Queen Square Observership Programme
National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery
Queen Square, London
Welcome to the Clinical Observerships in Neurosurgery programme at the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, London. We offer a unique and enriching opportunity for current and aspiring neurosurgeons and medical professionals to immerse themselves in a world-class clinical environment.
Our observership program is designed to provide unparalleled learning opportunities and clinical experience, enabling participants to learn from world-leading clinicians and witness cutting-edge neurosurgical procedures and techniques.
At the heart of our mission lies a commitment to sharing our philosophy of excellence with the global neurosurgical fraternity. Aligned with the vision of University College London Hospitals (UCLH) and its four core values of kindness, safety, improvement, and teamwork, we strive to not only provide an exceptional educational experience but also promote a culture of collaboration and continuous advancement in the field of neurosurgery. Join us in our pursuit of excellence and become a part of a community dedicated to shaping the future of neurosurgical care.
If you wish to visit us then please read all the following information carefully
Who is eligible?
The Observership programme is targeted to the following groups. You must be qualified and registered in your home country. UK professional registration is not required. Therefore, no hands-on activities are allowed.
· Consultants
· Senior fellows
· Foundation doctors
· Visiting residents (in particular IMGs -International Medical Graduates) looking to work in the UK
Note: Medical students & sixth form students – Link
Who can apply?
To undertake the observership week applicants must be:
• 18 years of age or older
• Existing neurosurgeons, or medically trained individuals who wish to pursue a career in Neurosurgery or an allied specialty.
Sub specialties include:
· Functional neurosurgery
· Oncology
· Pituitary & central skull base unit
· Stereotactic radiosurgery
· Vascular
· Epilepsy
· Hydrocephalus
· Spine
· Gamma Knife
· Lateral skull base
Dates for 2026: Monday 27th July to Friday 18th September Hours: 9am - 5pm
Application deadline: 31st May 2026
Block 1 - 31st August – 4th September
Block 2 - 7th September – 11th September
Block 3 - 14th September – 18th September
Price: A £250 registration fee is payable upfront upon confirmation of selection following registration. An additional fee of £50 per day will then apply. Please note that the registration fee is non‑refundable, if you withdraw your application or if you are deemed ineligible.
Please note: You can apply for a minimum of a 1 week block, and no more than a 6 consecutive week blocks. If you plan to attend consecutive weeks, the £250 registration fee is payable only once.
How to apply?
If you wish to apply for the observership week and you meet the above requirements, please complete this google form and submit a 2-page CV, application deadline is Friday 1st May 2026:
1. A copy of your recent CV (2 pages) send to: uclh.qssimcentre@nhs.net
If we do not receive the form and CV, we will not process your application. Ensure you have submitted the application before the deadline. No exceptions will be made.
Next steps
If you are selected, you will be contacted to complete various forms and submit the required documentation. Please allow a minimum of three months for your request to be processed.
Once all checks have been successfully completed, we will send you a payment link to secure your place.
Note: We receive a high volume of applications, and selection is highly competitive; unfortunately, we are not able to accommodate all applicants.
Find out more
If you would like to know more about our observership programme, please contact: uclh.qssimcentre@nhs.net