Training to become a GP in Scotland

The postgraduate medical training pathway

Through a combination of academic learning and hands-on clinical experience, you’ll gain the broad skills and confidence you need. 

Foundation training

Following graduation, all doctors begin with a 2-year foundation programme. This is a practical, work-based period where you'll get hands-on experience by rotating through different specialties.

Find out more about foundation training.

Broad-based training

This optional pathway lets you explore 4 different areas of medicine before committing to a specialty:

• paediatrics
• psychiatry
• internal medicine
• general practice

It provides a strong foundation for a GP career.

Learn more about broad-based training.

GP Specialty Training (GPST)

This is the main, 3-year programme you will complete to become a fully qualified GP. You will gain specific skills and knowledge through time spent in both hospital settings and GP practices.

Read more about GPST in Scotland.

Your postgraduate medical training arrangements in Scotland

Postgraduate medical training in Scotland offers unique benefits and flexibility to support you.

Your employer during postgraduate training

NHS Education for Scotland (NES) acts as your single lead employer for all stages of your postgraduate training. This simplifies the administrative parts of your training, providing one point of contact for your:

• contract
• salary and payroll
• terms and conditions

Find out more about lead employer arrangements.

Less than full-time training

LTFT training is an excellent option for balancing your professional development with your personal life. The application process requires careful planning. Key steps include:

1. Speak to your supervisors early—Discuss your plans with your educational supervisor and training programme director as soon as possible. They can offer advice and help you understand how LTFT might impact your training timeline.
2. Submit your application—When you complete the form, you'll need to clearly state your reason for applying, your proposed working hours, and your preferred start date. You should also include any necessary supporting documents.
3. Get Scotland Deanery approval—The Scotland Deanery will review your application. If approved, your LTFT status will be formally recognised, and your training schedule will be adjusted. 

Please remember to give enough notice, which is usually 3 to 6 months.

Learn more about LTFT training.

Taking time out of training

You may need to take a planned break from your training, known as Out of Programme (OOP). There are several types depending on the reason, such as for research (OOPR) or a career break (OOPC).

To request time out, you generally need to:

1. Discuss with your supervisors—Speak to your educational supervisor and training programme director as early as possible. This is the time to discuss your plans, feasibility, and which type of OOP is most suitable.
2. Prepare your application—Complete the necessary OOP application form, clearly outlining the purpose, duration, and location of your proposed time away.
3. Submit application for approval—Follow the specified process to submit your application. This can take some time, so allow for a minimum of 6 months for processing. Your application may also require approval from the GMC, the Scotland Deanery, and the service.

Learn more about taking time out of training.

Explore your next steps

Now that you understand the training process, you can explore your next steps. The resources and guidance below will help you prepare your application and progress towards a rewarding career in general practice.