Modules

Core

Code Title Credits Phase Status Action
Code S-C1 Title Professional Foundations of Healthcare and Clinical Science Credits 20 Year Status Compulsory Action View
Code S-C2 Title Research Skills in Healthcare Science Credits 10 Year 2 Status Compulsory Action View
Code S-C3 Title STP Project Credits 60 Year 3 Status Compulsory Action View
Code S-C4 Title Individual Professional Development Credits 0 Year Status Compulsory Action View

Rotation

Information:

Each rotation should last 4 to 8 weeks in the workplace

Code Title Credits Phase Status Action
Code S-H-R1 Title Introduction to Histopathology Credits 10 Year 1 Status Compulsory Action View
Code S-H-R2 Title Introduction to Diagnostic Cytopathology Credits 10 Year 1 Status Compulsory Action View
Code S-H-R3 Title Introduction to Digital, Data and Technology in Cellular Pathology Credits 10 Year 1 Status Compulsory Action View
Code S-CG-R1 Title Introduction to Cancer Genomics Credits 10 Year 1 Status Compulsory Action View

Specialist

Code Title Credits Phase Status Action
Code S-H-S1 Title Non-Malignant Dissection Credits 10 Year 2 Status Compulsory Action View
Code S-H-S2 Title Pathological Basis of Disease Credits 10 Year 2 Status Compulsory Action View
Code S-H-S3 Title Malignant Dissection Credits 10 Year 3 Status Compulsory Action View
Code S-H-S4 Title Specialist Histopathology and Service Management Credits 10 Year 3 Status Compulsory Action View
Code S-H-S5 Title Specialist Immunohistochemistry and Molecular Pathology Credits 10 Year 3 Status Compulsory Action View

Programme specification

Details

Programme title
Cellular Science - Histopathology
Division
Life Sciences
Normal length of programme
3 years
Outcome awards and professional eligibility

Successful candidates will be awarded:

  • MSc in Clinical Science (awarded by the relevant Higher Education Institute).
  • Certificate of Completion of the Scientist Training Programme (CCSTP). Awarded by the National School of Healthcare Science

Which provides eligibility to:

  • Apply for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council as a Clinical Scientist.
Total credits
180
Mode of study
Work-based with integrated part time MSc
Programme accredited by
The Health and Care Professions Council

Programme aim

To provide clinical scientist trainees with strong science-based, patient-centred clinical training in Cellular Science.

Programme level learning outcomes

Histopathology

  1. Apply and interpret histological, immunohistochemical and molecular pathology methods to demonstrate tissue features, processes, and markers to aid diagnosis and patient management
  2. Critically appraise the application of emerging technology and practice in Histopathology
  3. Practice in partnership with the multidisciplinary team and other clinical specialties to deliver a safe and effective Cellular Pathology service.
  4. Perform dissection of non-malignant histopathology specimens from the gastrointestinal, gynaecological, skin, breast and urological organ systems
  5. Perform dissection of malignant histopathology specimens from the gastrointestinal, gynaecological, skin, breast and urological organ systems
  6. Develop and deliver services and practice in Histopathology to provide continued high-quality patient care
  7. Evaluate the performance of equipment and methods used in Histopathology in accordance with accreditation standards

Learning and teaching methods

  • Work-based learning
  • Academic study

Assessment methods

Workplace-based assessments documented in an e-portfolio including:

  • Training Activities
  • Direct Observation of Practical Skills (DOPS)
  • Observed Communication Events (OCE)
  • Case-Based Discussions (CBD)

Academic Assessment set by the Higher Education Institute delivering the MSc

Final Assessment

Programme structure

Phases indicate the order modules should be completed in.
The next phase can be started in the same year, e.g. phase 2 can be started in year 1.

Phase Modules Credits
Throughout Professional Foundations of Healthcare and Clinical Science

Individual Professional Development

20

 

0

1 Rotation modules 40
2 Research Skills in Healthcare Science

Specialist module(s)

10

20

3 STP Project

Specialist module(s)

60

30

Total Credits 180

Entry routes and requirements

Entry routes In England there are two routes into the programme

  • Direct entry – Trainees are competitively appointed into a training post funded through the local Health Education England training board
  • In-service entry – Trainees enter the programme with the support of their employers.
Entry requirements For both entry routes, STP applicants must participate in the national recruitment process and meet the minimum entry requirements for the programme.
Programme regulations Attendance requirements:

As employees of their host organisation, trainees are required to attend the workplace as required by their employer.

Trainees are required to attend all sessions as specified by the Higher Education Institute.

This specification provides a concise summary of the main feature of the programme and the learning outcomes expected of a threshold Clinical Scientist. More detailed information on module-specific learning outcomes, learning and assessment methods is available in the relevant module pages.  More detailed information on entry routes and requirements can be found on the NSHCS website.

Information on trainee support can be found on the NSHCS website.

Updated December 2023