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Academic Clinical Fellows (ACFs) - FAQs

1. About Academic Clinical Fellowship (ACF) posts

  • What is an academic clinical fellowship (ACF)? It is a post designed to support doctors in the early stages of their specialty training to combine clinical and academic work. There is 25% protected research time.  
  • When and where are ACFs advertised? Oxford ACF posts are advertised each autumn, usually on the Oriel pages. The list of posts can be found on the NIHR Academy pages and as a 'Latest News' item on our OUCAGS homepage.
  • If I have a DPhil/PhD/DM, am I eligible for an ACF? Usually, the end goal for an ACF is to apply to an external funding body for a research training fellowship leading to a doctorate. However, if you already have a doctorate, you may also apply for ACF posts. 
  • Are ACFs run-through training posts? Yes, they are run-through training posts in the specialty in which they are advertised. For instance, an ACF in Neurology recruited into ST1 Internal Medicine Training (IMT) is guaranteed run-through into Neurology ST4 training following IMT Stage 1, subject to a satisfactory ARCP (Academic Annual Review of Competence Progression) and providing they do not resign from their ACF before it has ended 
  • Can I take maternity/paternity leave during my ACF? Yes. Maternity/paternity/parental and sick leave is governed by the terms and conditions of service associated with your contract with the NHS. 
  • Can I work part-time as an ACF? You may be able to work part-time, but this needs to be agreed locally before the part-time working starts. 

 

2. What opportunities do ACF post holders have for postgraduate training?

Training opportunities include courses run by the Medical Sciences Division (MSD) Skills Training team, the University’s IT Learning Centre and individual MSD departments (accessed via their respective websites).

There are also opportunities offered by Oxford Lifelong Learning (OLL), the University’s department for continuing education (more on this below).  However, please note that these opportunities will be of limited benefit if the ACF holds already an MSc, DPhil/PhD/DM, or equivalent qualification in a relevant subject area.

 

2.1 Oxford Lifelong Learning Opportunities

2.1.1 NIHR ACF post holders, except public health

With the exception of Public Health Medicine ACFs, all NIHR ACFs are invited to sign up for:

2.1.2 Local ACF post holders, except public health

Provided there is funding available from their University Department, local ACFs are invited also to sign up for:

2.1.3 NIHR ACF or local ACF post holders in public health

Instead of the above, Public Health Medicine ACFs undertake the Nuffield Department of Population Health’s MSc in Global Health Science and Epidemiology, which is part of their public-health training programme. 

 

2.2 About the PG Cert in Health Research and standalone  modules

2.2.1 Overview

  • What is the PG Cert in Health Research? This is a qualification offered by the University of Oxford that most Oxford ACFs are eligible to study for (by invitation only). However, please note that the modules and the award will very likely be of limited benefit if the ACF already holds an MSc, DPhil/PhD/DM, or equivalent qualification in a relevant subject area. If this is the case, we would suggest considering instead three standalone modules as outlined above.

2.2.2 Timing and timelines

  • When do I need to apply for either the PG Cert or standalone modules? Once you become an ACF with OUCAGS, we will check your eligibility to apply. If you are eligible, we will contact you with instructions on how to apply. For most specialties, this will be in the first year of your ACF. For ACFs in Internal Medicine Training, it will be in your second year as an ACF. 
  • PG Cert - How long do I have to complete the programme? ACFs have between 1 and 2 years to complete the PG Cert in Health Research, and completion must be before the end of your ACF. This applies to all trainees – including GPs. In mitigating circumstances, there may be the opportunity to apply for suspension of the PG Cert for one or more terms. However, please note that once you have signed up for, and started, a module, Oxford Lifelong Learning will have set deadlines for assessments.
  • Standalone modules - How long do I have to complete the modules? If you are taking standalone modules, you have until the end of your ACF to register for and complete the standalone modules.
  • At what stage of my ACF should I take the modules? When you take them will be dictated by when they are scheduled and by your workload, particularly the timing of your clinical rotations and exams. You will need to book study leave to do the modules and you will have to decide how the work will fit with your other commitments. If you have signed up for the PG Cert in Health Research, you should do the two compulsory modules first. You could book onto one and see how it goes – to help decide whether you can manage a second, even a third, module the same year. However, for those in their first year of Core Surgical Training, we would recommend 2 modules as a maximum.
  • What other timing constraints should I bear in mind? Modules can get booked up quickly. So, it is best to get a place and then cancel later than leave it until the last minute. As long as you cancel modules well in advance, there will not be a problem with re-allocating payment to a module later. 

2.2.3 Funding

  • Do I need to pay for the PG Cert Health Research or for the standalone-module options? If you are invited by OUCAGS to take either the PG Cert in Health Research or the three standalone modules, you will not have to pay. At Oxford the PG Cert and standalone modules for NIHR ACFs are funded by the NIHR with a top-up from OUCAGS. For locally funded ACFs who are invited, OUCAGS will have established that there is departmental funding available to cover the fees.
  • Is funding available to convert from the PG Cert into a PG Dip or an MSc? No. Unfortunately OUCAGS' funding will not stretch this far, but you may self-fund, if you wish.

 

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