NHS Scientist Training Programme

The NHS Scientist Training Programme (STP) may be for you if you are a science or engineering graduate.

You can train to work in a senior healthcare science role in one of the following areas:

Not all specialisms are available every year through the STP, so it's essential to check during the STP recruitment window (see below for details of the latest recruitment round). 

healthcare-science-female-handling-test-tube

The programme

You'll be employed on a fixed-term contract and paid a salary during your training.

The STP lasts for three years and involves:

  • approved and accredited workplace-based training (you'll usually spend the first year in a range of settings and then specialise in the last two years)
  • gaining a master’s degree in your chosen area of work

Once you have completed the STP, you will be eligible to apply for suitable healthcare science posts as a clinical scientist.

Find out more about the various healthcare science roles in clinical bioinfomaticslife sciencesphysical sciences and biomechanical engineering and physiological sciences

Charlotte Harborow

Trainee clinical scientist
Working while training means I can also raise real-life cases with my training officer and gain more of an understanding of the course.

Entry requirements

Applicants 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 they are applying.

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

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.

(*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.)

Recruitment for 2024 entry 

The application window for the NHS Scientist Training Programme for direct entry in 2024 opens at 11am on Monday 15 January 2024 and closes at 4pm Monday 29 January 2024.

The recruitment process for the NHS Scientist Training Programme is administered by the National School for Healthcare Science. For the latest details about the STP recruitment process, visit the National School's website where you can find:

  • details of the programme
  • information about which specialisms are available
  • the application process
  • the interview process
  • details of open days
  • case studies 
  • FAQs
  • important documents

You can also follow the National School @NSHCS and Health Careers @HealthCareersUK on Twitter

Make a comment or report a problem with this page

Help us improve

This form is for you to tell us about something that could be improved about the website or if there's anything wrong, incorrect or inaccurate with what you see. 

If you have a query about a career in the NHS, please visit our contact us page and call or email us.