NHS Scientist Training Programme 2016 applicants!

Original post by hellodave5

How competitive do these tend to be, and what sort of work do they entail generally?Looking at alternatives to medicine (grad entry)

I am not sure how competitive graduate entry medicine is, so can't offer a comparison. Regarding the STP though, it was posted on here last year that for the 2014 intake there were 8033 applicants for 252 posts, with about 5230 passing the online aptitude tests and being considered for interview. I know the competition for specialisms varies considerably, especially as some only have a couple of vacancies in some years. Similarly, I think the type of work is probably quite different for the different specialisms. The life sciences for example likely involve less patient contact and more lab based work compared to say the physiological sciences. Medical physics can involve a fair amount of travel to different sites to calibrate and perform QA on imaging equipment for instance. The best thing to do is try to get some work experience in the specialism(s) that interest you to see if you want to commit to the training, which by all accounts seems to be very involved. Hope that helps

Reply 43

hellodave5

19

Original post by Ila10

I am not sure how competitive graduate entry medicine is, so can't offer a comparison. Regarding the STP though, it was posted on here last year that for the 2014 intake there were 8033 applicants for 252 posts, with about 5230 passing the online aptitude tests and being considered for interview. I know the competition for specialisms varies considerably, especially as some only have a couple of vacancies in some years. Similarly, I think the type of work is probably quite different for the different specialisms. The life sciences for example likely involve less patient contact and more lab based work compared to say the physiological sciences. Medical physics can involve a fair amount of travel to different sites to calibrate and perform QA on imaging equipment for instance. The best thing to do is try to get some work experience in the specialism(s) that interest you to see if you want to commit to the training, which by all accounts seems to be very involved. Hope that helps

Thanks for the insight, that helps greatly. That competition is extremely high! I think even greater than GEM (which is often regarded as extremely so). Rather scary.

I know someone who did neuroscience at uni (undergrad) but ended up doing, I think it was the respiratory stream.

I have done a psychology degree... which I'm not totally sure they would accept. Though was focused on neuro, and currently doing a masters in cog neuro.

The only thing which would maybe annoy me is the super specialism involved - but I suppose that is just one of those things. Still sounds very interesting, and mix of 'science' (whatever that involves in each individual stream) and patient contact sounds great.

Reply 44

sophiemr93

Original post by Jennyc92

I am a third year Biomedical Genetics Student stufying in Newcastle and am really keen to apply for the genetics strand in 2016.

Hi, I saw you're studying at Newcastle, I graduated from there last year and applied for the STP but didn't get on so I'm going for it again this year. I found the careers service SO helpful and would really recommend going to them, in particular to see a woman called Clare Wright who helped me with lots of interview preparation. They can also look over you're application and there are resources to practice for the online test. I don't think i'd have got through to the interview stage if it wasn't for them so I would really recommend taking advantage! Best of luck with your application :smile:

Reply 45

emm18

5

Have you guys seen the delay on the page!? It can't be good news if they're reevaluating funding. However, looks like they have introduced genetic counselling as a course! Yay!

Reply 46

fewhite13

Very excited about genetic counselling being an option! But very worried about the delay, do you all think it means there'll be fewer places? Hope not :frown:

Reply 47

emm18

5

Original post by fewhite13

Very excited about genetic counselling being an option! But very worried about the delay, do you all think it means there'll be fewer places? Hope not :frown:

Bit nervous to apply to it though as it's the first year they're running it, they might only want people with lots of experience.
Yeah, I reckon it could mean less places! If the money isn't there to train us then that's that!

Reply 48

librarygirl

10

Hey!

I have a 2:2 Honours in Microbiology (Virology) and am currently competing an MSc in Drug Design and Biomedical Science. Interested in the Immunology, Micro and Clinical Biochemistry specialisms. Haven't studied much Biochem but visiting an NHS lab made me really enthusiastic about the discipline. But seems like it's the most popular one so not sure if I'd be considered for it.

I have somewhat mixed grades, including a couple of failed exams despite passing overall, and my MSc is predicted as a distinction. But I was advised it really matters on being the right person for the job, not straight As. I hope this is true, would bet good money STP most competitive graduate scheme out there!

Reply 49

nech

8

Hi!
I am in my 3rd and final year of biomed and genetics and desperately want to do the STP in genetics.
1 - anyone out there got into the STP for genetics and can tell us what qualification level you were on before you got in? as in if you had a PhD i have no chance :smile:

2 - what is this new genetic counselling track?
3 - any advice on what makes you stick out as an amazing candidate???

cheers!

Reply 50

Hi!

I have decided to reapply for the STP (Neurophysiology and Audiology) again this year after being offered an interview for Audiology but turned it down because I had just started another job (wish I hadn't now though!).

(edited 8 years ago)

Reply 51

stp2015

I've been told the applications should open next Thurs 14th (hopefully!)

Reply 52

a6georgia1

6

Original post by stp2015

I've been told the applications should open next Thurs 14th (hopefully!)

Will that be when the available positions will go up too? Or will they give you a chance to look at them before applications open?

Reply 53

stp2015

Original post by a6georgia1

Will that be when the available positions will go up too? Or will they give you a chance to look at them before applications open?

Yep the positions should go up then too

Reply 54

echelonprincess

Original post by MrB810

Hi!

I have decided to reapply for the STP (Neurophysiology and Audiology) again this year after being offered an interview for Audiology but turned it down because I had just started another job (wish I hadn't now though!).

Hi, I was just wondering what is involved in the application process. What do you need? Is it just a CV?
Thanks

Reply 55

Original post by echelonprincess

Hi, I was just wondering what is involved in the application process. What do you need? Is it just a CV?
Thanks

The first part of the application involves submitting an online application with sections on general personal details, employment history, education, eligibility, fitness and your specialism preferences. The most important part of the application form is a section on supporting information where, last year, you have to answer questions on your motivation and commitment to the training programme, your passion for science and technology, values and behaviours, team working and leadership, and your knowledge of healthcare science and the training scheme.

After you have submitted the application for you have to do some psychometric tests (if they are the same as last year). One of which is on numerical reasoning and one on logical reasoning.

Once you have submitted your application, done the psychometric tests and the application period has closed they will begin shortlisting then start inviting people to interviews.

Reply 56

echelonprincess

Original post by MrB810

The first part of the application involves submitting an online application with sections on general personal details, employment history, education, eligibility, fitness and your specialism preferences. The most important part of the application form is a section on supporting information where, last year, you have to answer questions on your motivation and commitment to the training programme, your passion for science and technology, values and behaviours, team working and leadership, and your knowledge of healthcare science and the training scheme.

After you have submitted the application for you have to do some psychometric tests (if they are the same as last year). One of which is on numerical reasoning and one on logical reasoning.

Once you have submitted your application, done the psychometric tests and the application period has closed they will begin shortlisting then start inviting people to interviews.

Thanks. I was starting to panic because my final exams start in a week and i wanted to get the application done before then incase there was some awful essay or something i'd have to do. At least i know whats coming now so i can stop worrying.
Good luck with your application, hope you get another offer :smile:

Reply 57

Superhellie

6

Hey everyone,

I'm going to be applying for the Genetics specialism, having a degree in Biochemistry (weirdly) and a PhD in cancer medicines. I'm hoping that my field of research and interest in cancer genetics should be enough to get past the fact my undergrad isn't genetics, however I did do a few genetics modules in my degree.

Anyone got any advice over how "relevant" your primary degree has to be??

Reply 58

Original post by Superhellie

Hey everyone,

I'm going to be applying for the Genetics specialism, having a degree in Biochemistry (weirdly) and a PhD in cancer medicines. I'm hoping that my field of research and interest in cancer genetics should be enough to get past the fact my undergrad isn't genetics, however I did do a few genetics modules in my degree.

Anyone got any advice over how "relevant" your primary degree has to be??

Hi,

I applied last year and was offered an interview for Audiology and was a reserve for Neurophysiology and I have a generic Biology degree with only a little neuroscience content. If you look at the personal specification a lot of it is based transferable and scientific skills rather then theoretical knowledge of the subject area, however it will help to have some theoretical knowledge of the area you are wanting to apply for.

Reply 59