Specialty training
Cardiothoracic Surgery ST1 Recruitment 2027 dates
Every Cardiothoracic Surgery ST1 application window we hold, when it opens and closes, with a page for each.
(2026 guidance) National recruitment at ST1 into cardiothoracic surgery, coordinated by NHS England Wessex for all posts in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Cardiothoracic Surgery ST1 Recruitment 2027
Windows
Before you apply
Who can apply for Cardiothoracic Surgery ST1?
Full GMC registration at application; foundation competences evidenced in the 3.5 years before the start date; no more than 18 months whole-time combined cardiac, thoracic, congenital or transplant surgery experience. Prioritisation Act 2026 applies. Source ↗
How do you apply for Cardiothoracic Surgery ST1?
One national application on Oriel. Candidates invited to interview rank training programmes on Oriel after interviews (2026 guidance). Source ↗
How are Cardiothoracic Surgery ST1 applicants shortlisted?
Ranked by self-assessment score, with uploaded evidence verified by a panel of three assessors. The verified score carries into the final total (2026 guidance). Source ↗
What is the Cardiothoracic Surgery ST1 interview like?
Online on Qpercom Recruit, two stations: five structured questions (about 25 minutes) and three communication skills questions (about 25 minutes) (2026 guidance). Source ↗
How competitive is Cardiothoracic Surgery ST1?
2025 Round 1: 73.70 applications per post (737 applications for 10 ST1 posts), NHS England. Source ↗
When does Cardiothoracic Surgery ST1 start and how long is it?
Run-through training takes an indicative seven years (three in phase 1, two each in phases 2 and 3); training is outcome-based. Source ↗