Surgery

Course Overview

The degree in Surgery (MCh) is designed to enhance the academic and professional development of surgical trainees and to improve patient safety. Running parallel with the basic surgical training scheme (BST), this programme will provide surgical trainees with the academic and scientific research skills needed for progression to higher surgical training schemes and academic surgery.‌



MCh students learn in a highly interactive environment, and are involved in the creation of surgical scenarios using high fidelity simulation. The combination of professional surgical training and research output will appeal to graduates intending to apply for higher surgical training (HST) schemes in surgery or similar medical specialties. Surgeons require recognised postgraduate research and academic qualifications for progression to higher surgical training schemes.



Course Outline

The programme consists of six innovative modules and a research thesis designed around the two core learning outcomes of the MCh—the surgeon as a scholar and the surgeon as an advocate for patient safety. The modules (60 ECTS) include: Informatics, Research Methods, Biostatistics, Surgical Laboratory Skills, Patient Safety and Human Factors, Surgical Education, and a Research Thesis (30 ECTS). The topic of the thesis will be chosen by the Professor of Surgery in consultation with the candidate and their surgical tutor. With all candidates working full-time, the programme modules are delivered using flexible, interactive, and modern learning methodologies, with workshops scheduled for weekends. The MCh may be taken part-time over 2 years, or 1 year full-time (12 months).

Year 1 (90 Credits)

Required MD551: Informatics II : Research Methods

Required MD565: Research Thesis

Required MD550: Informatics I : Retrieval & Appraisal of Scientific Literature

Required MD1550: Translational Research

Required MD6107: Surgical Education

Required MD6108: Patient Safety & Human Factors

Required MD552: Biostatistics I : Critical Appraisal of Published Statistics

Optional RPL020: Recognised Prior Learning

Optional RPL010: Recognised Prior Learning

Successful candidates will hold a primary degree in Medicine and be conferred with the degrees of Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery, and Bachelor of Obstetrics. They should also be selected for the Basic Surgical Training Programme (BST) national programme. Candidates not on the BST programme may be eligible and will be interviewed. Successful candidates should be registered with the Irish Medical Council. Competence in English language equivalent to IELTS 6.5 is required.

How to apply

We encourage all applicants to apply as early as possible.



Review/Closing Dates (for Taught Programmes)

For most programmes, University of Galway does not set specific closing dates for receipt of applications. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis and course quotas will be reviewed continuously throughout the application cycle with the exception of applications for some programmes which are reviewed after the specified closing date. Candidates who do not have their final degree marks available may be made a conditional (provisional) offer.



Online Application

Applications to most postgraduate programmes at University of Galway are made online via www.universityofgalway.ie/apply (see "Application Weblink")

1 year, full-time (in-service), 2 years, part-time.

Next start date September 2025

Career Opportunities

Graduates will provide evidence-based practice and research in the field of surgery. Upgraded knowledge, skills and attitudes provide a new dimension to day-to-day care of patients in need of surgical procedures.