Basic Practical Skills course (BPS)

The RCOG Basic Practical Skills (BPS) course is a practical surgical skills course for doctors training in Obstetrics and Gynaecology. It is designed to develop and consolidate core practical skills through focused teaching and hands-on practice. The course is a curricular requirement for ST1–ST2 Obstetrics and Gynaecology trainees.

Practical content includes core skills such as instrument handling, knot tying, suturing, abdominal entry, gynaecological examination and introductory laparoscopic and hysteroscopic skills.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants should:

• Be a doctor currently working or training in Obstetrics and Gynaecology.
• Normally be an ST1 or ST2 Obstetrics and Gynaecology trainee, or be working at an equivalent level with an appropriate learning need.
• Have an identified learning need relating to basic practical O&G skills.
• Be able to attend the full one-day programme and participate in all practical sessions.
• Be able to complete the required RCOG pre-course eLearning tutorials and assessments before attending. Evidence of completion will be required in accordance with RCOG requirements.
• Have an RCOG login where required for course registration and learning materials.
Places are limited. Applications will be reviewed before a place is offered to ensure the course is appropriate to the applicant’s level of training and learning needs. Applicants should not make payment until their application has been accepted and they have been given instructions to proceed.

Date: 13th January 2027

Time: 9am -5pm

Location: Birmingham Heartlands Hospital, Bordesley Green East, Birmingham, B9 5SS

For any course queries, please contact Tabassum.Shoaib@uhb.nhs.uk