone know when they put the posts/locations up for the different specialisms? I seem to remember them being up this time last year? Unless they are changing how they do it...

Thanks :smile:

They've posted on their website that the application timetable is being delayed due to the Tories' recent spending cuts - they've got to work out the implications on the STP before they advertise any positions.

Reply 34

aliceemilyrose9

Original post by alex83

Thanks for letting me know :smile:

Reply 35

stp2015

Original post by alex83

I just saw this too - very worrying, I have been waiting all year for the application cycle to come around again preparing myself. Places are limited enough as it is, I hope the number of places doesn't go down further :frown:

Reply 36

ViolentMind

Hi guys, currently on my placement year on a BMS degree. I a working in a NHS lab and I am thinking of applying to this after I graduate. Would it be a good idea to volunteer this summer over regular work? I am also thinking of taking extra a levels (chemistry) to boost my application. My friends say there's no point that I should just focus on my degree on final year.

Thanks.

Reply 37

Susanna75

Original post by stp2015

Good luck Susanna if you apply again, I remember you posting a lot in last year's thread (I didn't post much, lurked mainly :biggrin:

) I found it a very time-consuming process and it felt endless!! I just hope to get to interviews again, it would be awful to fail further back than last time...

Thank you stp2015, I remember you from that thread too! It was an epic saga in 2015 and I'm sure the 2016 process will be just the same. Good luck to you too :smile:

Reply 38

Atear

Original post by ViolentMind

Hey ViolentMind,

Good on you for pursuing a sandwich placement. It'll serve you in good stead for your career.
I am going to tell you what one of my favourite lecturers told me (he is an absolute Don):

"Have a good summer. Final year is a difficult time, and you are going to be pushed so far with all the work that will be demanded of you. Make sure you have had a good summer, because it makes the winter so much easier."

So. If you want to volunteer, then go for it. Voluntary work is always a plus, and says a great deal about you as a person. Make sure it's fun!
If your family have planned a holiday trip, then go with that. Nothing beats family time, and it makes for interesting points of conversation during interviews etc. Travelling is also a great way to broaden the mind, even if it's just within England.

Ultimately, the decision is yours. Someone once said to me, "Don't take advice from those who don't have to deal with the consequences". You weigh up whatever is said and choose for yourself.

Reply 39

Ila10

Hello, I hope everyone had a good Christmas and are all ready for this round of applications. I have everything crossed that there aren't any reductions in funded places following the spending review, and hope they publish post numbers and locations soon. Does anyone know any application statistics for the intake last year? I have had a good look around and don't seem to be able to find anything.