MSc Surgical Skills (General Surgery/Gynaecology)

The landscape of surgical education is continually evolving with advances in technology and this unique joint programme designed by the University of Malta and Queen Mary University of London offers a new curriculum of technology-enhanced learning. This course is designed to be a flexible mode of study, allowing the programme to be studied alongside the surgical and gynaecological training in Malta for both local and international students. 

In the current era of evidence-based medicine, the course Director Professor Bijendra Patel has developed competency-based training using simulation that aims to accelerate surgical training and improve surgical skills that are essential for building confidence in clinical practice and improving patient welfare. In addition, this course will teach students the basics of research methodology, critically appraising literature, designing a research project and academic writing of the dissertation.

Duration of MSc: 2 years

For detailed module information, visit the module details webpage.

Blended study with both online and campus-based teaching.

This MSc course offers hands-on training with face-to-face and online live feedback and assessment.

• Every student enrolled in this course is supplied with a take home laparoscopic box simulator with laparoscopic instruments for regular hands-on laparoscopic skills training at home. We recommend 2-4 hours of hands-on training per week for reaching proficiency.
• For theory learning, the students will have access to Queen Mary’s 24/7 virtual learning platform that includes on-demand video lectures, quizzes and instructions for hands-on practice etc.
• Modules that include virtual reality learning will require mobile phone with internet access.
• The Laparoscopic Simulation and Cadaver Training module will be delivered as face-to-face teaching in the University of Malta Simulation and Cadaver Training Centre. This supervised training allows learning and skill mastery to occur in a low-stress high-feedback environment while protecting the patient from procedural inexperience.

Students will be required to have:

• Laptop with internet access & webcam
• A smartphone to access virtual reality applications
• A virtual reality headset
• Suture material 

All students enrolled on this course will receive:

• A take-home laparoscopic box simulator with laparoscopic instruments for regular hands-on laparoscopic skills training home (a small refundable deposit is required).

• Bringing the best of both the University of Malta and Queen Mary University of London education standards to the region in medical training
• Hands-on training for developing surgical skills using the latest surgical simulation technology
• Future opportunity for surgical training and research and knowledge exchange internationally

Academic Entry Requirements

• A medical degree; or
• a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant subject from a recognised institution with 2:1 or better. Applicants with a 2:2 and strong supporting evidence will also be considered; or
• an appropriate professional qualification; or
• Successful completion of at least 3 years of MBBS studies (including the equivalent of one year of patient based teaching)*

*Intercalating students must pass exams taken prior to commencing the MSc at first attempt and confirm that the beginning of their following year of MBBS studies start after all assessment for the MSc has been completed.

For more information on intercalated degrees please see here.

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 7.0 (with 6.5 in writing) or equivalent, unless your undergraduate degree was studied in English. For more information on English language requirements, and acceptable 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

£15,950 (Home/EU students)
£29,950 (Overseas students)

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.