Academic Foundation Training
Start your academic career at Newcastle University and Northern Foundation School.
Our Academic Foundation Programme (AFP) hosts 21 trainees in each of F1 and F2. It is run jointly by Newcastle University and the Northern Foundation School.
We offer a host of opportunities for trainees to undertake a wide range of placements. We promote a trainee-centred approach, supporting AFP doctors to undertake a placement in their area of interest.
AFP trainees have one protected four month academic placement in EACH of F1 and F2. They are employed for the full two years by the same Trust. Partner Trusts are:
- Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust: x12 posts
- South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust: x3 posts
- Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust: x3 posts
- North Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust: x2 posts
- North Cumbria University Hospitals NHS Trust: x1 post
All AFP trainees have access to training opportunities - lectures and taught courses - held in the Faculty of Medical Sciences.
The North East is a great place to live and work and there are very high-quality research and clinical opportunities here. The two dedicated four-month research blocks offered by Northern region provided the best opportunity to achieve my goals.
Useful Information
The UK Foundation Programme Office (UKFPO) website hosts all national information about the AFP and how to apply.
The Foundation Programme applicant’s handbook
The Northern Foundation School website hosts information on our local shortlisting and interview processes. This includes a timeline for applications
If you are interested in applying to the Northern Academic Foundation Programme, contact the NHIP training academy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Our recent AFP trainees have collated some ‘good to know’ information.
I’m thinking about applying to the Academic Foundation Programme but have limited research experience. Am I likely to be considered?
We are keen to hear from ALL students who are interested in joining the AFP, irrespective of their past research experience. The programme is about having research opportunities and time to develop academic skills from whatever your starting stage. If you are enthusiastic and committed to this goal, we would be pleased to hear from you. Please contact the NHIP academy if you would like to discuss your circumstances further.
What makes Northern Foundation School special?
Current AFP trainees tell us that what they like about the Northern programme is that it is flexible, diverse and trainee-centred. This means that you can opt for a host of differing types of research areas, using a range of methodologies and have opportunity to experience other relevant academic activities – such as teaching, leadership and a menu of courses run by Newcastle University.
And not to forget, the North East and North Cumbria is a great place for clinical training too – being ranked top in 17 of 18 indicators in the national GMC survey of junior doctors in 2019!
Is there an advantage of having 2 x 4-month academic placements?
Trainees tell us that this is a key strength of the Northern programme. Having two dedicated academic placements means that you can work on one project for an extended amount of time, or cover different projects/specialties over the two years.
What can I expect to produce by the end of the programme?
Trainees all have different goals for their academic programme, and supervisors will help you to plan your placement so that you achieve outputs that are most relevant to your academic development. This may be a set of new academic skills, or opportunities to spend time in a particular research area. However, many trainees produce peer-reviewed publications or presentations over the course of the two years that will help their application for an ACF post.
How do I find a supervisor?
We encourage applicants to discuss research interests and projects with potential supervisors at an early stage. These conversations will help your decision-making around choice of Foundation School, and they also illustrate your commitment to research and careful planning if you invited to interview. Please do contact the NHIP academy if you need any help in finding a suitable supervisor for your area of interest.
What support will I have during my placement?
Support is provided all year round through the staff at the NHIP academy and our team are all super friendly and easy to contact. You will have an end of academic placement review survey and an end of year meeting with the lead for Academic Foundation programmes in the region. There is ample opportunity to present your work and meet other academic trainees. This year (from 2020), we are introducing a regular (zoom) AFP meeting, where you can share project outputs or other areas of interest with the whole group. You will also have an opportunity to share your experiences and learning with Newcastle University medical students in the Academic Medicine society
How might I contact a current AFP trainee to hear more about the programme?
It is often really helpful to speak to a trainee to find out more about the everyday details around the post, programme and region. Please contact the NHIP academy if you would like to be put in touch with a trainee, and we will set that up.
Take the next step
After you gave finished your Academic Foundation Training you may wish to explore an Academic Clinical Fellowship.
Newcastle also hosts an NIHR Clinical Education Incubator, designed to develop clinical education as an academic field.