Download or Print

1. Study
2. Postgraduate
3. Taught Courses
4. Masters
5. Surgical Science

Course Fact File

Code	MCHSC
Duration	1 year Full-time; 2 years Part-time
Teaching Mode	Full-time, Part-Time. See Additional Teaching Mode Information for more info.
Qualifications	MCh
NFQ Level	Level 9
Closing Date	Rolling deadline. Open until all places have been filled. Early application is advised.
Non-EU Closing Date	Open until all places have been filled or no later than 15 June. Early application is advised.
Start Date	Monday 13th of October 2025

Course Outline

'The MCh in Surgical Science is a Masters programme with an annual intake, which aims to provide postgraduate education in surgery for medical graduates. It can be taken on a two-year part-time basis or one-year full time basis.  We do however recommend that those applying for the full-time option are not in full-time employment, and if overseas should participate fully online. 

The course structure includes taught modules to enhance the academic understanding of the speciality prior to or during surgical training, and a dissertation. The taught modules consist of online materials and course workshops, with individual assignments going towards the development of a competitive clinical, teaching and research portfolio.

The Masters programme will also provide structured training in research methods and academic writing over two years to support the completion of  research project in the clinical setting.'

Please see MCh (Surgical Science) | University College Cork, Ireland (courseleaf.com) for programme requirements, outlining the modules taken during the 1 year full-time and 2 year part-time options. There are exit awards available at PGCert and PGDiploma levels.

Additional Teaching Mode Information

Teaching sessions consist of both online learning and face-to-face teaching sessions.

• MCh Year 1: Online 80% / Face-to-face 20%
• MCh year 2: Online 90% / Face-to-face 10%

Where students are overseas in the two-year part-time option, we offer flexible remote participation in face-to-face sessions. Within the 1 year full-time option, the learning and teaching is fully online to overseas students.

Academic Programme Catalogue

See the Academic Programme Catalogue where you can search for the complete and up-to-date content for this course. Note that the modules for all courses are subject to change from year to year. For complete descriptions of individual modules, see the Book of Modules.

Course Practicalities

In recognition of the significant clinical service commitments of all participants, the course delivery employs a blended learning approach with significant use of online learning resources. Contact teaching sessions are scheduled 2-3 times per year, and occur on Friday evenings and Saturdays in the Brookfield Health Sciences complex in UCC. These can be attended remotely if the student is overseas.

 

 

 

Why Choose This Course

This innovative programme will provide you with a strong foundation with which to progress through specialist surgical and other postgraduate training. There is significant use of e-learning; therefore, campus-based contact teaching time is condensed recognising the work commitments of surgical trainees. The modular structure offered allows flexibility to trainees who can opt to access a one year Certificate or two-year Diploma/Masters. 

This course combines a focus on surgical efficiencies such as innovative strategies in decision making, improving surgical key performance indicators and the development of the early career surgeon as a service and team leader.

Skills and Careers Information

This programme may appeal to those contemplating or embarking on a surgical career or those who wish to broaden their academic portfolio to enhance their competitiveness. It may also be attractive to overseas students who would like the opportunity to learn more about the surgical environment in Ireland and expand their academic repertoire and surgical management strategies.

On completion of the MCh students will be expected to have a sound knowledge and comprehension of strategies that improve surgical outcomes and will have developed evaluative, problem-solving, management and leadership skills. This will enhance the possibilities of securing core and higher specialist training opportunities. Those who continue to Masters level will have undertaken substantive research in their field of practice.

Requirements

Applicants for the MCh in Surgical Science will be medical graduates who attained their Degrees of MB BCh BAO, or equivalent, from a recognised medical school and be registered with the Medical Council in the country in which they are practising. 

Fees and Costs

How To Apply

The closing date for non-EU applications is Open until all places have been filled or no later than 15 June. Early application is advised.

Apply Now