Laparoscopic Surgery & Surgical Skills (online)

Our immersive 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 Dr Bijen 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 QMUL’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

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.

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.

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.

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)

Part-time study

September 2020 | 2 years

Funding and scholarships

Numerous funding options are available to Postgraduate students. For more information click here.

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.

• 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