Surgery - Master of Surgery - Research

Each unique Masters in Surgery (MCh) project is carried out over a minimum of one year and a maximum of two years (full-time).

Within this time you will be guided through your research project with the support of your supervisors and the RCSI School of Postgraduate Studies.

Develop your skills as a researcher at RCSI
You will have a range of resources, research development opportunities and training at your disposal during your MCh, including:
• Core and optional modules as part of our Professional Certificate in Research Practices. All MCh scholars are expected to complete Research Ethics and Integrity (PC04) core module as part of their degree.

• Access to the Vitae Researcher Development Framework, which allows you to map your competencies, identify areas for improvement and develop transferable skills

• Dissemination of your research. The perfect starting point for this is our Opens in new windowannual Research Day; apply for a poster or oral presentation and practice key presenting and communication skills.

• Dedicated write-up space in our Postgraduate Suite in our new Library.

Key milestones
1. Project proposal
With the help of your supervisors, you will submit a comprehensive project proposal when applying to RCSI. This will help you to form a solid plan and kick-start your research.

2. Research development
Participate in any one of the modules on offer as part of the Professional Certificate in Research Practice modules during the year.

3. Submit your thesis
One external examiner and one internal examiner will assess your thesis. Submit corrections.

4. Graduation
If the thesis is deemed of sufficient quality, you will be conferring with an RCSI degree in your chosen field.

To be considered eligible for the programme, you must:

Hold the degree of MB/BAO/BCh or equivalent medical degree.*
Have completed at least one-year of an internship.
Have an RCSI supervisor with whom you have agreed the topic of your thesis and the logistical details for your candidature (e.g. start date, location for initial research training etc.).
You will also need to supply a copy of an academic IELTS examination, or equivalent (for candidates whose first language is not English). Read more about minimum English language requirements here.

* This requirement can also be demonstrated through a defined recognition of prior learning (RPL) process if necessary.

Each unique Masters in Surgery (MCh) project is carried out over a minimum of one year and a maximum of two years (full-time).

Your future
Your postgraduate degree at RCSI builds skills, expertise and specialist knowledge in your chosen field, in preparation for career pathways across many employment sectors including higher education, health, and industry and entrepreneurial roles.

Your degree will equip you with a transferable skill-set that is highly valued by employers particularly for problem-solving, critical reasoning, thinking in-depth along with the ability to project manage and evidence of a range of ‘soft’ skills, like communication and collaboration.

As a graduate of RCSI, you join a community of over 20,000 alumni worldwide.

With campuses located in Dublin, Dubai, Bahrain and Malaysia, some of the world’s most exciting career opportunities are available to you and your network as a graduate of RCSI.