Diagnostic Neuropathology ST3 (run-through to ST6)

NHS England (NHSE) London Recruitment is coordinating the national process for recruiting trainees to Diagnostic Neuropathology ST3. 

To successfully secure a training post, applicants should demonstrate a genuine interest in neuropathology. Previous experience is not a requirement. Applications are invited from those who expect to complete ST2 training in Histopathology (satisfactory ARCP and Part 1 FRCPath). Motivation and understanding of the specialty are important elements to demonstrate in the application. 

Successful applicants will enter Diagnostic Neuropathology training at ST3 level. Applicants should have passed the FRCPath Part 1 examination by the offer date.  

The FRCPath Part 2 examination in neuropathology involves examining and writing reports on neurosurgical, muscle and nerve biopsies, cerebrospinal fluid cytology, smear preparations and post-mortem specimens. Candidates conduct an observed full post-mortem examination and must show competence in performing and assessing dissections of post-mortem brains.  

This is for completion of CCT/ CESR (CP) subject to satisfactory progression. 

Please note the national person specification for Diagnostic Neuropathology ST3 programme can be downloaded via the National Specialty Training website  and the applicant guidance can be found here  

Essential Competencies

Applicants for ST3 Diagnostic Neuropathology or Paediatric and Perinatal Pathology who are not currently in (or have completed the necessary training) in a UK Histopathology training programme must complete and submit the Certificate of Readiness to enter Diagnostic Neuropathology Pathology Training 2025 (CRDNPP). CRDNPP document can be found on the Medical Speciality Recruitment website.

Please ensure to upload all required evidence of competences to your online application form. If you are experiencing  difficulties uploading the evidence, please contact London recruitment team via enquiry portal prior to submitting your application.

Reasonable Adjustments and Disability Confident Scheme 

For more information regarding reasonable adjustments and disability confident scheme please refer to the Medical Training website 

Fitness to Practice 

If you have made a positive declaration in the FTP section, you must contact London recruitment office via support portal by the close of the application window.  Please refer to the Fitness to Practice section on the Medical Specialty Recruitment website for the information. Failure to provide the outlined information by the close of application may result in your application being withdrawn. 

Eligibility Criteria for recruitment to Specialty Training – Immigration Requirements 

All medical practitioners are on the shortage occupation list, this means with the exception of all applicants to Public Health, all specialty recruitment applicants will be exempt from the resident labour market test (RLMT)

NHS England (NHSE) is responsible for the sponsorship of Medical and Dental trainees for their Skilled worker visa application in England. The Medical Specialty Recruitment website has guidance for applicants requiring a visa.

Key Dates & Information 

A full timeline can be found in the Medical Speciality Recruitment Website: 

Application window: Thursday 14th November 2024 – Thursday 5th December 2024 

Interview date:  Monday 7th April 2025 

Interview venue:  Online –  via MS Teams 

Posts commence from: From August 2025 

Interview process 

Length of interview: 40 Minutes  

Interview structure: A single station interview covering four domains which will include portfolio-based questions. Each domain will cover different criteria from the person specification and last for 10 minutes. Applicants will be given advance notice via Oriel of a topic with instructions to prepare for the presentation component of the interview. 

Interviews will be conducted via Microsoft Teams. Applicants are advised to install the MS Teams app before their scheduled interview. Upon receiving the interview link, applicants should test it on the device they intend to use to ensure connectivity. If any issues arise, an alternative device may be necessary. Applicants who are unable to connect should promptly contact the recruitment team. When testing the link, applicants should see a screen indicating that the host will start the meeting shortly. 

Preferencing Posts

Preferencing of posts will be available prior to offers being made, the preferencing window dates can be found on the Medical Specialty Recruitment Website. The preferencing window will reopen between offer iterations, in line with the enhanced preferencing process.  

More information on preferencing can be found in the Medical Specialty Recruitment website for up to date timelines. 

Indicative post numbers

Programmes will be confirmed directly with the candidate by the appropriate HEE local office should applicants be successful at interview. 

Please note that post numbers and post information are subject to change. Please check this advert throughout the application window for updates. 

Contacts / Enquiries 

Please visit  London recruitment team via the support portal , where you will find a series of FAQs and submit an enquiry to the team.