https://www.gosh.nhs.uk/learning/gosh-learning-academy/gla-courses-and-events/a-multi-disciplinary-approach-to-treatment-for-tics/gosh-elective-placement/
GOSH Elective Placement
Undergraduate Placements at GOSH
Looking to gain experience in paediatric medicine at one of the world’s leading children’s hospitals? Our PGME Undergraduate Team offers a variety of placements designed to support your learning and professional development.
As part of your elective placement or SSC, you’ll benefit from two weekly teaching sessions designed specifically for you by GOSH doctors. These sessions complement your clinical experience and help you connect with peers, forming a supportive student community during your time here.
Your clinical placements also include bespoke learning objectives, ensuring your experience is structured and aligned with your educational goals.
Placements we offer
The PGME Undergraduate Team organise various types of placements for medical students, more detailed information can be found here.
Elective
We are open to local, national and international placements and welcome applications. We do have strict timeframes to adhere to please refer to "Our Applications Process - FAQ's" for further information
SSC
We currently accept students undertaking an SSC placement. We work closely with QMUL/Barts and UCL Universities. Should your SSC request not be from one of these universities additional information will be required and you will need to provide a university contact that will confirm the tariff payment.
If you are requesting an honorary contract or research project this will need to be organised through HR.ServiceDesk@gosh.nhs.uk
Our current application window is closed. Our next vacancy will be the autumn vacancy and we are only accepting placements from 1 October 2026 - 31 December 2026. The link will be added once the vacancy opens.
Autumn Vacancy - Opens 1 April - 1 May 2026 (accepting placements from 28 September 2026 - 31 December 2026)
Winter Vacancy - Opens 1 June - 3 July (accepting placements from 1 January 2027 - 31 March 2027)
(Please note: once we have reached our capacity, we reserve the right to close the vacancy before the closing date.)
The PGME Team organises elective placements for medical students offering placements in various departments. GOSH electives are open to local, national and international students with placements being completed by students from approximately 50 countries.
Throughout your time at GOSH you will be supervised by a responsible clinician or consultant to make sure you do not engage in any activity beyond your level of competence. Our medical student supervisors work with each student to tailor their visit to their requirements. The aim of most student placements is to learn about clinical paediatrics, but opportunities may arise to perform audits and get involved in the research.
Examples of tasks Medical Students may preform:
- take a history from children and their parents
- examine children
- access written and computerised patient records
- observe procedures
- attend investigations
- present patients on the ward round and/or clinical meetings and discuss patient details with other members of the team
- review additional patient information for audit, research or other official projects
You must, therefore:
Respect patient consent and confidentiality at all times. In particular, you should be careful not to have clinical-related discussions outside designated medical areas.
Be aware of, and adhere to, GOSH policies, particularly regarding child protection and child safety within the hospital and their specialty areas. You should make your supervisor aware of any issues as a matter of urgency.
Inform the team immediately of new health or probity issues that may affect your dealings with children, parents or other team members.
Which documents are required?
You will need to upload your CV and select your departmental choices when submitting your initial application. Once your placement has been confirmed and a conditional offer has been issued you will need to submit the following documents:
- Three forms of ID. Two valid forms of ID and one valid form of address (or vice versa).
- Two letter headed references
- Occupational Health (OH) status check (document will be provided with conditional offer)
- Honorary Training Booklet. This must be read, signed and returned along with the other required information. (document will be provided with conditional offer)
- Enhanced DBS for UK students (dated in the last 3 years) or equivalent such as overseas police check/letter of good standing (must be in English or translated to English by an official notary)
- Confirmation of VISA arrangements if necessary
- Confirmation of placement fees
Are there any fees?
Placement fee is £125 per week of placement and an additional £150 for admin fee. Please note, payment will be taken towards the end of the application process and the placement fee is refundable up to twelve weeks before the start of your placement. Fee reductions may take place in extreme cases.
What is a valid form of ID and address?
Bank statements or utility bills dated within the last three months are valid forms of address. Passports, driving licence, identity card, residential permit are valid forms of ID.
What should my reference contain?
A reference needs to include the student's full name and mention the student's personal character, clinical competency and academical qualities. References must be on letter headered paper. In the event your referee is no longer able to provide a reference, you may change your referee.
How do I obtain an enhanced DBS?
Contact your university and they will be able to apply for an enhanced DBS on your behalf. If your DBS is outdated, you may apply for a new enhanced DBS through your university. Alternatively, we accept letters from universities which contain the students name, DBS date of issue and whether annual DBS checks have taken place.
Do I need a VISA?
If you do not hold a British Passport you will be required to provide a valid passport and Residence Permit.
Applicants will require a short-term study visa or an equivalent travel document e.g. ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) to undertake an undergraduate medical elective. Please check the GOV.UK guidance for travelling to the UK.
If your government requires a confirmation of placement letter, this can be requested from PGME.
Is accommodation available during my placement?
Unfortunately, we do not offer hospital accommodation to medical students. There are hotels and Airbnb's in the local area.
How long can my placement last?
Maximum placement length is 8 weeks. Generally, departments only permit placements to last two to six weeks. If you require a longer placement, it may be possible for you to complete two separate four week placements (continuously) in different departments but this would be subject to availability.
Do you hold adequate insurance to cover any liability incurred by a placement student as a result of his/her duties as an employee?
The Trust has Public Liability cover through the NHSLA Public Liability Scheme which will cover you while you are on Trust premises, on Trust business or working for the benefit of the Trust against accidental injury.
What is the dress code during my placement?
You are required to remain professional; we therefore ask you to dress professionally/smart for your placement. Should you be completing a placement where scrubs are required, we recommend that you bring your own scrubs that are bare below the elbow. Scrubs are provided in most departments but are not always available.
Will I receive a certificate at the end of my placement?
Once you complete your elective experience, please feedback on your placement through the survey below.
Thereafter, you may contact student.observer.placements@gosh.nhs.uk to be issued a certificate.
Hear From our Previous Students
"An elective at GOSH is an opportunity you wouldn't want to miss out on... the consultants really know their stuff and are eager and willing to teach, so you'd definitely expand your knowledge"
GOSH Elective Placements - Global Connections