Urology (Online Learning)

This programme is delivered by the University in partnership with the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, and leads to the award of Master of Surgery (ChM). It runs alongside clinical training and complements in-the-workplace training.

Based on the UK Intercollegiate Surgical Curriculum, it offers trainees in urology the opportunity to study topics relevant to the speciality and supports preparation for final professional exit exams such as FRCS and FEBU .

Your study will allow you to improve your evidence-based knowledge and enhance your clinical practice.

• Intercollegiate Surgical Curriculum

The programme runs on a semester basis over two years and involves approximately 15-20 hours of study each week.

Please note that the programme is currently undergoing changes to the order of delivery of courses but the clinical content and alignment to the FRCS (Urol) remains unchanged. Please see Year 2 below for the indicative course content that a student entering the programme in the 2024/2025 academic year would typically undertake in Year 2 of studies.

Courses within the programme may also be offered as Continuous Professional Development (CPD) in the future. For more information about CPD options, please contact the programme administration team using the contact details provided in the 'Further information' section on this page.

Year 1

You will be taught through a clinical problem-based approach to cases, covering technical skills and relevant procedures, as well as core knowledge and clinical skills. In addition, you will be taught academic, research and reflective skills that will support your evidence-based medicine approach to your studies.

In each semester, the scheduled courses run concurrently and will involve taking part in online discussions. In a given week, you may be participating in several discussions per course (up to five discussions per week) across several courses. You can participate in discussions at a time that suits your own wider commitments. Live sessions may also be scheduled for certain courses, but participating in these sessions will be optional.

You will spend 15-20 hours on programme-related study each week, through activities including:

• reading the discussion thread
• reading around the topic
• contributing to the discussion

Compulsory courses

• Core Academic Activity (Research methodology and Study Design)
• Paediatric Urology
• Stone Disease
• Core Urology
• Female Urology, Reconstruction, Neurourology
• Transplant Nephrology
• New Technologies & Minimal Access Developments

Year 2

Compulsory courses

• Specialist Academic Activity (Research Project)
• Andrology
• Oncology 1
• Oncology 2

You will have the opportunity to develop skills in academic surgery and undertake an independent research project in an area of your interest. You will be encouraged to publish your final research project in suitable peer-reviewed journals and at surgery-focused conferences.

The programme offers an alternative to a dedicated research fellowship for those who do not wish to take time out of clinical practice or training.

(Updated 15 May 2024 to provide more detailed information on teaching and learning methods and upcoming changes to the order of delivery of courses)