Entry requirements for Higher Specialist Training are programme-specific. To see the entry requirements for your preferred programme, please check the relevant HST curriculum.
General entry requirements for HST programmes:
- You must have completed Basic Specialist Training in the relevant specialty (or an equivalent programme) by the start date for HST. Please note that not all BST programmes offer consideration of equivalence. Applications for equivalence will need to be submitted via the College's Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy which is outlined here.
- You must have achieved a relevant postgraduate qualification such as MRCPI in General Medicine, General Paediatrics or Obstetrics and Gynaecology. Please note: All HST candidates must have successfully passed their MRCPI Clinical Examination relevant to their speciality before their HST interview date. There are no exceptions to this requirement.
- You must be currently or previously registered on one of the divisions of the Irish Medical Council, or provide proof of eligibility for registration
- You must have proof of competency in the English language in line with HSE specifications (PDF, 506KB).
- You must have demonstrated an aptitude for, and an interest in that specialty.
Places in HST are allocated in the first instance to applicants who, at the time of application, are citizens of Ireland or nationals of another Member State of the European Union, Stamp 4 Visa Holders and UK nationals.
Read more about the Allocation of Places on Specialist Training Programmes (PDF, 623KB)
To apply for Higher Specialty Training in Public Health Medicine updated 26 September 2024, you must have:
- a certificate of completion of Basic Specialist Training in a recognised Irish training programme: General Internal Medicine or Paediatrics or Obstetrics and Gynaecology or Histopathology or Psychiatry or Surgery or Emergency Medicine.
- or a certification of completion of the Irish Specialist Anaesthesiology Training or the Irish National GP Training programme.
- or recognition of prior learning pathway. There are two pathways: Recognition of Prior Training (RPT) and Recognition of Prior Clinical Experience (RPE). Applicants in this category should first apply to our Recognition of Prior Learning pathway.
- or evidence of exceptional academic achievements or professional public health experience.
Indicative guidelines regarding the last criterion
Such applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis by the reviewing panel. Applicants applying under this criterion require a minimum of 24 months whole time equivalent of post-internship clinical experience, of which at least 12 months should be within a clinical setting relevant to Public Health.
Exceptional/outstanding academic achievements in public health or related field may include (but are not limited to) evidence of higher qualifications, research training, awards/prizes.
Professional public health experience may include (but is not limited to) experience of working within a Department of Public Health in Ireland or abroad (e.g. Senior Medical Officer or equivalent), or in another relevant public health organisation which involves clinical responsibility and decision-making.
Please note that applications will not be pre-screened prior to the deadline, and applicants will need to use their own judgement on eligiblity to apply.