NHS England South West & University of Bristol, University of Exeter & University of Plymouth
Welcome
Welcome to Academic Clinical Fellowship Training in the South West.
Delivered in partnership between NHS England (Workforce, Training and Education), the University of Bristol, University of Exeter and University of Plymouth, we offer a range of opportunities through the NIHR Integrated Academic Training (IAT) programme and locally supported academic pathways.
These programmes are designed to support doctors in developing a successful career as a clinical academic, combining high-quality clinical training with world-leading research opportunities.
Why train in the South West?
- Strong academic partnerships across Bristol, Exeter and Plymouth
- Access to leading research environments and NIHR-supported opportunities
- High success rates in doctoral fellowship applications
- Supportive academic and clinical training network
Academic Clinical Fellowships (ACFs)
What is an ACF?
Academic Clinical Fellowships (ACFs) are specialty training posts that combine clinical training with academic development.
- 3-year programme (4 years for General Practice)
- 75% clinical / 25% academic time
- Protected time to develop research skills and prepare for a PhD or MD fellowship
ACFs are designed for doctors in the early stages of specialty training who demonstrate clear potential for a clinical academic career.
How academic time works
Academic time can be structured flexibly, for example:
- 1 day per week
- Block placements (e.g. 3–6 months)
- A combination across the programme
Career pathway
An ACF is the first stage in the clinical academic pathway:
- Academic Clinical Fellow (ACF)
- Doctoral Fellowship (PhD/MD)
- Clinical Lectureship (CL)
- Senior Academic / Consultant roles
The primary aim is to support progression to a doctoral research fellowship.
Clinical Lectureships (CLs)
Clinical Lectureships are postdoctoral training posts for trainees who have completed a PhD (or equivalent).
- Typically 50% clinical / 50% academic time
- Provide an opportunity to consolidate research experience and progress towards senior academic roles
- NHS England recruit to University of Exeter and University of Plymouth CL roles.
- University of Bristol Recruit directly
Recruitment and Timeline
Academic Clinical Fellowships (ACFs)
- Recruitment takes place annually
- Applications submitted via Oriel
- Aligned with national specialty recruitment timelines
Typical process:
- Applications open: Autumn
- Interviews: late Autumn – early Winter
- Offers released: mid-Winter
- Start date: from August (following year)
Applicants must:
- Meet both clinical and academic eligibility criteria
- Complete the clinical benchmarking process if required (please check with the recruitment team if you are not sure).
What to Expect as an ACF
As an academic trainee in the South West, you can expect:
- A balanced training programme (clinical + research)
- Access to academic supervision and mentorship
- Opportunities to:
- Develop research proposals
- Publish and present work
- Undertake higher degrees
- Integration into a collaborative academic network
Academic Training Environment
You will benefit from:
- Structured academic supervision
- Access to university facilities and networks
- Engagement with national organisations including the NIHR Academy
Honorary Contracts
To support integrated working:
- ACFs are employed by the NHS and hold an honorary university contract
- CLs are employed by the university and hold an honorary NHS contract
These arrangements enable access to clinical and academic systems and resources.
How to Apply
- Applications are submitted via Oriel
- Review essential documents:
- Job advert
- Person specification
- Applicant guidance
[View current vacancies] (internal link placeholder- Oriel )
[Applicant guidance] (internal link placeholder NIHR Guidance)
Contact Information
For queries relating to academic training in the South West:
- Recruitment team (NHS England South West):
- England.acfrecruitment.sw@nhs.net
- 01454 252 610 (monitored 08:00 – 16:00)
- University partners:
Useful Links
- NHS England South West – Workforce, Training and Education
- University of Bristol Clinical Academic Training
- University of Exeter Clinical Academic Training
- University of Plymouth Clinical Academic Training
- NIHR Integrated Academic Training (IAT) Programme
IAT Lead Contact: t.newlove-delgado@exeter.ac.uk
IAT Lead Contacts: nicola.brennan@plymouth.ac.uk; daniel.martin@plymouth.ac.uk
