Academic training

The Research Department of Primary Care & Population Health (PCPH), within UCL's Institute of Epidemiology & Health Care, is one of the largest departments of its kind in Europe encompassing a vibrant programme of internationally competitive multi-disciplinary research as well as a large programme of undergraduate medical education and postgraduate academic training. Professor Elizabeth Murray is Head of the Department of PCPH. Professor Joe Rosenthal leads on the Department's integrated clinical academic training programme and the Royal Free's GP training programme. The Department is located on UCL's Royal Free Campus in Hampstead.

The Department's strategic aim is to deliver high quality community-based teaching in public health and primary care, and to undertake a programme of internationally competitive multi-disciplinary research that addresses the management and prevention of disease in individuals and populations. Further details of the Department's work can be found on The Research Department of Primary Care & Population Health (PCPH) website.

Academic activity in years 1 and 2

Whilst there is limited time for research and teaching during years one and two ACFs do engage early on in specific activities from the broad range of work taking place in the Department. They meet regularly with their educational supervisor and a research mentor to guide their development and the integration of their clinical and academic training. This will form the basis of their more intensive research and teaching programme in years three and four.

Academic activity in Years 3 and 4

Trainees in this programme are matched with a postgraduate training practice which is also actively involved in research and/or undergraduate education. During this time ACFs benefit from an in-depth exposure to academic life as they split their time 60% clinical and 40% academic in year 3; and 40% clinical, 60% academic in year 4. Each ACF is a full member of a research team and will be provided with desk space, UCL computer access, and access to statistical and research support.