Core Surgical Training

Core Surgical Training prepares trainees for higher specialist training. 

This two-year programme follows the ISCP curriculum which includes generic skills applicable to all surgeons and prepares trainees for their choice of specialty. 

Trainees are required to apply for their choice of (uncoupled) higher surgical specialty training via a competitive application process part way-through their second year of core surgical training.

Entry into Core Surgical Training is coordinated nationally by Health Education Kent Surrey and Sussex.

Rotations are generally organised within one of the 3 localities (East, West or South) but trainees can rotate throughout the region pending approval by the Programme Directors.

Each programme provides a year within each subspecialty theme and 2 other affiliated specialties.

Trainees rotate on the first Wednesday of August and the first Wednesday of February.

The MRCS exam is an exit requirement for formal CST and must be obtained before you complete CST and start an ST3 post.