Neonatal specialist training after the first two years of General Paediatrics HST.
How the length works
Three Neonatology HST years only. The usual earlier stages are two years of paediatrics BST plus successful General Paediatrics HST Years 1 and 2; those four years are additional.
Duration: Three years of Neonatology HST after two years of General Paediatrics HST; normally seven postgraduate specialty-training years after internship including two-year BST.
Annual intake: Not established in the current published recruitment guidance.
Applications: July 2027: applications opened 1 October 2026 at noon and close 29 October 2026 at 5pm Irish time. In-person interview: 2 February 2027.
Entry: At least two years of BST in Paediatrics, the relevant postgraduate qualification, and successful completion of Years 1 and 2 of General Paediatrics HST. Medical Council registration eligibility, HSE English-language competence and permission to work in Ireland are required. This is not entry directly after BST.
Exams: MRCPI General Paediatrics and programme assessment requirements; confirm individual qualification eligibility with RCPI.
Accepted alternative. The relevant postgraduate qualification accompanies paediatric BST and successful General Paediatrics HST Years 1 and 2. Confirm equivalence for other credentials with the Faculty.
Neonatology cares for newborn infants, including premature and critically ill babies and infants with congenital conditions. Work spans antenatal counselling, stabilisation and intensive care, nutrition, and follow-up of infants at risk of developmental problems.
Route
The three-year programme follows paediatric BST and the first two years of General Paediatrics HST. Training includes at least 24 months in clinical posts, including 18 months in tertiary neonatal intensive care, and experience in at least two tertiary NICUs. Relevant transport, surgical and cardiac neonatal care may be provided through approved rotations.
Selection
The current shortlist is out of 20 and interview out of 100. These are separate published tables; no combined weighting is stated.
Applicants must provide Medical Council registration eligibility, HSE English-language evidence and permission to work in Ireland with the application. RCPI’s general pages disagree on the MRCPI Clinical Examination deadline: the Entry Guidance says before interview, while its FAQ says 31 December. Seek written clarification if awaiting results.
How selection is scored
Shortlisting – July 2027max 20
Qualifications and education5
Publications and audit5
Clinical progression and suitability6
Leadership and management2
Teaching2
Published specialty table; shortlisting may be used.
Interview – July 2027max 100
CV and career to date20
Research, audit and teaching20
Clinical question 120
Clinical question 220
Suitability, professionalism and interview performance20
Published Neonatology interview table.
Entry and selection guidance checked 26 October 2026.
Facts last verified 2026-10-26.
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