The Complete Guide To Radiology ST1 Applications

Written by Medset | Updated February 2025

If you’re an FY2 doctor or a junior SHO looking to enter the dynamic world of diagnostic imaging, this guide is for you. Radiology ST1 is an exceptionally competitive pathway in the UK, requiring detailed planning and thorough preparation. Below, you’ll find all the necessary information—from eligibility requirements and timelines to building a strong portfolio and nailing your interview. We’ll also show you how Medset’s Radiology ST1 Interview Course and Train the Trainers Course can boost both your application and your interview performance.

 

Understanding Radiology ST1 Training

Clinical Radiology involves interpreting medical images (X-ray, Ultrasound, CT, MRI, PET) to diagnose, treat, and monitor diseases. ST1 is the entry point for speciality training, leading to a Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT) in five years.

• Interventional Radiology (IR) pathways may last six years, incorporating more hands-on procedural elements from ST4 onward.
• Multidisciplinary Focus: Radiologists collaborate with surgeons, oncologists, and other medical teams, influencing life-saving treatment decisions.
• Innovation & AI: The speciality increasingly leverages artificial intelligence for image analysis, improving accuracy and efficiency.
• Teaching & Research: Many radiologists engage in teaching junior staff, leading audits, or producing research papers.

Why Radiology?
It’s a tech-driven, problem-solving speciality perfect for doctors who enjoy interpreting data, working closely with other clinicians, and continuously learning new diagnostic methods.

 

Eligibility Requirements

Before applying, confirm you meet all criteria set out by the Clinical Radiology ST1 Person Specification. Core requirements include:

1. Primary Medical Qualification
   Recognised by the General Medical Council (GMC).
2. GMC Registration
   Full registration with a licence to practice by the intended start date (August 2025).
3. Foundation Competencies
   Evidence of completing Foundation Years (or equivalent) within the last 3.5 years.
4. Radiology Experience
   No more than 18 months experience in radiology (excluding Foundation modules) by the start of ST1.
5. Right to Work in the UK
   International applicants should ensure they have the correct visas or work permits.

Tip: Strengthen your profile by attending taster weeks, audits, and short clinical placements in radiology. Document these experiences to showcase your genuine interest in the speciality.

 

Key Documents for ST1 Recruitment

A few essential documents outline the application process and scoring:

1. Medical Applicant Guidance
   Provides an overview of deadlines, eligibility, and application steps.
2. Person Specification for ST1 Clinical Radiology (2025)
   Details the exact criteria you must meet and how applications are assessed.
3. Clinical Radiology ST1 Supplementary Applicant Guidance
   Official guidance on portfolio scoring, interview preparation, and evidence verification.
4. Clinical Radiology ST1 Self-Assessment & Verification Guidance
   Explains how to self-score your portfolio and what supporting documents are needed.

You can find these resources on ORIEL or the relevant HEE (Health Education England) websites.

 

Application Timeline (2024–2025)

Being aware of deadlines is crucial, as missing any date can disqualify you. Below is the official timeline for this cycle:

Milestone	Date (2024–2025)
Applications Open	24 October 2024
Application Deadline	21 November 2024
MSRA Invitations	12 December 2024
MSRA Window	2–13 January 2025
Evidence Verification Upload	13–19 February 2025
Interview Invitations	26 February 2025
Interviews (Qpercom Recruit)	10–14 March 2025
Programme Preferencing	25 February–20 March 2025
Initial Offers	25 March 2025

Note: Northern Ireland applicants may follow separate processes and deadlines. Always verify local guidelines if you plan to apply there.

 

Suggested Preparation Timeline

The application process can be stressful, but breaking it down into steps helps ensure you stay organised. Below is a recommended schedule to keep you on track:

Task	Suggested Timeline	Details
Review Eligibility Criteria	Weeks 1–2 (Oct)	Confirm your GMC status, foundation competencies, and right to work.
MSRA Preparation	Daily, Weeks 3–6 (Oct–Nov)	Use question banks; focus on weaker areas. Practice under timed conditions.
Evidence Gathering	Weeks 6–8 (Nov)	Collect certificates, references, leadership confirmations, and audit data.
Submit Application	By 21 November 2024	Double-check all sections for errors or omissions before submission.
Interview Practice	Weeks 8–12 (Nov–Dec)	Conduct mock interviews; refine clinical scenario answers and personal statements.
MSRA Exam Window	2–13 January 2025	Use the final week for targeted revision and rest before exam day.
Evidence Upload	13–19 February 2025	Upload portfolio documents; carefully label and organise your evidence.
Interview	10–14 March 2025	Structure your responses with frameworks (e.g., STAR) and practice concise delivery.

Adjust based on personal circumstances (e.g., shift patterns or annual leave).

 

Applying via ORIEL

Applications for England, Scotland, and Wales go through the ORIEL online platform:

• Register & Login: Create a profile or update existing details.
• Complete Application: Fill in personal details, education, employment history, and your portfolio self-assessment.
• Referees: Provide details for three consultants who can vouch for your clinical performance and suitability.
• Submission: Double-check everything—mistakes can’t be changed once submitted.

Tips for ORIEL

• Start Early: Don’t leave it until the last minute; the system can become slow near the deadline.
• Portfolio Accuracy: Enter your self-assessment scores carefully, as they’ll be verified by consultant radiologists during evidence checking.
• Keep Documents Handy: Make sure scanned copies of certificates, letters, and proof of activities are ready for upload.

 

Portfolio Preparation & Self-Assessment

Your portfolio now accounts for 40% of your final interview score, making it a critical component of your application. The self-assessment process requires you to rate yourself in key domains then provide evidence to validate your scores.

Domains and Evidence

Typical domains include:

1. Commitment to Specialty
   Taster weeks, shadowing, radiology conferences, or courses like the Radiology ST1 Interview Course.
2. Leadership & Management
   Committee roles, service improvement projects, or co-ordinating teaching programmes.
3. Teaching & Training
   Formal teaching sessions, teaching feedback, or completion of a
   Train the Trainers course.
4. Audit & Quality Improvement
   Completing the full audit cycle, especially radiology-related, demonstrates initiative.
5. Academic Achievements (Research, Publications, Prizes)
   Peer-reviewed papers, presentations at national conferences, or academic distinctions.

    

Up to four pieces of evidence can be submitted per domain. Ensure each document clearly supports the score you’ve given yourself.

Portfolio Scoring Tips

• Create an Index: Label each piece of evidence and include a short summary (max 100 words) explaining its relevance.
• Focus on Quality, Not Just Quantity: Overloading with suboptimal documents can dilute the impact of your strongest achievements.
• Reflect Radiology Interests: Where possible, emphasise radiology-oriented audits, committees, or short courses.

 

Preparing for the MSRA

All eligible candidates must sit the Multi-Specialty Recruitment Assessment (MSRA), which comprises:

• Professional Dilemmas (PD): Evaluates your decision-making in ethically challenging situations.
• Clinical Problem Solving (CPS): Assesses clinical knowledge at the level of Foundation Year 2.

MSRA Scoring & Cut-Off

For 2025, the MSRA is used only to shortlist candidates—meaning you must achieve a minimum cut-off score of 201 in each section to secure an interview. The MSRA does not contribute to your final ranking once you’ve passed the threshold.

MSRA Preparation Strategies

1. Use High-Quality Question Banks
   Practice under timed conditions and focus on areas you find challenging.
2. Familiarise Yourself with NHS Terminology
   The PD section revolves around ethical scenarios, GMC guidelines, and NHS protocols.
3. Revise Foundation Knowledge
   The CPS section covers common acute presentations and basic pathophysiology.

    

Many candidates find structured revision support in the Medset Radiology ST1 Interview Course, which offers tailored MSRA preparation resources.

 

Interview Process: Format and Tips

Interview Structure

If you exceed the MSRA cut-off, you’ll be invited to interview. The final offer score is split into:

• 60% Interview Performance
• 40% Self-Assessment (Portfolio) Verification

Interviews are conducted online via Qpercom Recruit and involve two stations (~10 minutes each), evaluating your motivation for radiology, problem-solving skills, ethical reasoning, and overall suitability.

Common Question Types & Example Topics

• “Why Radiology?”
  Demonstrate awareness of the speciality’s challenges, AI innovations, and your personal experiences (shadowing, taster weeks, etc.).
• Ethical Dilemmas
  Consent for imaging, dealing with incidental findings, or balancing resource constraints.
• Teamwork & Leadership
  Times you led a project or handled conflicts.
• Clinical Prioritisation
  Scenario-based questions: “Which imaging requests would you prioritise first and why?”
• Future of Radiology
  AI, teleradiology, workforce demands.

Interview Day Tips

1. Structured Responses
   Use frameworks like STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for behavioural questions.
2. Practice Out Loud
   Rehearse to keep answers concise. Time is limited, so avoid going off on tangents.
3. Demonstrate Enthusiasm
   Show genuine interest, whether it’s via knowledge of the FRCR pathway or personal experiences in radiology.
4. Ask Relevant Questions
   Inquire about departmental rotations, teaching opportunities, or IR exposure to display proactive thinking.

    

 

Competition Ratios

Radiology ST1 is consistently oversubscribed. Below is a snapshot of recent competition ratios:

Year	Posts Available	Applicants	MSRA Takers	Interviewed
2024	312	3,719	3,100	750
2023	350	3,068	2,773	688
2022	361	2,231	1,880	699

Preparation is paramount. Tailoring your portfolio and honing your interview skills can make all the difference in securing a post.

 

Medset’s Radiology ST1 Interview Course

If you’re aiming to excel in your interview, the Medset Radiology ST1 Interview Course offers:

• Seven In-Depth Modules
  Covering clinical scenarios, ethics, radiology hot topics, commitment to speciality, and more.
• Model Answer Frameworks
  Learn how to structure your responses efficiently.
• Up-to-Date for 2025
  Incorporates the latest changes in the national selection process.
• Expert-Led
  Created by top-performing trainees like Dr Alice Spencer, who scored highly in her own Radiology ST1 interview.

With verified 5.0 ratings, the course has helped many applicants secure their first-choice deanery. It provides both the academic rigour and practical strategies you need to stand out in a highly competitive field.

 

Train The Trainers Course: Boosting Your Portfolio

Teaching is vital in the NHS, and evidence of formal teaching qualifications can enhance your ST1 application. Medset’s Train the Trainers Course offers:

• 12 CPD Points
  Recognised for interviews, appraisals, and CCT.
• Flexible Study Options
  Instant access online or a live virtual classroom.
• Enhanced Portfolio Score
  Radiology ST1 awards extra points for a formal teaching qualification.
• Quality-Assured Content
  Designed by professors and experienced clinical educators with real-world NHS experience.

Whether you’re running teaching sessions for medical students or trust-wide induction programmes, having an accredited qualification in teaching demonstrates leadership, communication, and commitment—key attributes in radiology.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the MSRA pass mark for Radiology ST1?

The preliminary cut-off score is 201 in each domain, but always check official updates on ORIEL as cut-offs can fluctuate. Aim to exceed this to guarantee an interview invite.

How competitive is Radiology ST1?

Extremely. Recent years show thousands of applicants for only a few hundred posts. Thorough portfolio preparation and targeted interview practice (e.g., via Medset’s courses) can significantly improve your odds.

When should I start preparing for the MSRA and interview?

Ideally, 3+ months before the MSRA. Start portfolio and interview prep in parallel, especially focusing on any knowledge gaps or less familiar clinical scenarios.

How can I strengthen my teaching domain score?

Completing a recognised teaching qualification—such as the Train the Trainers course—provides robust evidence. Also, gather feedback from teaching sessions you’ve led. 

How long is Radiology ST1 training in the UK?

It is five years for clinical radiology. Interventional radiology pathways extend to six years.

Can I switch to Interventional Radiology later if I start in Clinical Radiology?

Yes. Many trainees apply for IR from ST3 onward, provided there are available IR posts.

 

Final Thoughts & Next Steps

Pursuing Radiology ST1 is both exciting and highly competitive. By understanding the application process, focusing on the MSRA, meticulously building your portfolio, and practising for the interview, you can set yourself apart from thousands of applicants.

Key Takeaways

1. Stay Organised
   Use checklists, set reminders, and keep essential documents (certificates, references) readily available.
2. Invest in Yourself
   High-quality courses like Medset’s Radiology ST1 Interview Course and Train the Trainers can bolster both your confidence and portfolio score.
3. Demonstrate Commitment
   Radiology-related audits, shadowing, research projects, and active teaching experiences will help you stand out.
4. Prepare Thoroughly
   Start MSRA revision early, practice structured interview responses, and keep updated on new developments in radiology (including AI).

By following this comprehensive guide and making use of the resources available, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle every aspect of the Radiology ST1 application process—and one step closer to a fulfilling career in this innovative, high-impact speciality.

Good luck, and we hope to see you in the radiology community soon!