Providing world leading education at every stage of your career
At The Christie Institute for Cancer Education, we believe that sharing knowledge transforms care.
As part of The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, a world leader in cancer treatment and research, our clinical observerships give healthcare professionals from around the world the chance to experience excellence in oncology education first-hand.
What is an observership?
An observership is an observational learning experience. As an observer, you will be welcomed to observe clinical practice, but you will not take part in direct patient care or management.
About the observership programme
Our clinical observerships offer qualified healthcare professionals the opportunity to observe day-to-day practice within The Christie NHS Foundation Trust — one of Europe’s largest single-site cancer centres.
The programme is designed to help you to enhance your professional skills, learn new techniques and broaden your understanding of oncology care.
You will benefit from structured learning, professional mentorship and a welcoming, world-class educational environment led by experts in their field.
You will be paired with a Christie supervisor, who acts as a mentor throughout the placement.
Together, you create a tailored plan aligned to your learning objectives, ensuring the experience is relevant, focused and meaningful for you.
Our aim is to provide a high-quality, individualised experience that supports your professional growth and fosters international collaboration.
Observerships are typically arranged for two weeks, though extensions can be considered where additional learning goals are identified and approved.
The emphasis is on the quality of learning, not duration. Clear objectives are agreed at the start to ensure measurable outcomes and a purposeful experience.
Applications may not be accepted if the requested objectives cannot be supported within The Christie’s clinical services.
We welcome qualified and experienced healthcare professionals from across the UK and overseas who wish to deepen their knowledge and expertise in oncology.
You should:
- Demonstrate a clear professional interest in cancer care
- Identify a specialty or disease area of focus
- Provide an up-to-date CV and supporting documents
Please note:
- Observerships are not open to students or those seeking residency opportunities.
- The Christie Institute for Cancer Education does not provide funding or scholarships.
- Participants are responsible for their own travel, accommodation and living expenses.
- GMC registration is not required; however, observers cannot take part in any clinical procedures or patient care.
To apply, you will need to submit:
- Completed application form
- Passport
- Visa (if applicable)
- Proof of qualification and professional registration (with English translation if required)
- Letter of good standing from your regulatory or justice authority
- DBS/CRB/ criminal record check from your home or resident country (and translation if applicable)
- One professional reference letter
All applicants must be able to communicate clearly in English.
Although an English language certificate is not required, you should demonstrate a level of fluency equivalent to:
- IELTS Level 7 (in each component), or
- OET Grade B
Observers are warmly welcomed as valued members of our educational community. However, observerships are strictly non-clinical and observational only.
Observers are not permitted to:
- Undertake clinical procedures or prescribe
- Order diagnostic tests or examinations
- Take specimens or handle laboratory work
- Initiate, advise on or alter treatment
- Obtain or witness patient consent
- Examine or teach clinical procedures
Observers are also not authorised to work in any honorary or employed capacity and will not receive remuneration or expenses.
Placements may be withdrawn if any Trust or Institute policies are breached.
Certificate of completion
At the end of the programme, participants receive a Certificate of Completion from The Christie Institute for Cancer Education, recognising their commitment to professional learning and global collaboration in oncology.
Next steps
The observership programme is managed by the Workforce Development team within The Christie Institute for Cancer Education.
Once your application is received, our observership liaison lead will review your documents and liaise with the relevant clinical teams to determine whether your learning objectives can be met.
If successful, you will receive:
- A formal letter of acceptance
- Details of onboarding and document requirements
Please note:
- Applicants must complete a selection process, reference checks and background screening.
- Observers must obtain a valid visa before travelling to the UK.
- The Institute does not support visa applications directly, and all documentation must be in English before a confirmation letter can be issued.
Stay in the know.
If you would like to enquire about observerships at The Christie please, fill in your details and we will be in touch.
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