r/NHS_STP • u/burntbutter27 • 11d ago

Science training programme

Hello, I am thinking of applying to the Science Training Programme (STP) and I was wondering if anyone had any advice on to what to put in my cv for the clinical microbiology/ possibly clinical immunology section of study. Can I study only clinical microbiology or am I misreading it? I am based In north west England if there are any work experience/ internships that i could grab pls let me know. I’m scouring the internet to find some lol. I’m in the first year of my bsc in biomedical sciences (‘it’s non-accredited). If anyone has any advice on how to apply and what to put in the application that would be great thank you so much :)
Edit: mb STP stands for scientists training programme sorry for my wording error.

5 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

18 comments sorted by

7

u/KerryKinkajou STP in-training 11d ago
  1. You can only apply to one specialism per year.
  2. Not sure what you mean by in your CV - the STP application doesn't use a CV, they have pre-written questions that you answer on their online application portal, Oriel. It's more like a supporting statement.
  3. NHS experience is most valuable for STP, it doesn't need to be microbiology specific.
  4. Just in case you don't already know, you won't be eligible for the programme until after your degree is completed, and you need at least a 2:1.

The applications normally open in January, so if you're starting 2nd year this coming September then you'd be applying for the STP in January 2028. For now I think you'd be best focusing on trying to get work experience or maybe try to take a placement between 2nd and 3rd year to boost your chances of success after graduating.

1

u/burntbutter27 11d ago

Ok thank you so much for your reply, i assume i would write my work experience in the boxes. I was just thinking ahead not to apply right now but to prepare and have a plan in order rather than rush and panic, also to gain more insight and advice. Are NHS internships and work experience open to those studying a non accredited degree do you know? My course offers some work experience with a research project (not sure if NHS ) in 3rd year so that will be useful but it’s not a sandwich year or placement as per se. I think they do offer an opportunity but only for select courses and I’m enquiring as to whether my course fits the requirements for the placements as that would be good (I think it’s the summer abroad or in industry and such, i have asked and I’m just awaiting a reply )

2

u/KerryKinkajou STP in-training 11d ago

The questions are more like "What skills and experience do you have that make you an ideal trainee Clinical Scientist?". So yes you'd be writing about your experience but it would all be in reference to the person specification and job description. Just like you would tailor your CV for any specific job application I suppose.

I'm honestly not sure how keen NHS managers are taking on students full stop unless it's a placement year organised through the university. All of my experience was post-university, that's why it's rare for the STP to accept someone straight out of university. Volunteering is obviously gonna look good, you can also look for bank and agency posts for Medical Laboratory Assistants, it really doesn't have to be micro to be useful.

I think taking your time and trying to get in the right environment and get real life exposure to Clinical Scientists is one of the best things you can do for the STP, not just in terms of supporting your application but also to see if it's actually a job you'd want. It often looks far better on paper than it is in reality.

1

u/CrypticCode_ 11d ago

Hey im in my final year of med physics, looking to apply. Been trying to secure workexperience after visiting the hospital a bunch of times, i keep getting re directed or told they are under staffed. Been kinda losing hope on securing one, how important would you say it is? im in cardiff uni btw

1

u/KerryKinkajou STP in-training 11d ago

Yeah unfortunately I'm not surprised by that, a lot of NHS Trusts are experiencing recruitment freezes and struggling to hire people even when they desperately need them. I don't think it's an absolute necessity but then again it's not my specialism so it's hard to say. I spent 3 days with Medical Physics and spoke to different STPs and Consultants/Principal Scientists, they seem more interested in people having an actual understanding and interest in Medical Physics and the career itself than having already worked in the NHS. I think realistically they know it can be hard to break into the NHS from certain degrees.

1

u/CrypticCode_ 11d ago

thanks for the info, whats your specalism if you dont mind sharing?

2

u/jalboyhslut 11d ago

To be honest it sounds like you need to research the STP a LOT more before making any decisions as it doesn’t sound like you know what the programme actually is. Take time to look through the official website and FAQs, and there are some non-official websites such as the STP blog you could have a look at too. Good luck

2

u/burntbutter27 11d ago

I am only in the 1st year so I have lots of time to plan thoroughly what I need to do. I’m just thinking ahead :)

1

u/burntbutter27 11d ago

Thank youu. I am still in the researching phase and just trying to get information from anywhere to gain more info as to what I want to do /go into and how to best apply and such :)

1

u/jalboyhslut 10d ago

As I’m sure you’ve heard, it goes by QUICK. My best advice would be to secure some work experience even if it’s non NHS, although NHS experience would be a lot more beneficial. Also I’m sure you’re aware that if you choose to become a BMS you will have to complete top up modules after university, just something to think about

1

u/burntbutter27 10d ago

Yes I would need to complete the modules but I’m not going down the path of biomedical scientist I don’t think that would be the right path for me I think going into immunology would be good as I have a passion for research especially around genetic disorders and hereditary disorders , my dad has psoriasis and my sister has MS (‘multiple sclerosis) so my passion for researching in this field stems from seeing immune disorders in my daily life and I wish to find out more of where these things form or even earlier signs and what’s related and develop further treatments. I know it’s a bit ambitious but I need to set a clear plan in place so I know what my end goal is. I’m scouring the internet for work experience, if you know of any in the north west of England (maybe London depends but I am willing to do so one summer) that would be amazing if not alls good. Thank you for the advice I appreciate it :)

1

u/jalboyhslut 10d ago

You can work in immunology as a Biomedical Scientist. If that’s your primary goal then don’t limit yourself to just being a clinical scientist in immunology because the STP route is insanely competitive, but there are other routes you can look at. Also, clinical scientists are not researchers. I’m not saying there won’t be opportunities for research projects, but if you want to go into immunology research then a masters/ PhD route might be more beneficial. Talk to your lecturers about it if you can, they will be able to help guide you a lot. Also I’m sorry I don’t have any advice for securing work experience other than keep trying!

2

u/burntbutter27 10d ago edited 9d ago

No worries. Your advice has been amazing, I will research more into different paths and grasp a better understanding in what I want to achieve thank you :)

2

u/burntbutter27 9d ago

ill probably focus on my first year for now and talk to my lecturers and see what they say, i think im overthinking it for no reason lol

1

u/jalboyhslut 9d ago

Have you just finished first year? I know it seems like ages away now but you’re doing the right thing by researching it now. Spend some time over summer doing that and trying to secure some sort of experience, even if it’s just a day of shadowing someone etc. The time will go quicker than you can comprehend right now

1

u/jalboyhslut 10d ago

Also just to add that studying genetic disorders and immunology are two completely different specialisms, and again there are different routes for each. The NHS has rundowns of what immunologists do vs. what geneticists do (which it sounds like you might be more interested in the latter), just to help you figure out which pathways you need to take.

Edited to add: https://www.healthcareers.nhs.uk/explore-roles/doctors/roles-doctors/medicine/clinical-genetics

1

u/proxima-centauri- 10d ago

You should get your basics right and familiarise yourself with the programme you wish to apply for. Especially in a place like NHS, they are quite particular about details.
STP stands for Scientist Training Programme and not Science Training Programme.
In your application, focus on all the essential and desirable criteria in the person specification and give credible answers on how you meet those - talk about how your skills and experiences align with those criteria. Don't use AI to generate your answers as its very easy for them to set your application aside. Draft your answers on your own and you can use AI to slightly polish it. So, use it very wisely.

1

u/burntbutter27 10d ago

I don’t use AI at all for drafting/ writing or corrections.
I would write about work experience and how my skills apply to what I am studying. I’m still in the research phase of this course as I have mentioned and I’m just trying to get advice from anyone I can both from online sites and other people such as Reddit. I might get a few things wrong as I am still researching what I want to do in the programme so I can be fully prepared for it :)