Training and development (paediatrics)
This page provides useful information on the training and development for this specialty and also has tips for people at all stages of their training including medical school.
Length of training
Undergraduate study at medical school varies from 5 - 6 years, depending on whether an intercalated degree is taken or not. The Graduate Entry Programme into medicine is generally 4 years in length. Find out more about medical school.
After medical school doctors undertake a two-year foundation programme. Find out more about the foundation programme.
Training after the foundation years begins at ST1. It will usually be completed within eight years of full-time training
Download full image of the paediatrics pathway
The training pathway
The training pathway consists of three levels. All trainees follow levels one and two of the general paediatric curriculum. At level three they decide whether to continue in general paediatrics or to apply to complete their training in a chosen sub-specialty.
- level 1 – ST1-3 (2-3 years) – provides basic knowledge of paediatrics and child health, with placements in acute general, neonatal and community paediatric posts. Full MRCPCH will be necessary to progress into level 2 training.
- level 2 – ST4-5 (1-2 years) – training will be provided mainly in district general hospitals (DGHs) using existing core training posts and rotations including community paediatrics and neonatology. There’ll be a greater emphasis on outpatient presentations, and the expectation of a higher level of performance in relation to common paediatric conditions, child development and safeguarding.
- level 3 – ST6-8 (2-3 years) – at Level 3, trainees may choose to enter subspecialty training in one of the accredited subspecialties or to stay on in general training.
Those wishing to enter subspecialty training may apply in competition for National Grid training in one of the 17 paediatric subspecialties, with entry at ST6 or 7 depending on the specialty curriculum.
StRs who are training in general paediatrics will be matched to year ST 6-8 posts by their local training programme directors (TPDs) in accordance with local availability of training opportunities, trainee requirements and preferences.
Person specification
Detailed entry requirements and all essential and desirable criteria are listed in the NHS Person Specifications 2017 for Paediatrics ST1 and ST2, ST3 and ST4
All person specifications can be found on the NHS specialty training website. Please note that these documents are updated every year in the autumn before the recruitment round opens.
GMC link to the download of the postgraduate training curriculum for paediatrics.
This information is correct at the time of writing. Full and accurate details of training pathways are available from medical royal colleges, local education and training boards (LETBs) or the GMC.
Getting in tips
It is important to develop your practical skills and interest in paediatrics as early as you can. This will also give you valuable experience to add to your CV.
Here are some suggestions for people at different stages of their career: