“Super-specialising” means developing a narrow area of practice within a specialty, for example interventional cardiology within cardiology, or hand surgery within orthopaedics.
- During higher training. Most curricula allow a special-interest area, so you shape the final years with selected placements and courses.
- Sub-specialty programmes. Some areas, such as paediatric cardiology or neonatal medicine, have formal sub-specialty training you apply for during or after the main programme.
- Dual CCT. You can sometimes train for two CCTs at once, for example cardiology with general internal medicine, or intensive care with anaesthetics.
- Post-CCT fellowships. One- to two-year fellowships in the UK or abroad give hands-on sub-specialist experience (for example robotic surgery, transplant, electrophysiology).
- Credentials. The GMC approves credentials, which are short, structured training in a specific area, to recognise additional competence without a full CCT. Check the GMC for current credentials.
This page is general education, reviewed 24 October 2026. Rules, fees and dates change: always confirm with the official sources below. It is not medical, legal or immigration advice.