Surgical Sciences (Online Learning) MSc, PgCert, PgDip

Level: Postgraduate taught

Subject: Medicine

Year of entry: 2026

Study options

Mode of study

Online learning

Part-time
  • MSc | 3 years | Start date: September 2026
  • PgCert | 1 year | Start date: September 2026
  • PgDip | 2 years | Start date: September 2026

Key facts

School

Edinburgh Medical School

College

College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine

Accreditation

Not available

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About the degree programme

This three-year, part-time online programme offers early-career surgeons a globally connected, evidence-based education aligned with the UK Surgical Curriculum, in partnership with the Royal College of Surgeons.

The programme is delivered in an online environment that provides a dynamic and collaborative learning experience. You will become part of an online community that brings together students and tutors from around the world.

The semi-flexible learning environment allows you to learn at times and locations that suit you best, within given timeframes and deadlines. This makes this programme suitable for busy professionals who want to update and extend their knowledge.

We utilise a combination of online learning methods, including discussion forums and live tutorials. Experienced clinical tutors will support you through every stage of the programme, and you can engage with fellow students through supportive and constructive online networks. You will also be supported by an Academic Cohort Lead and a Student Adviser.

This programme is also affiliated with the University's Global Health Academy.

Global Health Academy

Who this programme is for

This is the right programme for you if you have an accredited medical degree (MBChB or equivalent), 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.

Why Edinburgh

The University of Edinburgh is consistently ranked among the top universities in the world for medicine and overall, which includes its surgery programmes. The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh (RCSEd) is an internationally respected institution, recognised for its long history of advancing surgical excellence and supporting a global network. Together, they bring their strengths into this programme—combining trusted knowledge with the latest insights in academic and evidence-based surgical practice.

This part-time online programme has helped make the University of Edinburgh a recognised pioneer in online surgical education. You’ll join a diverse community of learners from around the world and benefit from a dynamic, supportive learning experience designed to fit around your professional and personal commitments.

Study options

The programme offers the following awards:

  • Postgraduate Certificate (PgCert: 60 credits) - Year 1
  • Postgraduate Diploma (PgDip: 120 credits) - Year 2
  • Master of Science (MSc: 180 credits) - Year 3

Graduating from the MSc in Surgical Sciences is an important milestone in my surgical career, and it helped me to pass my MRCS first time. I strongly recommend the course for young surgeons in training who wish to have a strong foundation in basic sciences.

Jin-Jiun Mah MSc Surgical Sciences (Online Learning) Graduate and Clinical Tutor within the programme

Tuition fees

Tuition fees by award and duration

Tuition fees for full-time and part-time options are listed for one academic year.

Part-time

Graduate discount

If you are a University of Edinburgh graduate, you will be eligible for a 10% discount on your tuition fees for this programme. You may also be eligible if you were a visiting undergraduate student.

Find out how to receive your graduate discount

Deposit

If you receive an offer of admission, this will be conditional as you will be asked to pay some of your tuition fees in advance as a deposit.

How and when to pay the deposit

  • £500 (this contributes towards your tuition fees)

Funding opportunities

Funding for postgraduate study is different to undergraduate study, and many students need to combine funding sources to pay for their studies.

Most students use a combination of the following funding to pay their tuition fees and living costs:

  • borrowing money
    • taking out a loan
    • family support
  • personal savings
  • income from work
  • employer sponsorship
  • scholarships

Explore sources of funding for postgraduate study

If you live in the UK, you may be eligible for a postgraduate loan for online study from one of the UK’s governments.

If you intend to apply for a UK government loan you should apply for the 3-year Masters option.

View details: UK government loans

Search for other funding opportunities

You can find scholarships, bursaries and other funding you might be eligible for on our Scholarships and Student Funding site.

Postgraduate funding opportunities

These entry requirements are for the 2026-27 academic year and requirements for future academic years may differ. Entry requirements for the 2027-28 academic year will be published on 1 Oct 2026.

Qualifications

An accredited medical degree (MBChB or equivalent).

You should not yet have achieved Membership of the Royal College of Surgeons (MRCS or equivalent), before starting the programme. However, applicants who have already passed MRCS Part A but have yet to sit the MRCS Part B will be considered for admission.  

You must be in a supervised clinical environment for the duration of your studies, such as a Junior Doctor position, CT1, CT2, etc.

Your application should include information about your MRCS, any postgraduate titles achieved, any ongoing studies, your current clinical positions, and planned future clinical rotations.

If you apply for the MSc programme, you will still be able to exit the programme at an earlier stage with a PgCert or PgDip award if the award criteria are met. 

International qualifications

To find international equivalent qualifications, select where you studied from the country or region list.

English language requirements

You must prove that your English language abilities are at a high enough level to study this degree programme.

This is the case for all applicants, including UK nationals.

You can meet our English language requirements with one of the following:

  • an English language test
  • a degree that was taught and assessed in English
  • certain professional qualifications

English language tests we accept

We accept any of the following English language tests, at the specified grade or higher:

  • IELTS Academic: total 6.5 with at least 6.0 in each component. We do not accept IELTS One Skill Retake to meet our English language requirements.
  • TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition): total 92 with at least 20 in each component We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements.
  • C1 Advanced (CAE) / C2 Proficiency (CPE): total 176 with at least 169 in each component.
  • Trinity ISE: ISE II with distinctions in all four components.
  • Oxford ELLT: total 7 with at least 6 in each component.
  • Oxford Test of English Advanced: total 145 with at least 135 in each component.
How old your English language tests can be
Tests no more than two years old

The following English language tests must be no more than two years old on the 1st of the month in which your programme starts, regardless of your nationality:

  • IELTS Academic
  • TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition)
  • Trinity ISE
  • Oxford ELLT
  • Oxford Test of English Advanced
Tests no more than three and a half years old

All other English language tests must be no more than three and a half years old on the 1st of the month in which your programme starts, regardless of your nationality.   

Degrees taught and assessed in English

We accept an undergraduate or postgraduate degree that has been taught and assessed in English in a majority English-speaking country, as defined by UK Visas and Immigration.

UKVI list of majority English speaking countries

We also accept a degree that has been taught and assessed in English from a university on our list of approved universities in non-majority English-speaking countries (non-MESC).

Approved universities in non-MESC

How old your degree can be

If you are not a national of a majority English-speaking country, then your degree must be no more than five years old on the 1st of the month in which your programme starts.

This time limit does not apply to your degree if you are a national of a majority English-speaking country.

Find out more about our English language requirements

Find out about other English language qualifications we accept, including professional qualifications.

English language requirements

What you will study

Postgraduate Certificate (PgCert) and Postgraduate Diploma (PgDip) 

Year 1 (PgCert) and Year 2 (PgDip) each comprise three 20-credit courses. 

Year 1 courses
  • Cardiorespiratory Sciences
  • General Surgery
  • Locomotor, Urology and ENT/OMFS
Year 2 courses
  • Principles of Surgical Management
  • Communication and Care
  • Academic Surgery, Orthopaedics and Trauma

Master of Science

You must complete 60 credits in Year 3. You have two options in Year 3:

  • Dissertation
  • Evidence-Based Surgery
     

Find courses for this programme

Find out what courses you can study on this programme and how each of them are taught and assessed.

The courses on offer may change from year to year, but the course information will give you an idea of what to expect on this programme.

Part-time

We link to the latest information available. This may be for a previous academic year and should be considered indicative.

Teaching and assessment

Teaching

Teaching is delivered entirely online to enable you to study around existing commitments and help you progress your career. 

The Year 1 Certificate and Year 2 Diploma encompass the UK Intercollegiate Surgical Curriculum, supporting your preparation for the Membership of the Royal College of Surgeons (MRCS) examinations, with an emphasis on evidence-based practice, academic surgery and their related acquired knowledge and applications. 

Each course in the programme includes subject-specific activities such as:

  • clinical case studies
  • online discussions facilitated by experienced tutors
  • directed readings
  • live sessions with clinical leads and academic course organisers

Year 3 (Master of Science) you will have the opportunity to choose between completing a Dissertation or the Evidence-Based Surgery course.

The Dissertation course consists primarily of independent learning, as you will focus on your own research project supported by your clinical supervisor (close to you) and an academic supervisor (from the programme team). 

The Evidence-Based Surgery course includes a taught component on the Foundations of Evidence-Based Surgery. You will engage with the taught part of the course through a combination of synchronous and asynchronous learning activities, utilising the Virtual Learning Environment, which includes online learning resources, directed reading, non-assessed discussion forums, and recorded and live webinars. 

Assessment

How Certificate and Diploma courses are assessed

Assessments and course learning tasks are specifically designed to develop key skills, including 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, fostering 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 submitted attempt, and a guided approach to clinical case studies, are offered to help prepare you for the MRCS.

How year 3 (Master of Science) is assessed

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 Surgery course.

The Dissertation and Evidence-Based Surgery courses are assessed by iterative written coursework assignments throughout the year, culminating in a project report. 

Both course options will lead you to an MSc Surgical Sciences award.

Learning outcomes

The programme’s learning outcomes have been mapped onto the SCQF11 level characteristics, focusing on applying scientific and clinical principles to patient care, mastering effective communication, and demonstrating professional and ethical conduct. 

Key skills include:

  • applying biomedical and clinical knowledge to diverse surgical settings, patients, presentations and procedures
  • communicating effectively
  • understanding and critically interpreting research
  • understanding research methodologies

Support for your studies

You will have access to a range of support services if you need them throughout your degree.

We will assign you to a student adviser, and this should be the first person to contact if you need help. They can guide you to other University service teams depending on what support you need.  

How we support you

How online learning works

This degree programme is taught entirely online. There is no need to come to the city or University campus. 

All learning and teaching takes place within our virtual learning environment (VLE). Through the VLE, you can: 

  • access all your learning materials and study resources, including e-books and library resources
  • interact with your tutors and classmates 

An online degree from the University of Edinburgh is academically equivalent to an on-campus postgraduate degree and involves the same level of work overall. The qualification you get is of equal value. Your degree certificate will not mention that you studied the programme online.

Time commitment

This programme is designed to be fully flexible to fit around your schedule. You can study in your own time and access all your learning resources, such as reading lists, discussion forms and slides from anywhere in the world.  

If there are live online sessions, you can watch a recording later in the virtual learning environment at a time convenient to you.    

Typically, you will need to dedicate around 10 to 20 hours per week to your programme although managing this is up to you. This may also vary from course to course, and the time commitment may increase when assignments are due.  

See 'Find courses' in Programme details for more information about study time commitment

Equipment and software needs

To study this online programme, you will need access to:   

  • a computer or laptop  
  • the internet  
  • the latest version of a web browser  

As an online student, you will have access to a range of software you can download to help you complete your coursework, including Microsoft Office 365. 

IT support is available if you have technical difficulties.  

IT and computing help

Support for online students

Further study

After completing this programme, you may wish to consider applying for a PhD or other research programme.

Applying for research degrees

Moving on to a PhD (advice from the University's Careers Service)

Careers Service

Our Careers Service can help you to fully develop your potential and achieve your future goals. 

The Careers Service supports you not only while you are studying at the University, but also for up to two years after you finish your studies. 

With the Careers Service, you can: 

  • access digital resources to help you understand your skills and strengths
  • try different types of experiences and reflect on how and what you develop
  • get help finding work, including part-time jobs, vacation work, internships and graduate jobs
  • attend careers events and practice interviews
  • get information and advice to help you make informed decisions 

Visit the Careers Service website 

How to apply

You apply online for this programme. After you read the application guidance, select your preferred programme, then choose 'Start your application' to begin.

If you are considering applying to more than one programme, you should be aware that we cannot consider more than 5 applications from the same applicant.

When to apply

Programme start date Application deadline
14 September 2026 21 August 2026

We encourage you to apply as soon as possible so that we have enough time to process your application. This is particularly important if you are also applying for funding. Applications may close earlier than published deadlines if there is exceptionally high demand.

For an application to be reviewed, it must be a complete application by the application deadline with all supporting documentation uploaded, including references and transcripts.

If you already have evidence that you meet the English language entry requirements, such as via an approved English language test, please upload this evidence at the time of your application. If you have not already met your English language requirements, please upload that evidence as soon as you have it.

Application fee

There is no fee to apply to this programme.

What you need to apply

As part of your online application, you will need to provide: 

You will also need to submit some or all of the following supporting documents:

When you start your application, you will be able to see the full list of documents you need to provide.

Apply

Select the award, duration and delivery mode you want to study. Then select the start date you want to apply for.

After you apply

Once you have applied for this programme, you will be able to track the progress of your application and accept or decline any offers.

Checking the status of your application

We will notify you by email once we have made a decision. Due to the large number of applications we receive, it might take a while until you hear from us.

Receiving our decision

What to do if you receive an offer:

General enquiries

Postgraduate Admissions Office

College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine

CMVM College Office

Usher Institute, Usher Building, The University of Edinburgh

5-7 Little France Road, Edinburgh BioQuarter – Gate 3

Edinburgh

EH16 4UX

futurestudents@ed.ac.uk
Phone:+44 (0)131 651 7998

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