Specialised Foundation Programmes FAQs

Q. I have some additional prizes and publications that I have listed on my application but I can’t find anywhere to upload the documents.

A. We do not require any additional evidence to be uploaded to oriel for your additional degrees, presentations, prizes and publications so there is no facility to do this.

Q. What prizes, publications, presentations and additional degrees be considered in shortlisting?

A. Publications – The work must have been published regardless of whether it has been accepted or is in press and you should provide the PubMed ID number (PMID) where applicable. If you do not provide a PMID for a publication, it will be considered as having been published in a non-PUBMED journal in which case you should provide the DOI. Collaborators will not be awarded points, only authors.

Presentations – The oral or poster presentation must be given by the applicant at a national or international conference organised by a recognised medical, professional, or educational body. This must be clearly indicated on the application under the ‘Level delivered displayed’.

Prizes – The prize must be an undergraduate/medical school, national or international educational prizes awarded by a recognised organisation. Merits or distinctions will also be credited

Additional Degrees – Intercalated or additional degrees are considered for shortlisting on the basis of the grade achieved as an indicator of merit.  Higher degrees such as Master’s or PhDs are also scored.

Q. Do i need to answer all the whitespace questions in the application form.

A. You need to check each individual UoA to ensure you know the questions required. In the Severn Foundation School we will be shortlisting on the following questions:

What are your specific reasons for applying for a SFP?...

Please indicate which types of programmes you would wish to be considered for and explain your rationale for your choice of programme - you must select research for this question to be considered

Please outline your previous research experience and achievements.

The information from the other whitespace questions will not be used.

Q. Will decile scores from my university be used in the shortlisting process. 

A. Decile scores are not being used in the 2024 recruitment so this no longer applies. 

Q. When will i know if I have been successful and invited to an interview?

A. Shortlisted applicants will receive a notification email via Oriel no later than one week prior to interview. Further instructions, including Microsoft Teams meeting links, will be sent at this time by the Foundation School.

Q. I am unavailable on the day of the interviews – can it be arranged for another day?

A. Interview dates cannot be changed, and alternatives cannot be arranged. All panel members have been trained and briefed and it would not be possible to reconvene the panel to carry out individual interviews.

Q. I do not have an internet connection – can I join the interview by telephone?

A. All interviews will be completed by video conferencing – we do not allow any candidates to join via the telephone so please ensure that you can access the online video conference platform before the day of the interview and that you have a good connection. If your connection is so poor the panel cannot hear your answers your interview will be terminated. In exceptional circumstances the panel may offer you another interview slot, but this cannot be guaranteed so it is vital you ensure your internet connection is sufficient.

Q. What will the structure of the interviews be?

A. All shortlisted applicants will be sent details of the structure prior to their interview. This information is not available to all.

Each candidate will be interviewed by a single panel of clinicians and academics assessing clinical, communication and academic skills.

Q:I have ranked the programmes but realised that I have made an error can I amend my preferences?

A: A: Yes, you can but only within the preferencing window.

Q: I haven't ranked all the posts in my preferences. If I do not score highly enough to be allocated to one of my preference will I be offered a post that is not on my preference list?

A: No. You will only be offered a post that you have preferenced. You will not be offered a programme that you have not put on your preference list. It is very important to rank all the programmes you would be willing to accept if offered.

Q. When will i know if I was successful at interview?

A. Following all local interviews, the national offer process begins on 10th January 2024.

Successful candidates will receive an email from Oriel with an offer of an specialised foundation programme. 

Applicants have two working days to accept or reject any offer(s) made to them. If the applicant does not accept or reject the offer within this period, it will be assumed they have rejected the offer and it will be withdrawn.

A cascade process will be run until 9th February 2024 to appoint to any unfilled SFP vacancies. Applicants should refer to the full timeline in the UKFPO applicant handbook.

Q. How can i choose my research theme in Severn?

A. The foundation school will send a list of available themes to preference - this will be done after shortlisting and will be gathered offline and not part of the oriel recruitment system.