F1 & F23 min read
Starting F1: your first month in the NHS
A practical guide to induction, supervision, safe working and finding your feet as a new doctor.
Read guideTHE COURSEMIA TRAINING HUB
UK medical and
surgical training.
From your first day as an F1 to MRCS, ST3 and beyond. Practical guides to help you understand UK training and prepare with purpose.
Explore all 24 guidesFree to read · Official source links · Checked 26 October 2026
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Guidance for every stage
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24 guides
F1 & F22 min read
Getting the most from your F1 surgical placement
Turn ward work, theatre exposure and clinical feedback into a useful foundation for a surgical career.
Read guideF1 & F22 min read
F1 and F2 portfolios: preparing for ARCP
Organise learning evidence throughout the year and avoid a last-minute scramble for supervisor reports.
Read guideF1 & F22 min read
F2 to surgery: planning your next step
Compare CST applications, clinical fellow posts and development time while keeping eligibility in view.
Read guideCore surgical training3 min read
Core surgical training in the UK: how it works
Understand CT1–CT2, the curriculum, MRCS and the transition into higher surgical training.
Read guideCore surgical training3 min read
CST 2027 applications: eligibility, stages and dates
A starting checklist for the 2027 recruitment round, with direct links to the current official guidance.
Read guideCore surgical training2 min read
Building your CST portfolio for 2027
Prepare evidence of contribution and impact using the revised portfolio domains.
Read guideCore surgical training2 min read
Preparing for the CST interview
Practise structured reasoning, professional judgement and a clear account of your portfolio.
Read guideMRCS3 min read
MRCS explained: Part A, Part B and your training pathway
Understand the purpose of the examination and how it fits into a surgical career.
Read guideMRCS4 min read
MRCS Part A: build a sustainable study plan
Organise applied basic science and surgical principles around active recall and timed practice.
Read guideMRCS3 min read
MRCS Part B: practising for the OSCE
Develop a clear approach to anatomy, examination, communication and practical skills.
Read guideMRCS2 min read
Booking MRCS: dates, documents and practical planning
A checklist for choosing an examination sitting and avoiding administrative surprises.
Read guideST3 applications3 min read
General Surgery ST3: your application starting point
Separate eligibility, evidence and selection preparation for the 2027 recruitment round.
Read guideST3 applications2 min read
ST3 portfolio evidence: make every claim easy to verify
Present your operative experience, projects, teaching and development clearly and accurately.
Read guideST3 applications2 min read
ST3 interview preparation: thinking like a registrar
Practise clinical judgement, prioritisation and reflective discussion of your experience.
Read guideST3 applications2 min read
Applying to ST3 through an alternative competence route
Understand the higher surgical eligibility certificate and how it differs from CREST.
Read guideUK training4 min read
The UK medical training pathway: from F1 onwards
A clear overview of foundation, core, specialty and alternative career routes.
Read guideUK training2 min read
ISCP, workplace assessments and surgical ARCP
Connect daily feedback with your learning agreement and evidence of progression.
Read guideUK training2 min read
Audit, quality improvement and teaching that make a difference
Choose manageable projects, measure their effect and record your contribution.
Read guideUK training2 min read
Flexible training, time out and getting support
Prepare productive conversations about LTFT training, time out and training difficulties.
Read guideUK training2 min read
FRCS and completing surgical training
Place the specialty fellowship examination within the wider requirements for certification.
Read guideUK exams2 min read
PLAB, the MLA and GMC registration
Understand how licensing examinations differ from surgical membership and recruitment assessments.
Read guideUK exams2 min read
MSRA for surgical applicants
Understand its recruitment role and prepare alongside your CST portfolio and interview.
Read guideUK exams2 min read
UK specialties and exams: choosing the right pathway
A starting directory for surgical, medical, GP, anaesthetic and emergency medicine examinations.
Read guideStart here. Confirm with the official source.
These original Coursemia guides combine training overviews with suggested preparation steps. Recruitment rules, examination formats and deadlines can change. Use the linked official guidance for your specialty, UK nation and application year. This hub is independent of the NHS, GMC and Royal Colleges. Read our editorial policy.