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Brighton & Sussex Medical School

Surgical Studies

BSMS > Postgraduate > Surgical Studies

Surgical Studies

Key facts

MSc, PGDip, PGCert

Full-time: 1 year

Part-time: 3 years*

Eligible applicants: UK, international

Due to visa restrictions, international students requiring a student visa (including EU/EEA who require a student visa) are eligible to apply for BSMS full-time Masters courses only. Part-time Masters courses, all PGDip and all PGCert courses are open to UK and Irish students and international students (including EU/EEA) who have an alternative visa/immigration permission to stay in the UK (such as settled/pre-settled status, Tier 2/work visa, indefinite leave to remain etc).

Location: University of Brighton, Falmer campus; University of Sussex, Falmer campus

General enquiries: brighton.ac.uk/enquiries

This course is jointly validated by the University of Brighton and the University of Sussex. 

We are not recruiting for this course in 2024/25.

Download the course application handbook for further information on this course. 

Download the Surgical Studies handbook here > 

*Please note, if you are applying to the Student Loans Company for funding, you will need to apply for 2 years of funding. This will not affect your ability to complete the part time MSc programme in 3 years, however you will receive the SLC loan split across two years rather than three.

Watch our video below to find out more about this course.

BACKGROUND IMAGE FOR PANEL

Course overview

This course is designed to provide and prepare surgeons for advanced posts and practice. It is modular with six one-week teaching blocks.

The course is not designed to duplicate the preparation for the Royal College exams; instead it will cover topics not routinely covered by standard training or included in mainstream textbooks. The emphasis is on acquiring knowledge and skills which will prepare students for advanced practice in surgery.

Key areas of study

Three clinical modules:

  • Advanced professional issues in surgery
  • Perioperative care in surgery
  • Principles and practice of simulation in surgery

Three professional modules:

  • Research methods and critical appraisal
  • Leadership and change management in clinical services
  • Communication, learning and teaching in health and social care

Research-based dissertation

Course structure

How is the course taught?

How is the course assessed?

BACKGROUND IMAGE FOR PANEL

Modules

PG Cert

All three of the following clinical modules: 

  • Advanced Professional Issues in Surgery (20 credits)
  • Perioperative Care of the Surgical Patient (20 credits)
  • Principles and Practice of Simulation in Surgery (20 credits)

OR two of the clinical modules PLUS the following professional module:

  • Research Methods and Critical Appraisal (20 credits)

PGDip

All three clinical modules PLUS all three of the following professional modules: 

  • Research Methods and Critical Appraisal (20 credits)
  • Communication, Learning and Teaching in Health and Social Care (20 credits)
  • Leadership and Change Management in Clinical Services (20 credits)  

MSc

PGDip modules PLUS  

  • Dissertation (60 credits)
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Career opportunities

This course will support the professional who is looking to become a better rounded surgical expert.

It will marry theory with practical skills in a variety of subjects to produce a thorough learning experience. The professional modules encompass the three crucial areas of research, leadership and education to equip the surgical leaders of tomorrow with the knowledge and skills necessary for their jobs.

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Why BSMS?

Our courses bring together a vibrant mix of professionals from a variety of health and social care backgrounds, ensuring that content is up to date and appropriate. As a result, students gain valuable insights into other disciplines, leading to stronger team working – and, ultimately, to better patient care. 

All our clinical courses include professional modules as standard, ensuring that students develop the skills and knowledge to meet the challenges of a changing health and social care sector. We tailor our courses to reflect the current changes taking place within the wider healthcare environment, including the NHS, local authorities and independent or third sector providers delivering or planning services.

Seb Chong photo

"This programme is fantastic for covering such topics as research, leadership, ethics and medical law, which are all highly relevant to surgery and yet receive little attention in the traditional surgical curriculum. I have highly enjoyed studying these subjects in depth." -

Sebastian Chong, MSc Surgical Studies student

Entry requirements

Applicants should have an undergraduate medical degree, and should be able to demonstrate an ability to study at this level. It is expected that students will be in clinical practice throughout the programme.

Applications will also be considered from other professionals in appropriate clinical practice (theatre and surgical practitioners and physician associates).

For international students a minimum IELTS score of 7.0 is required.

This course is open to applications from UK and international students. 

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Fees and funding

We are not taking new student intake in 2024/25 so please do not apply at this time.

Apply here

We are not taking new student intake in 2024/25 so please do not apply at this time.