Laparoscopic Surgery & Surgical Skills (online)

Key Information

Global Part-time Distance Learning

Award: MSc / PG Diploma / PG Certificate

Modes of Study: 2 year part-time Distance Learning

Programme Director: Professor Bijendra Patel

Start Date: September 2022

Application Deadline: 31 July 2022

For more information and to apply:

LSSS snap
Overview
Programme details
Contact

Our immersive Laparoscopic Surgery & Surgical Skills distance learning programme places students at the heart of the operating theatre using the latest in virtual reality technology and allows for accelerated training in the rapidly developing areas of laparoscopic surgery.

A global leader in integrating technology-enhanced learning, course director Professor Bijendra Patel has pioneered this concept ever since creating the world’s first Masters Course in acquiring surgical skills by simulation in October 2005 (MSc Surgical Skills and Sciences) at the Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London.

Through a combination of theory and skills demonstrations delivered through Queen Mary’s 24/7 virtual learning platform, students will be able to tailor their learning in order to build confidence and master key surgical skills using a take-home simulator for regular hands-on practice.

In addition to acquiring key surgical skills essential for clinical practice, students will gain a clear understanding of the concept and theories surrounding the issues of research and critical appraisal along with academic writing.

Content
Compulsory modules

Laparoscopic Skills
Laparoscopic Suturing Skills
Laparoscopic Procedure Skills
Research Methods
Dissertation
Bowel Anastomosis Skills

For more details about these modules, please visit the module details page.

Structure
Duration: 2 years part-time distance learning
Practical Exams

Option 1: Onsite assessment during summer school

Option 2: Online assessment

Additional Teaching

London Summer School (optional)*: An annual 3-day summer school will offer students the opportunity to further develop their practical skills and receive face-to-face feedback. 

*Students will be required to cover the cost of their travel and stay in London.

LapPassport: Qualify to obtain LapPass - "The Laparoscopic Passport" from the Association of Laparoscopic Surgeons of Britain and Ireland.

Hardware & Technology Requirements
Students will be required to have:
  • Internet access
  • A smartphone to access virtual reality applications
  • A webcam
All students will receive*:
  • A take-home box simulator with instruments, sutures and practice jigs
  • A virtual reality headset

*Students will be asked to pay an equipment deposit (in addition to the tuition fees). This will be refundable upon return of the equipment at the end of the programme.

Entry Requirements
Academic Entry Requirements
  • A medical degree; or
  • Allied health professional (e.g. specialist nurse/dietician/physiologist) with a science-based degree awarded with 2:1 or above (or international equivalent)

For international equivalencies please see the QMUL International Office.

English Language Requirements

Applicants for whom English is not a first language will also require a minimum IELTS score of 6.5 (with 6.0 in writing) or equivalent, unless their undergraduate degree was studied in, and awarded by, an English-speaking country. For more information on acceptable English language qualifications please click here.

How to Apply

All applications must be completed online.

As part of your application you will be required to provide the following documents:

  • Personal Statement
  • CV
  • 2 references (at least one of these must be an academic reference)
  • Copies of degree transcripts
  • English language results and certificate (if applicable)
Fees & Funding
Part-time study - September 2021 | 2 years

Note that fees may be subject to an increase on an annual basis - see details on our tuition fees page.

Funding and scholarships

Numerous funding options are available to Postgraduate students. For more information, visit the Queen Mary Funding a Masters webpage.

Deposit

Due to receiving large volumes of successful applications, it is our department policy to request a deposit of £2000 from overseas students and £1000 from home/EU students in order to secure your place on the course. This will be payable on acceptance of an offer.

Career Prospects
  • Improves technical skills and accelerates your core and specialist surgical training
  • A higher degree for career enhancement
  • An excellent foundation for further research - MD(Res)/PhD studies
  • Qualify to obtain LapPass - "The Laparoscopic Passport" from The Association of Laparoscopic Surgeons of Great Britain & Ireland

Covid-19 update for applicants

We would like to reassure all our prospective students that we are processing all applications for September 2021 and dealing with your enquiries as usual. We understand these are uncertain times and many of you are concerned about whether to apply or accept an offer.

We have guidance for applicant queries, information includes the following topics:

  • Applying to study at Queen Mary
  • Starting in September
  • IELTS or TOEFL tests
  • Supporting documents for applications
  • Visa applications

Visit the Queen Mary Applicants page for more information.

If you have any further queries please contact us at bci-cancercourses@qmul.ac.uk or join us for a virtual open day where you can ask your questions directly to the academic and admin team.

New Student Information Page

Visit our New Student Information Page where you will find key dates, information and resources ahead of joining us in September.

Visit the page

Virtual Open Events

Find out more about our MSc courses and have the opportunity to ask the Programme Directors questions. Please sign up below to be notified of upcoming open days.

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Not the programme for you? Explore our other postgraduate taught courses

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