Taking time out of programme (OOP)

Trainees considering a period of Out of Programme Training, Research, Experience or Career Breaks (OOPT/R/E/C) should discuss their plans with their Head of School (and/or Training Programme Director where appropriate) before proceeding with an application.  The Deanery recommends this should happen at least 12 to 18 months in advance of the date of planned OOP.

All periods of OOP must have prospective approval from PMETB, the College and the Deanery.  This is essential if any of the time spent OOP is to count towards the award of CCT.

If the proposed OOP is approved by the Training Programme Director and/ or Head of School, the trainee should then proceed with an application.  If the proposed OOP is NOT deemed appropriate by either the TPD or Head of School, the application should be referred directly to the Postgraduate Dean for reconsideration.

The Deanery also recommends that applications are submitted no later than 12 months prior to the date of planned OOP.  The Deanery cannot guarantee that applications received after this time will be approved to enable trainees to commence OOP on the planned date.

For further guidance and information on applying please see the following links

Click here for information on the application process for Out of Programme.

Click here for the application form 

Click here  PMETB guidance on Out of Programme (updated Nov 08)

Click here for specialty training Gold Guide guidance on Out of Programme

Academic Clinical Fellowship (ACF) and Academic Clinical Lecturers (ACL) 

Queens’ University of Belfast in partnership with the Northern Ireland Medical and Dental Training Agency (Northern Ireland Postgraduate Deanery) and the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust has developed an exciting pathway of academic clinical training opportunities. Applications are now invited for Academic Clinical Fellowship (ACF) and Academic Clinical Lecturers (ACL) at ST3 level or above within any discipline. These posts have been created as part of Modernising Medical Careers/National Co-ordinating Centre for Research Capacity Programme of Integrated Academic Training. They offer candidates a comprehensive experience in clinical academic medicine alongside internationally recognised clinicians and researchers.  For more information please click here