Join our pathology summer school
This annual event held every August is open to UK medical students in any year of training, offering the opportunity to find out about the wide range of pathology specialities through a mixture of lectures and small-group interactive breakout sessions. This free 2-day course will give you a chance to talk to current trainees and established consultants about their careers.
The Summer School is hosted by the Royal College of Pathologists and sponsored by the College,the British Division of the International Academy of Pathology, the Pathological Society, British Society for Haematology, Association of Clinical Pathologists, the British Infection Association and the British Neuropathological Society.
This was one of the best summer schools I have ever attended. This course has shown me how diverse and interesting pathology can be, and now I look forward to becoming one.
What's happening?
This is not a revision course but a chance to learn more about the role of pathology in healthcare, including current research and future advances. The content will be relevant whether you are considering a career in pathology or not; all doctors use pathology services and benefit from a greater understanding of the specialties.
Pathology Summer School 2026 - Programme
Thursday 6th August
The Royal College of Pathologists, 6 Alie Street, London E1 8QT
10.10 – 10.30 Registration
10.30 – 10.50 Welcome and Introduction to Pathology Specialties – Dr Bernie Croal, RCPath President
10.50 – 12.00 Seminar – All about careers – presentations and round table session - Prof Peter Johnston, Dr Matt Clarke, Dr Nicki Cohen tbc and more speakers to be announced.
12.00 – 12.10 Possible short session
12.10 – 13.00 Lunch and networking
Breakout sessions covering pathology specialties (45-50 min each session)
13.00 – 13.50 Breakout 1
13.55 – 14.45 Breakout 2
14.45 – 14.55 Short comfort break
14.55 – 15.45 Breakout 3
15.50 – 16.40 Breakout 4
Evening BBQ
18.00 Drinks & mingling in the Terrace Room (RCPath)
18.30 BBQ
21.30 Close
Friday 7th August
Guys Hospital Campus, Kings College London, Gordons Museum
10.00 – 10.15 Registration
10.15 – 10.25 Welcome back
Breakout sessions covering pathology specialties (45-50 min each session)
10.25 – 11.15 Breakout 5
11.20 – 12.10 Breakout 6
12.10 – 12.20 Short comfort break
12.20 – 13.10 Breakout 7
13.10 – 13.45 Lunch and networking
13.45 – 14.35 Breakout 8
14.40 – 15.30 Breakout 9
15.30 – 15.35 Summing up and feedback
Breakout sessions will include:
• Clinical biochemistry
• Haematology
• Immunology
• Neuropathology
• Microbiology
• Histopathology
• Specimen session
• Death Investigation
• Paediatric pathology
When is it happening?
The next summer school is scheduled for Thursday 6 and Friday 7 August 2026, places will be offered based on a formal application process. Some food and drink is included in the event, plus the evening meal at the College on the Thursday night. For those students attending from outside of London we will also cover the cost of overnight accommodation for one night (student accommodation organised by the College). Travel expenses are not covered.
On the day
You will have opportunities to interact with trainees and consultants in various pathology specialities as well as take part in numerous interactive activities, plus enjoying informal networking at the BBQ on Thursday night.
How to apply
Applications are now open for the 2025 Pathology Summer School. To apply you must be a UK medical student with proof of year of study and university you are attending. Applications will close automatically when we reach 150 applications or Friday 29 May 2026 (whichever is reached first) . Please note summer school places are limited at 70 spaces, so be quick.
Undergraduate Pathology Summer School 2026 - APPLY NOW
This course was the best thing I have done all summer. I loved both days and relished the opportunity to look around the Gordon Museum as well as speak to such friendly and engaging subject specialists. I am so glad I signed up and would strongly advise you to also.
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