Undergraduate GP Tutor programme

The Undergraduate GP Tutor programme at RCSI is a six-week placement, with six rotation blocks and approximately 65-70 students per group. Students begin with a week of blended learning at the Department of General Practice, covering key topics such as communication and clinical skills, prescribing, evidence-based medicine, dermatology, and ethics.

This is followed by a four-week clinical placement, where students spend 16 days gaining hands-on experience in general practice. The final week is dedicated to assessment. Practice hours typically run from 9am-4pm to support self-directed learning and ensure safe travel during winter months. We recognise the need for flexibility in scheduling for practices and are supportive of this where needed. All clinical activities within GP practices and practice nurse clinics are fully covered by RCSI indemnity.

Where does this rotation fit?

Students on this programme are in the penultimate year of their medical degree. The cohort includes both undergraduate-entry students (who entered medical school directly from secondary education) and graduate-entry students (who hold a prior degree, which may or may not be related to medicine).

Throughout the academic year, students rotate through a broad range of clinical specialties, including general practice, paediatrics, obstetrics and gynaecology, psychiatry, medicine, surgery, otolaryngology and ophthalmology.

The programme is a core component of a student's training, and the assessment contributes to the final degree classification. It is a high-stakes rotation, and students are expected to approach it with the same level of professionalism and engagement as their hospital-based placements.

Students studying together

Why become a tutor?

Becoming an RCSI GP tutor is a fantastic way to bring fresh energy and a learning-focused culture into your practice. It encourages continuous growth, strengthens team collaboration, and helps raise the standard of patient care. Being in an environment with students can spark new ideas, boost job satisfaction and create a positive, forward-thinking environment. You’ll join a network of over 100 practices, opening doors to collaboration, knowledge sharing, and continuous professional growth.

Benefits include:

Direct payment for hosting a student (please contact us directly for further details).
Title of ‘Honorary Lecturer’ at RCSI.
Each practice will also be awarded the status of 'Affiliated teaching practice of RCSI'.
Access to a suite of clinical and educational resources which can be used freely by your practice through the RCSI library such as UpToDate, Dynamed and Medicines Complete.
Annual RCSI GP Tutor Symposium, featuring keynote presentations, plenary sessions, and a selection of workshops. This event offers a valuable opportunity to explore advancements in primary care education and provides networking opportunities.
Access to our Essential Skills in Health Professions Education CPD course.

The Department of General Practice at RCSI provides a supportive environment, and staff are always available to assist with any questions or needs. For further information, please contact Laura or Susan (01) 402 2304/2306, or email gp@rcsi.ie.

Register your interest

If you would like to become an RCSI undergraduate GP tutor, please complete the expression of interest form below.

First name:

Surname:

Phone number:

Email:

Practice name and address:

Practice type:

Does the practice have a GMS list?

Staff within the practice (number of GPs, nurses, admins, etc.):

Is there public transport/accommodation close to the practice?

Describe any undergraduate teaching experience you have:

Why are you interested in becoming a GP tutor?

How many students can you host at a time?

Do you consent to be contacted about teaching opportunities?

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