Scientist Training Programme (STP) Applicants 2025
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Reply 80
Original post
by o0Manuela0oHi again, does anyone have any advice for preparing for the STP application? I've never applied so I don't really know what to expect and want to start getting myself prepared for when applications open. Also, am I right in understanding that you apply to the universities first for the masters component and then for the hospital placements? Sorry I've been trying to look into the application process on the NHS STP page but Im so lost
Just for context, I've applied the last two years for medical physics, got shortlisted in this year's cohort and have been working in a junior position in radiotherapy in a hospital for the last year. Here's a bit of a summary of the process:
You don't apply for the university course first, you apply for the nationwide programme and depending on how far you get through the application process you will be given the opportunity to choose which trusts, not hospitals, you would be willing to work at (most trusts cover a few hospitals, you would probably be based at just one of these but could rotate between multiple hospitals within the trust for training purposes). For the majority of the programme you will be based in the trust and not at the university, the trust will be your employer. You can select as many or as few of the trusts (that are offering your specialism) as you would like and you rank them according to your preference, the better you perform at the application process the more likely you are to get a position at your preferred trust(s). You don't choose which university you'll be attending as part of the course, that's decided by your trust/ the NSHCS and any travel/accommodation costs from attending the university part of the programme should be covered by your employer.
As part of submitting your application online you will write a section called 'supporting information' which is effectively your personal statement. When writing this you should focus on describing how you have you have the qualities described in the core person specification (this will be published by the time applications open), preferably making reference to any relevant experience where possible. There will be more information published about how to write your applications by the time they open.
The SJT (situational judgement test) will happen a few weeks after the application deadline, this will be an online test where you are presented with written descriptions of various situations you might find yourself in as an STP trainee. For each situation you are given a set of potential actions you could take in that situation, you are asked to rank how appropriate each response is. Your score on the SJT will determine whether or not you are put on the 'longlist' which is the list of people whose applications will be further considered and ranked, the shortlist will then be taken from the longlist based on an overall look at their application and SJT score, the people who get shortlisted will be offered interviews.
With regards to the interview I can only speak for my experience and I don't remember exactly all the questions I was asked in the interview but they fell into 3 categories with each category having a couple of questions: the first was general science, then science questions specific to the specialism you applied for and the last category was questions focused on values/ethics. Your responses to each question will be given a score and the total will determine how well you did in the interview (you aren't given the score straight away but if you don't succeed you can ask for feedback and this is where you'll find out your scores). If you get to this stage you'll probably find out whether you got on the programme around mid summer.
Reply 81
I am applying again in 2025 for what I think is my third attempt. I've never made it to shortlisting in my previous attempts but I have been working at my local hospital (and in my preferred department) for the past year so I am hoping that will help a lot when it come to writing my personal statement.
Frustratingly, both my manager and Clinical Director are very supportive of me becoming a clinical scientist. Unfortunately though, my hospital doesn't follow the NSHCS programme so I can't take the 'in-service' route. It will mean leaving my department/hospital/trust (if I am successful!!) which is a shame, but the best they can offer at the moment is that they "might" be able to put me through their apprenticeship "next year (2026)" if the budget allows for it
Frustratingly, both my manager and Clinical Director are very supportive of me becoming a clinical scientist. Unfortunately though, my hospital doesn't follow the NSHCS programme so I can't take the 'in-service' route. It will mean leaving my department/hospital/trust (if I am successful!!) which is a shame, but the best they can offer at the moment is that they "might" be able to put me through their apprenticeship "next year (2026)" if the budget allows for it
Reply 82
Original post
by Last_alyI am applying again in 2025 for what I think is my third attempt. I've never made it to shortlisting in my previous attempts but I have been working at my local hospital (and in my preferred department) for the past year so I am hoping that will help a lot when it come to writing my personal statement.
Frustratingly, both my manager and Clinical Director are very supportive of me becoming a clinical scientist. Unfortunately though, my hospital doesn't follow the NSHCS programme so I can't take the 'in-service' route. It will mean leaving my department/hospital/trust (if I am successful!!) which is a shame, but the best they can offer at the moment is that they "might" be able to put me through their apprenticeship "next year (2026)" if the budget allows for it
Frustratingly, both my manager and Clinical Director are very supportive of me becoming a clinical scientist. Unfortunately though, my hospital doesn't follow the NSHCS programme so I can't take the 'in-service' route. It will mean leaving my department/hospital/trust (if I am successful!!) which is a shame, but the best they can offer at the moment is that they "might" be able to put me through their apprenticeship "next year (2026)" if the budget allows for it
I'm happy to offer feedback on your statement if it would help?
Reply 83
Hi all, the Northern Training Consortium is hosting an STP Open Day on Saturday 11th January which is running both in person (in Newcastle) and online. The NTC covers the north-east of England for training in medical physics, pharmaceutical science, urodynamic science, clinical engineering and clinical scientific computing specialisms. Website for more details and signing up is here:
https://nshcs.hee.nhs.uk/events/stp-open-day-for-multiple-specialties-northern-training-consortium/
https://nshcs.hee.nhs.uk/events/stp-open-day-for-multiple-specialties-northern-training-consortium/
Reply 84
Original post
by HealthcareSciI'm happy to offer feedback on your statement if it would help?
Thanks. I am going to run it past my SLM and a couple of our physiologists to get their take on it. I'll gladly take up your offer to look over it too.
I am actually so relieved to see you are active in this years' message board. You are so knowledgeable and helpful 👍🏻
Reply 85
Original post
by Last_alyThanks. I am going to run it past my SLM and a couple of our physiologists to get their take on it. I'll gladly take up your offer to look over it too.
I am actually so relieved to see you are active in this years' message board. You are so knowledgeable and helpful 👍🏻
I am actually so relieved to see you are active in this years' message board. You are so knowledgeable and helpful 👍🏻
That's a great plan!
Thank you, I'm glad it helps.
Reply 86
Original post
by HealthcareSciI'd be shocked if they noticed- but I would edit if last year was unsuccessful.
Awesome, I was thinking the same as I’d like to think the application itself still stands me in good stead if I managed to progress to interview but wasn’t sure if I could use the exact same version.
Reply 87
Original post
by taylor.mc214Awesome, I was thinking the same as I’d like to think the application itself still stands me in good stead if I managed to progress to interview but wasn’t sure if I could use the exact same version.
That's true, but remember- your application got to interview last year but there's no guarantee that it would this year. There will be different applicants, different shortlisters, a different number of posts available. What if there's a big shift compared to last year? For Cancer Genomics there is normally 300-400 applicants, but in 2019 there were 682.
The important thing is to give yourself the best opportunity to get through. If 2025 had a huge surge in applicants again would you be confident you'd still make interview? (If you ranked number 1 or similar last year then just ignore me).
Also - what have you done in the last year? Anything that could improves the examples you've given or improved your knowledge of your specialism?
Reply 88
hey everyone when does everyone think applications will open, find it kind of annoying they announce when it’s open so late
Reply 89
for the application do we need gcse/ a level certificates or just degree certificates?
Reply 90
Original post
by Alevel2021stressfor the application do we need gcse/ a level certificates or just degree certificates?
Just degree certificates. But they don't usually ask for proof until you get the offer.
Reply 91
Original post
by Alevel2021stresshey everyone when does everyone think applications will open, find it kind of annoying they announce when it’s open so late
Pretty sure last year it was around the 14th or so
Reply 92
Original post
by Last_alyPretty sure last year it was around the 14th or so
oh okay thanks and how long are applications open for ?
Reply 93
Original post
by asdfjkmelHi everyone,
I'm starting a thread for anyone applying to the STP 2025 programme.
For me this will be my second time applying. I applied to the histopathology specialism for the 2024 entry and got ranked 8th (shortlist reserve). Although I didn't get an interview I am proud of getting this far for my first time trying with only 2 posts available for the specialism.
I'm not sure if I want to apply to the same or a different specialism this year but will give it a shot.
Here's a link to last year's thread which may be useful: https://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/showthread.php?t=7388612
All information regarding the applications and dates for the 2025 cohort will be found here: https://nshcs.hee.nhs.uk/programmes/stp/applicants/
I'm starting a thread for anyone applying to the STP 2025 programme.
For me this will be my second time applying. I applied to the histopathology specialism for the 2024 entry and got ranked 8th (shortlist reserve). Although I didn't get an interview I am proud of getting this far for my first time trying with only 2 posts available for the specialism.
I'm not sure if I want to apply to the same or a different specialism this year but will give it a shot.
Here's a link to last year's thread which may be useful: https://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/showthread.php?t=7388612
All information regarding the applications and dates for the 2025 cohort will be found here: https://nshcs.hee.nhs.uk/programmes/stp/applicants/
I'm also interested in applying too!
Does anyone know who I can email to shadow a clinical scientist? I want to strengthen my application.
Thanks!
Reply 94
Original post
by modus0perandiI'm also interested in applying too!
Does anyone know who I can email to shadow a clinical scientist? I want to strengthen my application.
Thanks!
Does anyone know who I can email to shadow a clinical scientist? I want to strengthen my application.
Thanks!
There are 30 specialism options covered by the STP, so you would want to ask someone in the area you're applying for. Personally I would search for the closest NHS trust department and ask there.
I'd also say you are likely too late to find someone for this year. In previous years applications have closed in March. There are 12 weeks left until the end of March and March tends to be very busy for NHS departments as it is the end of the annual leave year.
It might be worth seeing if you can have a chat with a clinical scientist but I think going into a workplace is a bit optimistic.
Reply 95
Original post
by HealthcareSciThere are 30 specialism options covered by the STP, so you would want to ask someone in the area you're applying for. Personally I would search for the closest NHS trust department and ask there.
I'd also say you are likely too late to find someone for this year. In previous years applications have closed in March. There are 12 weeks left until the end of March and March tends to be very busy for NHS departments as it is the end of the annual leave year.
It might be worth seeing if you can have a chat with a clinical scientist but I think going into a workplace is a bit optimistic.
I'd also say you are likely too late to find someone for this year. In previous years applications have closed in March. There are 12 weeks left until the end of March and March tends to be very busy for NHS departments as it is the end of the annual leave year.
It might be worth seeing if you can have a chat with a clinical scientist but I think going into a workplace is a bit optimistic.
I understand. Thanks for the help again lol.
How would I go about having a chat with a clinical scientist.?
I mainly wanted to do something like shadowing a clinical scientist to make me stand out. Like I've done volunteering, published some articles etc but i dont know if it is specific enough for me to get a decent chance at a successful application. plus, since its competitive, theres probably way more applicants with more experience than me.
im also just looking for grad scheme as a backup, but that's stressful too, there's not many jobs iv'e found so far. i hope my luck turns for the better soon.
Reply 96
Original post
by modus0perandiI understand. Thanks for the help again lol.
How would I go about having a chat with a clinical scientist.?
I mainly wanted to do something like shadowing a clinical scientist to make me stand out. Like I've done volunteering, published some articles etc but i dont know if it is specific enough for me to get a decent chance at a successful application. plus, since its competitive, theres probably way more applicants with more experience than me.
im also just looking for grad scheme as a backup, but that's stressful too, there's not many jobs iv'e found so far. i hope my luck turns for the better soon.
How would I go about having a chat with a clinical scientist.?
I mainly wanted to do something like shadowing a clinical scientist to make me stand out. Like I've done volunteering, published some articles etc but i dont know if it is specific enough for me to get a decent chance at a successful application. plus, since its competitive, theres probably way more applicants with more experience than me.
im also just looking for grad scheme as a backup, but that's stressful too, there's not many jobs iv'e found so far. i hope my luck turns for the better soon.
I'm a clinical scientist, so you're talking to one now.
As I said in the previous post - I would search for a department in your local hospital that has the specialism you're looking for. As there aren't that many weeks left, I'd make sure you are clear about what you'd like to know from them.
Experience isn't necessarily what makes an application stand out (although obviously it can help). It's about showing how you meet the core specification for the role: https://nshcs.hee.nhs.uk/publications/scientist-training-programme-core-person-specification/html/. How does your experience show this as an STP in the specialism you're applying for?
Reply 97
Original post
by HealthcareSciI'm a clinical scientist, so you're talking to one now.
As I said in the previous post - I would search for a department in your local hospital that has the specialism you're looking for. As there aren't that many weeks left, I'd make sure you are clear about what you'd like to know from them.
Experience isn't necessarily what makes an application stand out (although obviously it can help). It's about showing how you meet the core specification for the role: https://nshcs.hee.nhs.uk/publications/scientist-training-programme-core-person-specification/html/. How does your experience show this as an STP in the specialism you're applying for?
As I said in the previous post - I would search for a department in your local hospital that has the specialism you're looking for. As there aren't that many weeks left, I'd make sure you are clear about what you'd like to know from them.
Experience isn't necessarily what makes an application stand out (although obviously it can help). It's about showing how you meet the core specification for the role: https://nshcs.hee.nhs.uk/publications/scientist-training-programme-core-person-specification/html/. How does your experience show this as an STP in the specialism you're applying for?
What specialism are you in?
Reply 98
Original post
by HealthcareSciI'm a clinical scientist, so you're talking to one now.
As I said in the previous post - I would search for a department in your local hospital that has the specialism you're looking for. As there aren't that many weeks left, I'd make sure you are clear about what you'd like to know from them.
Experience isn't necessarily what makes an application stand out (although obviously it can help). It's about showing how you meet the core specification for the role: https://nshcs.hee.nhs.uk/publications/scientist-training-programme-core-person-specification/html/. How does your experience show this as an STP in the specialism you're applying for?
As I said in the previous post - I would search for a department in your local hospital that has the specialism you're looking for. As there aren't that many weeks left, I'd make sure you are clear about what you'd like to know from them.
Experience isn't necessarily what makes an application stand out (although obviously it can help). It's about showing how you meet the core specification for the role: https://nshcs.hee.nhs.uk/publications/scientist-training-programme-core-person-specification/html/. How does your experience show this as an STP in the specialism you're applying for?
Ah, I see. What specialism are you in?
Thank you for the link. I understand what you mean. I’ll send an email to any local hospitals around me. Have you got any general advice in terms of the application/interview. I always get nervous in interviews, I struggle to talk a lot.
Thank you for taking your time to respond by the way, you’ve been a great help!
Reply 99
Original post
by modus0perandiAh, I see. What specialism are you in?
Thank you for the link. I understand what you mean. I’ll send an email to any local hospitals around me. Have you got any general advice in terms of the application/interview. I always get nervous in interviews, I struggle to talk a lot.
Thank you for taking your time to respond by the way, you’ve been a great help!
Thank you for the link. I understand what you mean. I’ll send an email to any local hospitals around me. Have you got any general advice in terms of the application/interview. I always get nervous in interviews, I struggle to talk a lot.
Thank you for taking your time to respond by the way, you’ve been a great help!
I'm not going to say as it will impact my anonymity on this forum, but I don't just work with my specialism.
My first thing would be don't worry about the interview until it becomes an issue. Step by step - focus on the application, and then the situational judgment test, and then look at the interview if there is one.
Application wise - it's about showing how you meet the core specification. What have you done that would make you a good STP? Why do you want to be a clinical scientist? Why do you want to dedicate your career to this specialism? (You don't have to give me these answers, but that's what you need to show in your application. In recent year's it has been 1000 word reflective statements. So I would say if you've never done any reflective practice - try before the applications open).
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