Clinical Academic Training

ARU Specialised Foundation Programme

We're proud to offer the Specialised Foundation Programme in research as part of Health Education England East of England’s Foundation School.

Delivered in collaboration with the Mid and South Essex NHS Trust, this programme is designed for Foundation trainees with an interest in clinical academia and research.

Through strong partnerships with local healthcare providers and research institutions across Essex, ARU trainees receive hands-on research experience in established and dynamic clinical research environments.

Our School of Medicine fosters a vibrant culture of innovation with access to leading research centres, supporting trainees on their journey into clinical academic careers.

The programme includes:

  • five clinical placements (four months each) across core specialties during FY1 and FY2
  • one research placement (four months) in FY2 within one of ARU’s key research themes.

Current research themes include:

With 24 trainees currently enrolled, the Programme offers a supportive and stimulating community.

Research training

Our Specialist Foundation Programme trainees benefit from a comprehensive research training programme designed to support their development as future clinical academics.

  • School of Medicine Monthly Research Seminar Series: covering core NIHR IAT topics, career insights, and research presentations across disciplines. Sessions are delivered by expert speakers within our research community and shaped by trainee feedback. (Further information on core NIHR IAT topics can be found at NIHR IAT Guide, Gold Guide – 10th Edition and UKFPO Academic Compendium.)
  • Library and study resources: full access to ARU libraries and dedicated study space at the School of Medicine, fostering a strong sense of community.
  • Community and support: trainees are embedded within our vibrant IAT community. There are regular opportunities to connect with peers and mentors, attend research seminars and training sessions, receive career guidance and pastoral support, and present at conferences and events. Previous events have included the Annual School of Medicine Research Conference and the New Medical Schools NIHR Conference, as well as regional events and workshops such as the Academic Primary Barriers to Research Workshop.

Find out more about both Research and Medical Education SFP trainee opportunities in the East of England on the East of England Foundation School website.

Medical Education SFP

We're home to a yearly cohort of 12 Medical Education SFP Trainees.

The Medical Education Specialised Foundation Programme (SFP) in the East of England combines clinical training with a focus on postgraduate medical education.

During your FY1 you will complete three standard four-month clinical placements.

In FY2, you will split your time approximately 60% clinical and 40% educational. You'll work with local education teams and simulation hubs, and complete our PG Cert in Medical and Healthcare Education. 

Other opportunities for postgraduate research