The Scotland Deanery Study Leave policy can be viewed here.
F1
F1s do not have a formal study leave entitlement other than to attend the formal mandatory foundation delivered education programme (core learning) and any courses organised by the Deanery e.g. ILS. You may use 5 days as taster leave when in F1 and must be requested via the Turas study leave app.
F2
F2s can apply for study leave for a selected number of reasons including 2 days for eALS/ALS, Simulation sessions which is part of your Core Learning and up to 5 days for Tasters which must be requested via the Turas study leave app.
This study leave is non-transferable and can only be used for these purposes. Of the remainder, much is taken up with your formal mandatory foundation delivered education programme (core learning).
A further 8 days may be available for appropriate study leave. You may apply for time to attend postgraduate exams but not courses to enhance your specialty application.
Study leave in Foundation can only be used to satisfy your completion of the Foundation curriculum. You are allowed to leave for interviews however this should be taken as service leave; you are contractually entitled to this however you must give adequate notice.
Tasters
Tasters are usually taken in your own training region unless the clinical specialty isn’t available locally. Further information can be found here. A Taster would usually be taken as 5 days for each specialty and/ or GP area.
Study Leave Application Process
Firstly you should request leave from the service and then submit a request on Turas for your FPD to approve.
This should be submitted at least six weeks in advance of the leave date. If you are uncertain as to whether your application is appropriate use of study leave please contact your FPD for advice in advance of the application.
If you are applying for a Taster, please make sure that you specify on Turas the specialty and location/ hospital in which the taster will be undertaken.
A process flowchart is available on the Scotland Deanery Study Leave pages also see the study leave FAQs for more information
Application Process update from August 2024 - for F2 applying for eALS/ALS and Simulation also see specific FAQs for Foundation doctors here.
If you have any queries, please contact: study.leave@nes.scot.nhs.uk
This page was last updated on: 17.10.2024 at 10.58
