For doctors applying to radiology ST1

The honest guide to getting into radiology.

Written by someone who just did it. A step-by-step breakdown of the portfolio, the MSRA, the interview, and everything in between — with 1:1 coaching available for those who want personalised support.

See what's available Who wrote this?

Clinical Teaching Fellow, University of Manchester
ST1 Radiology, Cambridge University Hospitals
Updated for 2026 application cycle

What's covered

Everything the application guidance doesn't tell you.

The official documents tell you what to submit. This guide tells you how to actually build it — from F1, on the wards, with limited time.

Portfolio strategy

Domain by domain, what counts, what doesn't, and how to self-score accurately.

Audit & research

How to find and run a radiology-relevant project from any specialty, and how to present it for maximum points.

Conferences & teaching

Which activities score, how to organise a national teaching programme, and what evidence to keep.

MSRA preparation

What the test actually assesses, how to study efficiently, and how the cutoff affects your chances.

Interview stations

A walkthrough of both stations — portfolio and commitment to specialty — with example framings.

Month-by-month timeline

When to do what, from starting F1 through to the February interview window.


What's available

Choose how you want to prepare.

A self-study guide for those who prefer to work independently, or 1:1 coaching for those who want a second pair of eyes on their specific situation.

The Complete Guide

£35
One-time. Instant download.

A detailed, practical PDF covering every domain of the radiology ST1 application. Written from the perspective of someone who applied successfully in the 2025/26 cycle.

  • Portfolio scoring breakdown, all domains
  • Audit, research & teaching strategy
  • MSRA study approach
  • Interview station guidance
  • Month-by-month action plan
  • Updated for 2026 cycle
Buy the guide

Who wrote this
JD

Clinical Teaching Fellow
University of Manchester

Dr. Japsimar Kaur

ST1 Clinical Radiology · Cambridge University Hospitals · Aug 2026

I spent the better part of a year piecing together the radiology application process from forum posts, out-of-date guides, and generous seniors. This is the resource I wished existed — written from inside the process, not looking back at it from a distance. I also teach medical students at Manchester, which means explaining things clearly is something I genuinely care about.


Common questions

A few things people ask.

Is this guide useful if I'm still in medical school?
Yes — the earlier you understand what the portfolio requires, the more strategically you can use your time. The guide includes a timeline starting from F1, but the thinking behind it is useful even before foundation training begins.
How current is the information?
The guide is written based on the 2025/26 application cycle and reflects the current five-domain portfolio scoring system, the MSRA-only route to interview, and the 60/40 interview/portfolio weighting. It will be updated each October when new guidance is released.
What happens in a coaching session?
Sessions are 60 minutes via video call. You share what you have so far, and we work through your portfolio together — identifying strong evidence, flagging gaps, and building a realistic plan for the remaining time before applications open. If you're closer to interview, we can focus on mock station practice instead.
I'm in a non-radiology specialty. Is this still relevant?
Absolutely — the guide specifically addresses how to build a competitive radiology portfolio from any specialty, including how to frame non-radiology audits and research so they score well.
Can I get a refund if it's not useful?
Yes. If you feel the guide didn't deliver value, email within 7 days of purchase for a full refund — no questions asked.