Surgery - Master of Surgery - by Module

Enhance your career in surgery with our established full-time Master of Surgery (MCh) by Module from the RCSI Department of Surgical Affairs.



The research component pushes you to focus on your individual interests and professional development within the greater healthcare context, and as the first programme in Ireland to incorporate a taught component you'll develop a skill set that cannot be adequately developed through research alone.



This programme runs full-time over one year on a hybrid model, with 80% online with 20% face to face days on campus. Each module will have at least one or two days face to face.



This course is a Level 9 award on the Irish National Framework of Qualifications.



Suitable for

The programme greatly benefits medical graduates planning a surgical career in obtaining a higher degree in surgery. This programme can be undertaken before, during or on completion of a structured surgical training programme. Participants include non-consultant hospital doctors in surgical specialties, surgical trainees, and doctors.

Core Modules:

Module 1

Research Methods: Protocol Design, Research and Analysis

Equip yourself with the tools to prepare, manage, and design a substantial research project



Module 2

Healthcare Ethics, Law and Clinical Research

Gain a deeper understanding of ethical and legal issues in healthcare and clinical research



Module 3

Research Dissertation

Complete a substantial research dissertation in your chosen specialty, suitable for peer-reviewed publication



Optional Modules:

Module 4

Medical Devices, Technology and Innovation

Get hands-on experience in medical invention, from identifying unmet needs to developing clinical and market strategies



Module 5

Clinicians as Educators

Develop your role as a teacher and assessor in clinical practice



Module 6

Professionalism and Advanced Communication

Enhance core skills in professionalism and advanced communication principles and practices



Module 7

Global Surgery

Understand the global healthcare context and surgical needs in developing countries and humanitarian crises



Module 8

Lean QI and Healthcare

Learn the evolution and principles of lean healthcare and its impact on patients and patient value



Module 9

Leading and Managing your Organisation

Gain hands-on experience in medical invention, focusing on identifying unmet needs and developing strategies



Module 10

Primary Care (Orthopaedics) I

Enhance your ability to assess and manage common musculoskeletal conditions in primary care



Module 11

Primary Care (Orthopaedics) II

Build on the skills from the Primary Care (Orthopaedics) I module

To be considered eligible for the programme, you must:

• Be a MB BAO BCh holder (or equivalent Level 8 undergraduate medical degree) recognised by the World Health Organization.

• Working in a clinical post and can source a clinical supervisor for your research dissertation.



Due to the academic time commitments of the full-time programme we strongly advise those in full-time employment to pursue the part-time programme.



As part of the application process you are required to submit the following supporting documentation:



• Full CV to include the following:

- Employment information: Job title/level/location

- Academic history: Have you taken MRCS Part A or B? If yes, please provide institution name, result and date taken

- Research: Have you published research? Yes/no; please provide reference



• Copy of passport

• Copy of educational transcripts

• Proof of sponsorship (where applicable)

• Evidence of English-language qualification (where applicable)

• A 300-word response to the question: “How do you perceive this programme will enhance your career?” Please note that all responses will be screened for AI-generated content.



International/Non-EU applicants

Those who successfully secure a place on the full-time programme can apply for a student visa. RCSI will be able to provide a visa letter to support an application for a student visa; however, students will have to liaise with immigration services to secure their own visa.



What is the process of applying to the Master of Surgery (MCh) by Module as an international/Non-EU applicant?



• Visa applications need to be made a minimum of three months in advance of the course start date.

• Tuition needs to be paid in full for one year.

• Insurance: RCSI does not provide student insurance. In terms of private medical insurance, RCSI does not operate a group scheme, therefore each student is responsible for securing their own health insurance. The cheapest option available is via a company called Study & Protect. However the cheapest package provided by this company is a very basic and provides very limited cover. We therefore recommend that students take out full and comprehensive insurance through the usual providers – Vhi Healthcare, Irish Life, etc. Learn more here.

• College letters: Letters in support of your visa can be provided by the programme coordinator. Please email the course mailbox to request these at mcht@rcsi.com. Payment in full must be received before letters can be supplied.

• Review all stipulations on the Department of Justice website.

• Tuition fees – letter for the bank: If your bank requires a college letter for the remaining tuition fee payment, please email the programme coordinator at mcht@rcsi.com to request one.



Please note:

• Only full-time programmes are applicable to students requiring long-term study visas over 90 days.

• There are no international scholarships available at present.



English language requirement exceptions

You must have one of the following:

• IELTS >6.5 (or equivalent) achieved in all sections (reading, writing, and oral) or equivalent must be submitted.



Read more about minimum English-language requirements here.

https://www.rcsi.com/dublin/postgraduate/policies-and-guidelines/english-language-requirements



• There is an exemption if you have completed undergraduate or postgraduate studies full-time in the medium of the English language (three or more years, cumulatively).

Applications will open for the September 2026 intake of the Master of Surgery (MCh) by Module (part-time and full time programmes) in early 2026. If you are interested in applying for the September 2026 intake, please register your and you will be notified via email when applications open.

1 year full-time. Mode of delivery Hybrid - full-time.

Fees and funding


EU applicants: €8,550



•Year 1: €5,150

•Year 2: €3,400


Non-EU applicants: €12,825

•Year 1: €8,000

•Year 2: €4,825


Please note

•There is a non-refundable online application fee of €100.

•All students also need to pay an annual NUI fee of €45.

•Fees are subject to annual review

Next start date: September 2026.

Progression Options

The Master of Surgery (MCh) is open to all surgical specialties. The programme’s multidisciplinary structure enables you to build an understanding of the complex challenges and opportunities facing surgical professionals in the greater context of healthcare. This programme can be undertaken before, during or on completion of a structured surgical training programme.