Take part in a senior clinical fellowship
If you're approaching the end of your surgical training or have recently completed your Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT), you will be considering what comes next. That leap from trainee to consultant can feel daunting.
Our accredited fellowships are designed to bridge the gap between senior trainee to independent practice. They help you grow professionally, refine your skills, and prepare for life as a consultant.
On this page, we'll explain how to apply for a fellowship, share tips to make your application stand out and what to expect if you're successful.
Applying for a fellowship
We approve a large number of senior clinical fellowship posts across the UK and internationally, covering all surgical specialties. You can browse approved posts on our website and apply via the NHS Jobs website or through the relevant international training centre’s site.
Senior trainees, international candidates and SAS doctors with ST6-8 training level or equivalent are eligible to apply for available posts.
If you're based in the UK
You should be in senior surgical training (ST6 to ST8), either approaching or just after your CCT. These fellowships are a great way to consolidate your skills and gain focused experience in a subspecialty.
If you're an international candidate applying for a UK post
You’ll need an equivalent ST6-8 level of training, General Medical Council (GMC) registration and eligibility to work in the UK on a temporary work visa.
If you're offered a fellowship, we can support you through the GMC sponsorship scheme, which includes a certificate of sponsorship. This is essential for both GMC registration and your visa application.
If you’re applying for an international post
Make sure you check the registration requirements for the country where the fellowship is based. Each location will have its own rules, and it’s important to understand these before applying.
Making your application stand out
Posts are promoted through the NHS or relevant training centre’s website. You’ll be provided with a job description and person specification, and you’ll apply for the post as you would for any other job.
This is your chance to show why you're ready for the next step.
Here are a few tips that may help:
- Tailor your application to the fellowship’s subspecialty. Highlight relevant experience and explain why this post aligns with your career goals.
- Show your commitment to learning. Mention any audits, research, or teaching you've been involved in.
- Be clear and concise. Fellowship supervisors are looking for motivated, professional candidates who are ready to take on responsibility.
- Ask for feedback on your application from a mentor or supervisor before submitting.
What to expect during your fellowship
Once appointed, you'll be employed by the NHS trust or organisation hosting the fellowship. Most fellowships last at least 12 months, though there can be exceptions.
Support and supervision
Your fellowship supervisor will make sure your team knows you're a senior trainee and will provide support and supervision throughout the programme.
“My fellowship supervisors were incredibly supportive and always available for advice. I’m now proud to be appointed as a consultant urological surgeon.” — Urology senior clinical fellow
Learning agreement and competencies
Early on, you’ll agree a learning plan with your supervisor. This outlines the learning outcomes (knowledge, skills, behaviours) and clinical competencies you’re expected to achieve. You’ll also have opportunities for audit, research, and regular assessments to track your progress.
Professionalism and code of conduct
As a fellow, you’ll be an ambassador for RCS England. You’re expected to uphold the standards of GMC’s Good Medical Practice and maintain a high level of professionalism throughout your post. We’ll also ask you to sign up to the College Code of Conduct.
Balancing service and training
Your timetable should offer a healthy balance, ideally more training than service. Here’s what that might look like:
- Service: Clinics, on-call duties
- Training: Theatre and endoscopy sessions, learning activities, MDT meetings, audit and research
- Mixed: Ward rounds
Surgical experience
Each fellowship outlines the key operations you’ll be involved in, including how many you’re expected to perform independently. You’ll record these in your eLogbook, which helps track your progress and supports your final sign-off.
Feedback and completion
About three months in, you’ll be asked to submit interim feedback to RCS England. This helps ensure the fellowship is meeting your expectations and allows the Quality Assurance team to address any concerns early.
At the end of your fellowship, you’ll submit your final feedback and logbook. Your supervisor will provide a sign-off statement confirming whether you’ve met the required outcomes and competencies.
“The fellowship was incredibly useful and has greatly enhanced my career.” — Endovascular Fellow
Fellowship certificate
Once you’ve successfully completed your fellowship, you’ll receive a certificate signed by RCS England and the relevant Surgical Specialty Association.
If you're a member of RCS England, you can receive your certificate at a diplomates’ ceremony. If you're not a member, you’ll be invited to become an ad eundem member so you can take part in the ceremony - or you can choose to have your certificate posted to you.
There is also an appeal process if you are not awarded a certificate and believe this decision should be reviewed.
Financial support
While fellows are usually employed on a salary, there can be extra costs – such as accommodation, travel, and training courses. Unfortunately, financial assistance is no longer available for post-CCT fellows, but there are still options:
- RCS England education courses: Discounts are available to members, along with education bursaries worth up to £1000.
- Surgical Specialty Associations: It’s worth asking your association if they offer any grants or bursaries.
- Charitable trusts and foundations: These can sometimes help with costs related to professional development.
Ready to take the next step?
Search all RCS England approved fellowships by specialty and location.
Contact us
If you have questions or need support, don’t hesitate to contact the RCS England Accreditation and Quality Assurance Department at qa@rcseng.ac.uk. We’re here to help.