Career hub → Intern Year → Histopathology Training
Faculty of Pathology, RCPI
Histopathology Training
Two years of histopathology BST followed by higher training and the FRCPath examinations.
How the length works
BST two years, then four to five years of HST.
Duration: BST 2 years (SHO), then HST Histopathology 4 to 5 years; ~6.5 to 7 years total after internship
Annual intake: Not published for BST; a 2023 HSE pathology workforce review recommended growing HST pathology intake from 23 (2022) toward 70 by 2028
Competition: Not published; RCPI states places are limited and entry competitive
Applications: 7 September to 9 October 2026 (RCPI window, shared across BST schemes); interviews December; July start
Entry: After intern year (direct entry)
Exams: FRCPath during training
Histopathology training includes two SHO years of BST followed by four to five years of HST and the FRCPath examinations.
Interview scoring
Suitability accounts for 35 of 100 interview marks and aptitude for 30. Electives and taster weeks can help you understand the work and discuss your interest at interview. Check the scorecard for how research and other experience are assessed.
Workforce plans
A 2023 HSE review recommended roughly tripling pathology HST intake by 2028. A workforce recommendation does not confirm the number of places available in a particular intake.
How selection is scored
Interviewmax 100
Research and other qualifications15
Aptitude for histopathology30
Enthusiasm and personal development15
Histopathology scores the application material inside the interview itself. Source: RCPI Intern Open Day, August 2026.
Shortlisting is on the application form; you must show interest in the specialty beyond standard medical-school exposure. Group 1 applicants (Irish/UK/EU, Stamp 4) are allocated before Group 2.
Where you train
Four BST training hubs, ranked by preference; trainees spend one year in each of two hubs (usually one Dublin hub plus Munster or Galway). Munster: Cork University Hospital, University Hospital Waterford. Galway: Galway University Hospital. North Dublin: Mater, Beaumont, Connolly. South Dublin: St Vincent's, St James's, Tallaght.
Where this leads
Consultant histopathology; related pathways exist in microbiology, chemical pathology and haematology (via medicine).
Facts last verified 2026-07-13. Scheme details change year to year; always confirm against Faculty of Pathology, RCPI's current documentation.