Barts Health International Education

International Education Opportunities

Barts Health NHS Trust is one of the largest NHS trusts in the United Kingdom and a recognised centre of excellence for healthcare education, clinical practice and innovation. Through the Barts Health Education Academy, we work in partnership with organisations across the UK and internationally to deliver high-quality, multi-professional education and training that strengthens clinical capability and improves patient care.

Our mission is to share expertise, develop healthcare professionals, and support health systems through collaborative education, international fellowships, observerships, and bespoke training programmes. By combining academic excellence, diverse clinical experience, and a commitment to inclusive learning, we aim to contribute to sustainable improvements in healthcare delivery both locally and globally.

International Clinical Observership Programme

Overview

Barts Health NHS Trust offers an International Clinical Observership Programme designed to provide healthcare professionals from across the world with the opportunity to observe clinical practice within one of the United Kingdom’s largest and most diverse NHS organisations.

Through the Barts Health Education Academy, observers gain insight into multidisciplinary working, patient-centred care, and the delivery of healthcare across complex acute, specialist, and community settings. The programme supports international colleagues to broaden professional knowledge, understand NHS healthcare systems, and share learning that contributes to improved patient outcomes globally.

Observerships are observational in nature and do not involve direct patient contact. Participants will engage with experienced clinical and education teams, observing clinical pathways, professional collaboration, and service delivery within their chosen specialty.

Placements typically range from one to twelve weeks, depending on specialty availability and organisational capacity.

What Participants Can Expect

Observers will have the opportunity to:

  • Observe clinical practice within NHS hospital environments

  • Gain insight into multidisciplinary team (MDT) working

  • Understand UK clinical governance, quality improvement, and patient safety approaches

  • Explore education and training models within a large teaching Trust

  • Develop professional networks with UK healthcare colleagues

  • Reflect on how learning can be applied within their home healthcare systems

Each observership is coordinated collaboratively between the Education Academy and the hosting clinical department to ensure a structured and meaningful learning experience.

Clinical Specialties

Barts Health provides care across a wide range of clinical services spanning acute, specialist and community healthcare. Observership opportunities may be available across areas including (subject to departmental capacity):

  • Emergency and Acute Medicine

  • Surgery and Perioperative Care

  • Critical Care and Anaesthesia

  • Medicine and Subspecialties

  • Women’s Health and Neonatal Services

  • Paediatrics

  • Cancer and Haematology Services

  • Cardiovascular Services

  • Allied Health Professions

  • Nursing and Advanced Practice

  • Education, Simulation and Clinical Training

Specialty availability varies throughout the year and is dependent on service capacity and educational supervision arrangements.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

  • Hold a recognised healthcare qualification in their home country

  • Be employed within a healthcare organisation or academic institution

  • Demonstrate sufficient English language proficiency to participate safely in a professional healthcare environment

  • Provide confirmation of sponsorship or self-funding arrangements

  • Meet UK visa and immigration requirements where applicable

Please note that observerships are observational only and do not provide clinical registration or employment within the UK.

Programme Fees

Observerships are subject to programme fees which support administrative coordination, onboarding, and educational facilitation.

  • Fees are confirmed during the application process

  • Reduced rates may be considered for applicants from lower- and middle-income countries where appropriate

Barts Health does not routinely provide scholarships or funding for observership placements.

Application Process

Applicants are required to submit:

  • Completed application form

  • Curriculum vitae outlining qualifications and clinical experience

  • Professional reference or letter of support

  • Confirmation of funding arrangements

Applications are reviewed by the Education Academy before being shared with the relevant clinical specialty for consideration.

Placement confirmation is subject to departmental approval and organisational capacity.

After Acceptance

Successful applicants will receive:

  • Formal acceptance confirmation

  • Pre-placement onboarding information

  • Orientation guidance and programme expectations

  • Observer agreement documentation

Observers are responsible for arranging:

  • Travel and accommodation

  • Visa applications where required

  • Personal insurance and living arrangements during the placement

Important Information

  • Observers will not undertake direct patient care or clinical duties.

  • Access to clinical systems is normally not provided.

  • Observerships are educational experiences and do not constitute employment or clinical accreditation.
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    A certificate of attendance will be issued upon completion of the placement.

Supporting Global Healthcare Development

Barts Health is committed to working collaboratively with international partners to strengthen healthcare education, share expertise, and support sustainable workforce development worldwide. Our observership programme reflects our role as a major teaching Trust serving one of the most diverse populations in the UK, providing participants with exposure to a broad range of clinical practice and healthcare delivery models.

Contact

For further information about international observership opportunities, please contact:

Barts Health Education Academy – International Education Team
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