Surgical Sciences (Online Learning)
Provided by The University of Edinburgh Medical School
About the course
This three-year, part-time, fully online programme is offered by the University of Edinburgh in partnership with the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh.
This award-winning programme (the Queen’s Anniversary Prize for Excellence in Education in Medicine and Health – 2013) covers the UK Intercollegiate Surgical Curriculum and offers the unique opportunity to have direct contact with international students, tutors and experts in the different surgical specialties from across the world, widening your understanding of evidence-based surgical and academic surgery practices.
This is the right programme for you if you have an accredited medical degree, you are following the early steps to pursue a career in surgery (you are in a clinical position), and you have not yet achieved Membership of the Royal College of Surgeons or equivalent.
This programme is also affiliated with the University's Global Health Academy:
Awards
The programme offers the awards of:
- Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert: 60 credits)
- Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip: 120 credits)
- Master of Science (MSc: 180 credits)
Year 1 (Postgraduate Certificate) and Year 2 (Postgraduate Diploma) each consist of three courses of 20 credits. These certificate and diploma years cover the UK Intercollegiate Surgical Curriculum, offering a solid base for preparation for the Membership of the Royal College of Surgeons (MRCS) examination, with additional emphasis on acquired knowledge and its application.Year 3 (Master of Science) consists of a one year-long 60-credit course. You can opt to take either the dissertation course or the evidence-based course.
How will I be assessed?
Certificate and diploma years
Each course in the programme includes subject-specific activities such as:
- clinical case studies
- online discussions facilitated by experienced tutors
- directed readings
Assessments and course learning tasks are specifically designed to develop key skills, such as advanced knowledge of anatomy and pathophysiology, as well as clinical, communication and academic skills. You will approach academic and scientific writing with a solid evidence-based perspective while learning to prepare specific written assignments for each course for an authentic learning experience. Some tasks allow you to draw on your clinical experiences and expertise, regardless of where in the world you are. Several MCQ tests, with feedback provided for each attempt, and guided-approach clinical case studies are offered to aid your preparation for the MRCS.
Masters year
The dissertation and evidence-based surgery courses are assessed by iterative written coursework assignments throughout the year, culminating in a project report.
The following outcome awards are offered by this Surgical Sciences programme:
- Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert: 60 credits)
- Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip: 120 credits)
- Master of Science (MSc: 180 credits)
All courses are delivered online using methods that are fully supported by the University’s award-winning online learning environments.
Year 1: Postgraduate Certificate
Core courses
- Cardiorespiratory Science
- General Surgery
- Locomotor, Urology and ENT/OMFS
Year 2: Postgraduate Diploma
Core courses
- Principles of Surgical Management
- Communication and Care
- Academic Surgery, Orthopaedic & Trauma
Year 3: Master of Science
You must complete 60 credits in Year 3. You have two options in Year 3:
- Dissertation
- Evidence based surgery
Course options
The dissertation course is a single, in depth, piece of original research. You have latitude to choose your own research topic and methodology. You will develop a research question; collect analyse and critically appraise your own data; and write this up in the form of a substantial project report.
The evidence based surgery course starts with an introduction to the skills involved in implementing a research study. This is followed by a project phase where you will plan, execute and write up of your own research project in the form of a manuscript. The evidence based surgery project is shorter in duration and length compared to the dissertation project and can involve methods that do not require primary data collection.
Find out more about compulsory and optional courses
We link to the latest information available. Please note that this may be for a previous academic year and should be considered indicative.
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| Start date | Venue | |
|---|---|---|
| 08 Sep 2025 | Distance learning | Book now |