Program Overview

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MSc in Surgical Science and Practice

The MSc in Surgical Science and Practice is a part-time modular programme that attracts healthcare professionals from around the world and is completed over two to four years.

About the Course

The course is designed for trainees and consultants in surgical disciplines as well as practitioners of other clinical disciplines interested in better understanding the systems within which they practice and increasing their effectiveness working in those systems. The aim of the course is to give students a strong foundation in the most important non-clinical skills they will need to be effective and to lead others in providing safe, high-quality, high-reliability care.

Course Structure

The course is organised around six compulsory week-long modules, plus a work-based research project written up as a dissertation. The programme is normally completed in two or three years, but up to four years can be taken. Students are full members of the University of Oxford and are matriculated as members of an Oxford college.

Course Components

The taught component of the course comprises six modules, spaced over the year and each a week long, with teaching taking place in person in Oxford. A research project carried out over the course of a year completes the masters. It is usually a work-based project and is supported by an Oxford supervisor.

Attendance

This course is part-time. Students will be required to attend a week of face-to-face teaching in Oxford for each module. Dates of modules for the current or coming academic year can be found on the department's website. Modules usually run at a similar time each year.

Resources to Support Study

As a graduate student, students will have access to the University's wide range of resources including libraries, museums, galleries, digital resources, and IT services.

Supervision

The allocation of graduate supervision for this course is the responsibility of the Nuffield Department of Surgical Sciences and allocation will usually be performed by the Course Director.

Assessment

To complete the MSc in Surgical Science and Practice, students will need to:

• Attend the six compulsory modules which are taught in person in Oxford
• Undertake and pass an assessed assignment for each module
• After attending all six modules, complete and pass an assessed dissertation based on a work-based research project that will relate to the material studied in the taught modules

Graduate Destinations

Most students commencing this part-time programme are already in full-time employment. The MSc aims to prepare students for their future working life and to equip them for:

• Managing surgical/healthcare units and leading surgical/healthcare teams
• Leading initiatives, such as quality improvement or a new pathway/procedure
• Undertaking surgical and clinical research
• Embarking upon an academic career pathway
• Becoming a clinical educator

Changes to the Course

The University will seek to deliver this course in accordance with the description set out in this course page. However, there may be situations in which it is desirable or necessary for the University to make changes in course provision, either before or after registration.

Entry Requirements

Proven and Potential Academic Excellence

The requirements described below are specific to this course and apply only in the year of entry that is shown.

• A first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree in medicine, which must be recognised by the GMC and the MRCS
• Applicants whose undergraduate degree is in biomedical science or a related discipline, rather than medicine, will also be considered for entry to the course

Other Qualifications, Evidence of Excellence, and Relevant Experience

To be eligible for the course, students will need to either:

• Hold a primary qualification in medicine recognised by the GMC and the MRCS, or an equivalent diploma in basic surgical training and education in the case of overseas candidates
• Have held or currently occupy a training or service post at ST1 level or above (UK candidates), or provide evidence of basic surgical training including a logbook (overseas candidates)
• Possess an entry-level qualification for specialist training in surgery, eg MRCS or international equivalent
• Show evidence of several years of practical surgical training
• Be able to demonstrate a commitment to surgical training and a realistic prospect of completing it

English Language Proficiency

This course requires proficiency in English at the University's higher level. If the first language is not English, students may need to provide evidence that they meet this requirement.

Funding

For entry in the academic year, the collegiate University expects to offer over 1,100 full or partial graduate scholarships across a wide range of graduate courses.

Costs

Modular Course Fees

The fees for this course are charged on a modular basis. Students will pay an annual course fee and an additional fee for each module studied. A minimum of two annual course fees are payable for this course. If this course includes a dissertation, three module fees will be charged for the dissertation.

What Do Course Fees Cover?

Course fees cover teaching as well as other academic services and facilities provided to support studies. Unless specified in the additional information section below, course fees do not cover accommodation, residential costs, or other living costs.

College Preference

Students enrolled on this course will belong to both a department/faculty and a college. The following colleges accept students on the MSc in Surgical Science and Practice:

• Kellogg College
• St Catherine's College
• Trinity College
• Wycliffe Hall

How to Apply

Before You Apply

Our guide to getting started provides general advice on how to prepare for and start an application, including advice to help evaluate whether the application is likely to be competitive.

Completing Your Application

Students should refer to the information below when completing the application form, paying attention to the specific requirements for the supporting documents.

Referees

Three overall, academic and/or professional referees are required. The department may start the assessment of the application if two of the three references are submitted by the course deadline and the application is otherwise complete.

Official Transcript(s)

Transcripts should give detailed information of the individual grades received in university-level qualifications to date. Only official documents issued by the institution should be uploaded, and any transcript not in English should be accompanied by a certified translation.

Personal Statement

The statement should be written in English and explain the motivation for applying for the course at Oxford, relevant experience and education, and the specific areas that interest the student and/or they intend to specialise in.

After You've Submitted Your Application

The application (including the supporting documents outlined above) will be assessed against the entry requirements detailed on this course page. Whether or not funding has been secured will be taken into consideration when the application is assessed.