Elective placements

Elective placements are for medical students who are enrolled in an institution other than the University of Cambridge. They take place at Addenbrooke’s Hospital.

Electives are a maximum of 6 weeks in length. It is sometimes possible to do a 4- or 5-week elective, however, we ask that all students start their placement on the first day of the block. 

We are no longer accepting applications for the 2025 programme.

Applications for the 2026 programme will open at 9am (UK) 10th February 2025 and close at 12pm (UK) 10 July 2025. Please find the link to the application form under Stage 1 of ‘How to apply’.

Applications for Block 1 and 2 of the 2026 program will be processed earlier. This is so successful students have enough time to complete other application stages. If you're interested in applying to one of these blocks, please make sure to submit your application by 12pm (UK) on April 10th, 2025. After this deadline, you can still apply to Blocks 1 and 2, but all eligible applicants will automatically be added to a waiting list. We'll contact them in the event of a cancellation.

Please review all the information below before applying.

On this page:

Entry requirements

You must:

The School of Clinical Medicine does not sign placement or partnership agreements with other institutions. Please confirm, prior to applying, that your university does not require such an agreement to be signed. 

What you’ll be doing

During the placement you’ll be assigned to one of the hospital’s departments. Although each placement is different, you’ll usually: 

  • attend ward rounds and department briefings
  • shadow staff members at different levels of seniority
  • observe and be invited to take part in medical procedures (depending on your skill level)
  • join day shifts (some specialities may also ask if you wish to attend night shifts, this would be at your own discretion) 

You will not be able to attend the teaching sessions and seminars offered to our Cambridge medical students, unless your supervisor invites you. 

You'll have the same access to the clinical environment as Cambridge medical students. You'll be expected to operate within the General Medical Council’s framework for student doctors. 

All patient activity should be restricted to carrying out, according to instructions and under supervision, only those tasks that have been authorised by the named supervisor (or other medically registered practitioner). 

You can arrive on the Friday evening before your placement starts. We'll have a Welcome Pack ready for you, which includes all the information you need to know about your stay with us.

First Day Arrangements

On your first day, you'll have two important appointments to attend:

  1. Electives Administrator: They'll process your arrival documentation, answer any questions you may have, and provide you with essential information.
  2. Occupational Health: You'll also need to attend an appointment with Occupational Health, which will be booked in advance. Some students may require a chest x-ray appointment or mask fit testing appointment as part of the onboarding process.

Meeting Your Supervisor

After completing these appointments, you'll meet with your supervisor or one of their colleagues. They'll discuss and confirm your placement arrangements, including your timetable and any other essential details.

Leaving your placement and confirmation of attendance

When it's time for you to leave, please return your keys and NHS card to us. Before you leave, the Electives Administrator will give you two copies of a Confirmation of Attendance letter. Each letter will carry the official stamp of the School of Clinical Medicine.

The School of Clinical Medicine does not provide any other documentation; supervisors may sign feedback forms if necessary.

Liability and Indemnity

The School of Clinical Medicine does not provide liability or indemnity cover for medical students during their elective placements.

We strongly recommend taking out personal insurance to cover yourself against any unforeseen circumstances during your placement.

Facilities

You’ll have access to:

  • on-site accommodation
  • staff areas specific to your hospital rotation inside Addenbrooke’s Hospital
  • our IT systems and receive a dedicated email account
  • the Hospital campus, which includes shops, restaurants and sports facilities
  • the University of Cambridge Medical Library 
  • the student common room 

How to apply

Stage 1

In Stage 1, you’ll need to:

  1. choose your preferred speciality
  2. complete the Google application form 
    If you need to make changes to your completed form, please email us at cambridge.electives@medschl.cam.ac.uk. To submit an amendment, use the following subject line: 'Amendment to application <First Name> <Surname>'. Ensure your submission is made on time to meet the deadline.
  3. pay a non-refundable application fee of £66 by the deadline. To proceed with your application, please follow the link to our payment platform, which is located at the end of the form. If you're applying for multiple Elective Blocks, you'll only need to pay the application fee once.

You’ll also need to provide: 

  • proof of your English language proficiency
  • an official transcript. This must not include any 'fails' (unless the subject was sat again and passed). It needs to be on headed paper and stamped. The transcript must be in English. If the original is in a different language, a certified translated copy must be submitted with it.
  • a reference letter from your university. This needs to be on headed paper, stamped, and signed by your university's Dean (or alternative senior faculty member at your university). The letter must include the date you’re graduating, an assessment of your character, academic abilities, and English proficiency (e.g., if the course is taught and assessed in English), as well as confirmation that the elective is a compulsory part of the course you’re studying.

If you’re successful in Stage 1, you’ll receive a Provisional Offer letter inviting you to complete Stage 2 of the application process.

We aim to contact all applicants within four weeks of the application deadline.

If all available placements for Stage 1 have been filled when you submit your application, you'll be added to a waiting list. You'll receive a letter informing you that you've been placed on the waiting list. If a placement becomes available due to a cancellation, we'll contact you promptly to offer you a place.

Stage 2

Students will be given one month from the issuing of the Provisional Offer letter to complete Stage 2. We recommend preparing all necessary documents and information before submitting your application.

In Stage 2, you’ll have to:

  1. complete a health assessment 
  2. submit an original colour copy of DBS/police check or equivalent in English. If the original copy is in a different language, a certified translated copy must be submitted with it
  3. submit a certified copy of your passport
  4. sign the Confirmation Agreement
  5. pay a non-refundable administrative and occupational health fee of £613

Stage 3

Students who have successfully completed Stage 2 by the deadline will receive a final confirmation letter.

Two months before the start of the placement, students will have to pay a non-refundable accommodation fee of £960.

Choosing a speciality

Each elective block has a limited number of places - no more than 8 students per block.
The specialties listed below are final. 

If a speciality is listed more than once in one Block, it means that that department can host more than one student in that block.

If a speciality is not included in the list, it means that the department has not provided availability to host elective students.

We have fixed block dates and are unable to provide flexibility in terms of scheduling.

If your university requires longer placements or different dates, please be aware that we cannot accommodate these requests. Additionally, it is not possible for a placement to overlap two blocks.

All students must commit to the designated dates for their chosen block.

To apply for a placement, list your preferred number on the application form. For example, if you want to pick Rehab Medicine in Block 1, you will have to write '1.6'. 

You can select up to 5 preferred specialties from each Block (i.e. 1.3, 1.6, 1.4, etc.). If you are interested in more than one Block, you will have to submit a separate application for each. 

You can apply for more than one Block to enhance your chances of being selected, but please be aware that you will only be chosen for one. It is NOT possible to attend more than one Block. 

After the deadline, eligible students with complete stage 1 applications will be allocated places using a random system. Specialities will then be assigned to the students with places, in priority order, based on the preferences they expressed.

Block 1: 05 January to 13 February 2026

1.1 Haematology
1.2 Haematology
1.3 Rheumatology
1.4 Neurology
1.5 Endocrinology- Institute of Metabolic Science
1.6 Rehabilitation Medicine
1.7 General surgery- Upper GI surgery
1.8 General surgery- Upper GI surgery
1.9 ENT
1.10 ENT
1.11 Plastic Surgery 
1.12 Plastic Surgery 
1.13 Plastic Surgery 
1.14 Plastic Surgery 
1.15 Radiology

Block 2: 16 February to 27 March 2026

2.1 Haematology
2.2 Haematology
2.3 Neurology
2.4 Neurosurgery- Paediatric Neurosurgery
2.5 Endocrinology- Institute of Metabolic Science
2.6 Rehabilitation Medicine
2.7 General surgery- Upper GI surgery
2.8 General surgery- Upper GI surgery
2.9 Department of Medicine for the Elderly- Geriatric Medicine
2.10 Plastic Surgery 
2.11 Plastic Surgery 
2.12 Plastic Surgery 
2.13 Plastic Surgery 
2.14 Surgery- Trauma and Orthopaedics 

Block 3: 30 March to 08 May 2026

3.1 Haematology
3.2 Haematology
3.3 Neurology
3.4 Neurosurgery- Paediatric Neurosurgery
3.5 Endocrinology- Institute of Metabolic Science
3.6 Rehabilitation Medicine
3.7 General surgery- Upper GI surgery
3.8 General surgery- Upper GI surgery
3.9 ENT
3.10 ENT
3.11 Plastic Surgery 
3.12 Plastic Surgery 
3.13 Plastic Surgery 
3.14 Plastic Surgery 
3.15 Emergency Department- Emergency Medicine 
3.16 Emergency Department- Emergency Medicine 
3.17 Emergency Department- Emergency Medicine 
3.18 Emergency Department- Emergency Medicine 
3.19 Emergency Department- Emergency Medicine 

Block 4: 11 May to 19 June 2026

4.1 Haematology
4.2 Haematology
4.3 Rheumatology
4.4 Neurology
4.5 Endocrinology- Institute of Metabolic Science
4.6 Rehabilitation Medicine
4.7 General surgery- Upper GI surgery
4.8 General surgery- Upper GI surgery
4.9 ENT
4.10 ENT
4.11 Paediatrics 
4.12 Paediatrics 
4.13 Department of Medicine for the Elderly- Geriatric Medicine
4.14 Plastic Surgery 
4.15 Plastic Surgery 
4.16 Plastic Surgery 
4.17 Plastic Surgery 
4.18 Emergency Department- Emergency Medicine 
4.19 Emergency Department- Emergency Medicine
4.20 Emergency Department- Emergency Medicine 
4.21 Emergency Department- Emergency Medicine 
4.22 Emergency Department- Emergency Medicine 
4.23 Radiology 

Block 5: 22 June to 31 July 2026

5.1 Haematology
5.2 Haematology
5.3 Rheumatology
5.4 Neurology
5.5 Neurosurgery- Paediatric Neurosurgery
5.6 Endocrinology- Institute of Metabolic Science
5.7 Rehabilitation Medicine
5.8 General surgery- Upper GI surgery
5.9 General surgery- Upper GI surgery
5.10 ENT
5.11 ENT
5.12 Paediatrics
5.13 Paediatrics
5.14 Paediatrics
5.15 Paediatrics 
5.16 Plastic Surgery
5.17 Plastic Surgery 
5.18 Plastic Surgery 
5.19 Plastic Surgery 
5.20 Emergency Department- Emergency Medicine
5.21 Emergency Department- Emergency Medicine
5.22 Emergency Department- Emergency Medicine
5.23 Emergency Department- Emergency Medicine

Block 6: 03 August to 11 September 2026

6.1 Haematology
6.2 Haematology
6.3 Neurology
6.4 Neurosurgery- Paediatric Neurosurgery
6.5 Rehabilitation Medicine
6.6 Medical Genetics
6.7 General surgery- Upper GI surgery
6.8 General surgery- Upper GI surgery
6.9 Plastic Surgery 
6.10 Plastic Surgery 
6.11 Plastic Surgery 
6.12 Plastic Surgery 
6.13 Emergency Department- Emergency Medicine 
6.14 Emergency Department- Emergency Medicine 
6.15 Emergency Department- Emergency Medicine 
6.16 Emergency Department- Emergency Medicine 
6.17 Emergency Department- Emergency Medicine 

Block 7: 14 September to 23 October 2026

7.1 Haematology
7.2 Haematology
7.3 Rheumatology
7.4 Neurology
7.5 Endocrinology- Institute of Metabolic Science
7.6 Rehabilitation Medicine
7.7 General surgery- Upper GI surgery
7.8 General surgery- Upper GI surgery
7.9 ENT
7.10 ENT
7.11 Department of Medicine for the Elderly- Geriatric Medicine
7.12 Plastic Surgery 
7.13 Plastic Surgery 
7.14 Plastic Surgery 
7.15 Plastic Surgery 
7.16 Emergency Department- Emergency Medicine
7.17 Emergency Department- Emergency Medicine
7.18 Emergency Department- Emergency Medicine
7.19 Emergency Department- Emergency Medicine
7.20 Emergency Department- Emergency Medicine
7.21 Radiology

Block 8: 26 October to 04 December 2026

8.1 Haematology
8.2 Haematology
8.3 Neurology
8.4 Neurosurgery- Paediatric Neurosurgery
8.5 Endocrinology- Institute of Metabolic Science
8.6 Rehabilitation Medicine
8.7 General surgery- Upper GI surgery
8.8 General surgery- Upper GI surgery
8.9 ENT
8.10 ENT
8.11 Department of Medicine for the Elderly- Geriatric Medicine
8.12 Paediatric Ophthalmology
8.13 Plastic Surgery 
8.14 Plastic Surgery 
8.15 Plastic Surgery 
8.16 Plastic Surgery 
8.17 Radiology
8.18 Surgery- Trauma and Orthopaedics 

Accommodation

The Clinical School provides compulsory accommodation located on the Biomedical Campus, a 5-minute walk from the School of Clinical Medicine, and Addenbrooke’s Hospital Main Outpatients Entrance. 

The Clinical School tries to ensure that the cost of the elective is as reasonable as possible. Accommodation in Cambridge is very expensive, but the Clinical School provides good value, basic accommodation (self-catering, non-serviced), in an excellent location, which means that elective students do not need to spend money on travel.

You will be sharing a flat with 3 other elective students. We are unable to provide individual or ensuite accommodation. When possible, we try to accommodate specific requirements but please be aware that these may not always be achievable.

Students are responsible for reporting any issues with the accommodation as soon as possible, both to the Electives Administrator, and to reception at Grantchester House.

Click here to view photos of Grantchester House accommodation. 

Your room

You’ll have a private bedroom, which is lockable.

The bedroom includes:

  • a single bed with mattress, pillow and headboard
  • wash basin 
  • desk and desk chair 
  • extra chair 
  • fitted wardrobe 
  • bedside lamp and shade 
  • wall mounted mirror 
  • net and blackout curtains
  • bed linen (one pillowcase, one sheet and one blanket)
  • towels

Internet access is available for a small fee. You can request this from the Grantchester House reception.

Kitchen and bathroom facilities

You’ll share a kitchen and bathroom with the 3 other elective students in the flat. 

The kitchen has basic cooking equipment including plates, pans and cutlery. 

Security 

There are locks on the bedroom doors and the main entrance doors. Grantchester House is also fitted with an external security door entry system. 

The Addenbrooke’s Hospital employs 24-hour security staff. 

Cleaning 

You are responsible for maintaining the cleanliness of the flats and ensuring the flats are cleaned before departure. Whilst cleaners come in once a week, this is very much a ‘light touch’ service which is restricted to the communal areas only. During the course of the elective block the cleaners are not expected to wash up or check the cleanliness of utensils or other items of equipment, such as fridges. Keeping these clean is the responsibility of students.

You will be given clean bed linen each week.

There are coin-operated laundry machines available.

On the last day of elective (usually a Friday) you must vacate the accommodation by 10am. This is so the flats can be prepared for the next group of students.

English language requirements

You meet our English language requirements if you’re from one of the following English-speaking countries:

  • Antigua and Barbuda 
  • Australia (also Christmas Island, Norfolk Island, Keeling Islands, Cocos Islands) 
  • Bahamas 
  • Barbados 
  • Belize 
  • Bermuda 
  • British Antarctic Territory (also British Antarctica) 
  • British Indian Ocean Territory (also Chagos Archipelago, Indian Ocean Territory) 
  • British Virgin Islands, Canada (except for the French-speaking areas) 
  • Channel Islands 
  • Dominica 
  • Falkland Islands 
  • Gibraltar 
  • Grenada 
  • Guyana 
  • Irish Republic 
  • Jamaica 
  • Malta 
  • New Zealand (also Niue, Tokelau, Cook Islands) 
  • St Kitts and St Nevis 
  • St Lucia 
  • St Vincent and the Grenadines 
  • Trinidad and Tobago 
  • UK (including Isle of Man) 
  • USA  

You can also meet our English language requirements if:

  • your current course is entirely taught and assessed in English. Please submit a letter from your Home University that confirms this. The letter MUST state that the course is both taught AND assessed in English, or it will not be accepted.
  • You’ve completed a 3-year qualification (equivalent to at least a UK Bachelor's or above) in one of the English-speaking countries listed above, graduating no more than 2.5 years before the start date of the elective
  • You’ve completed one of the following English language tests at the required minimum level no more than 2 years before the start date of the elective:
    • IELTS: Overall band score of 7.0 (with at least 7.0 in Speaking, Listening, and Writing, and 6.5 in Reading)  
    • TOEFL: Overall score of 100 (with no element below 25) meets requirements. 
    • C2 Proficiency: Overall score of 200, with no element lower than 185. 
    • C1 Advanced: Overall score of 193, with no element lower than 185, plus a Language Centre Assessment  

We will also accept you if you pass a Language Centre Assessment and meet one of these criteria:  

  • you’re from one of these countries: Botswana, Ghana, India, Kenya, Mauritius, the Netherlands, Nigeria, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Singapore, Sudan, South Sudan, Swaziland, Uganda, West Indies (except those listed in the English-speaking countries above), Zambia, Zimbabwe 
  • you have an overall TOEFL score of 80 (with at least 20 in each element) 
  • you have an overall IELTS score of 6.0 (with at least 6.0 in Speaking, Listening, Writing, and Reading)  

Providing proof of your English language ability  

You'll need to provide proof of your English language ability as part of your application.  

This can be:  

  • a copy of your passport 
  • a letter from your home university that confirms that your course is taught and assessed in English 
  • a copy of your degree 
  • an English language test results certificate  

Visa requirements

If you need to apply for an ETA or Standard Visitor visa, we’ll send you a Visa letter to use as part of your application. This letter explains why you’re coming to the UK.  

We will send you the letter 3 months before your placement starts.  

You should not travel to the UK without ensuring you have obtained the correct immigration permission to study an elective in Cambridge and the correct documentation for presentation at the border.

Read more about obtaining visas on the Home Office website. 

Occupational health requirements

You need to obtain clearance from the University of Cambridge Occupational Health (OH) Service to start your elective placement.

You’ll need to:

  • complete a confidential health assessment form to assist in identifying whether any health condition or impairment may mean you require adjustments to your placement 
  • attend an OH appointment that will take place on the first day of your placement 

You’ll also need to provide records to show: 

  • vaccination history for Hepatitis B and MMR (combined measles, mumps and rubella), or proof of immunity to Hepatitis B, measles and rubella by blood test results
  • vaccination records for BCG and COVID-19 if available (not compulsory for placements)  
  • previous Tuberculosis (TB) screening (Quantiferon TB blood test and/or chest x-ray). These will be repeated as required when you attend your OH appointment. 
  • immunity to Varicella Zoster virus (VZV) – Chickenpox by vaccination or blood test result 

Information to students

The full occupational health requirements and additional information are set out in both the Health Assessment and Immunisation Record Forms you will receive.   

Brief vaccination requirements:

Hepatitis B

Provide documented proof of any Hepatitis B primary course vaccinations and boosters given and/or serological evidence of Hepatitis B immunity (either because of vaccination or following natural infection).

Measles & Rubella

Documented proof of two doses of MMR (combined measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine, given from the age of one year old, or serological evidence of measles and rubella immunity required.

Tuberculosis (TB)

Provide documentation of any previously undertaken TB Screening such as Mantoux Tests, Quantiferon TB (QTB) blood tests (also known as Interferon Gamma Release Assay/ IGRA test), T-Spot tests and/or documentation of previous BCG vaccination, to assist the screening process. 

Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust require all students new to the NHS to have a QTB blood test and/or chest x-ray taken (previous tests from outside the UK will be repeated). Clearance for students from countries with a higher prevalence of TB cannot be given until the UK QTB test and/or CXR results have been received and are satisfactory.  

Varicella Zoster Virus (VZV) – Chickenpox

A definite history of infection with chickenpox is adequate evidence of immunity if living in a temperate climate at the time of the illness. Otherwise, VZV serological evidence of immunity or documented proof of two VZV vaccinations is required. 

Exposure Prone Procedure screening

In accordance with Department of Health (DOH) guidelines, blood borne virus screening (evidence of no HIV, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C infection) is required before EPPs can be undertaken. Only UK ID validated blood samples analysed by an accredited laboratory source can be accepted.  
 
In placements involving EPP work, students are advised that they must not undertake EPP work without written clearance from OH. Applicants are advised that they may be cleared for observation work while awaiting their results if all other immunisation / infection screening requirements have been met. 
 
The DOH defines EPPs as “those invasive procedures where there is a risk that injury to the worker may result in the exposure of the patient’s open tissues to the blood of the worker. These include procedures where the worker’s gloved hands may be in contact with sharp instruments, needle tips or sharp tissues (e.g. spicules of bone or teeth) inside a patient’s open body cavity, wound or confined anatomical space where the hands may not be completely visible at all times”. Venepuncture, cannulation and suturing are not considered as EPPs. 

Covid-19 vaccine

Ideally, it is recommended that all applicants have completed at least two primary vaccine doses (or a suitable equivalent) COVID-19 vaccination.  
 
If you have any questions, please contact Occupational Health (OH) at: 
OccHealth@admin.cam.ac.uk

______________________________________________________________
1 Temperate regions are defined as United Kingdom, rest of Europe, North America, Antipodes, Middle East and Indian
sub-continent
2 Tropical regions are defined as sub-Saharan Africa, South East Asia, Caribbean and Central America