Entry requirements, skills and interests (critical care science)

You'll need a relevant honours degree to enter training in critical care science.

Entry requirements

There is currently one entry point into this area of work.

You can apply for a place on the graduate-entry NHS Scientist Training Programme for which you must have a 1st or 2.1 either in an undergraduate honours degree or an integrated master’s degree in a pure or applied science subject relevant to the specialism for which you are applying.

If you have a 2.2 honours degree or better in any subject, you will also be considered if you have a higher degree* that is relevant to the specialism for which you are applying.

(*Higher degree as defined on page 17 of The Frameworks for Higher Education Qualifications of UK Degree-Awarding Bodies Please note this does not include postgraduate diplomas or postgraduate certificates.)

Because of the extensive variation in degrees available it isn’t possible to provide a definitive list of relevant degrees for entry to the STP. However, typically, your degree would be in a subject such as physiology, pure or applied physics, engineering, biology or human biology or sports science (if there is significant scientific content). 

For all candidates, evidence of research experience (e.g. in the form of a higher degree or equivalent evidence of scientific and academic capability) is considered desirable.

It can be advantageous to have gained some experience of working in a relevant environment before applying for a place on a course or job vacancy. You should always check with the course provider or the employer to see what sort of experience is preferred or required.

You need to be sure that you’ve reviewed the job description and person specification for the training (on the National School of Healthcare Science’s website), and the information on this page. You then need to be sure to match the skills and knowledge required to the content of your degree and the specialism you wish to apply for.

For full details of entry requirements for the STP, including qualifications, scientific skills, transferable skills and physical requirements, please see the person specification on the National School of Healthcare Science’s website.

Find out more about the training you’ll receive and registration for a career in critical care science.

  • Working in critical care science is often complex and you'll have a large degree of autonomy.

    You’ll need:

    • a mature and calm manner with the ability to work well under pressure and concentrate for long periods
    • a confident but sympathetic approach to achieve the best outcome for each patient. Many patients may be anxious about the procedures and will need reassurance from you
    • to be especially confident with technology, systems and processes, and be comfortable speaking and demonstrating things in front of people
    • to be able to stand or sit for long periods, as well as bend and carry heavy equipment
    • to be adept at using a range of tools
    • to work effectively as part of a team

    If you work in a role with responsibility for resources (such as staff, budgets or equipment) you'll need excellent leadership skills and be able to use your initiative within the remit of your job role.

    If you're applying for a healthcare science role or training position either directly in the NHS or in an organisation that provides NHS services you'll be asked to show how you think the NHS values apply in your everyday work.

    The NHS values form a key part of the NHS Constitution.

    Find out more about the NHS Constitution.

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