Surgery - Master of Surgery - by Module

Enhance your development on the Master of Surgery (MCh) from the RCSI Department of Surgical Affairs.



Meet the challenges and opportunities specific to the surgical profession in the wider context of the healthcare and medical community as you explore areas of professional development that are not specifically addressed in any current higher specialist training programmes.



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.



Accreditation and recognition

We are proud to be a recognised University of the National University of Ireland (NUI). Recognition by ministries and bodies in other jurisdictions must be determined by the individual applicants.

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



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 Orthopaedic Module I

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



Module 11

Primary Care Orthopaedic Module 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.



Please Note:

• The Master of Surgery by Module (MCh) part-time programme is not recognised for the purposes of applying for a student visa for Ireland. Only full-time students can apply for a student visa. Please refer to the Master of Surgery (MCh) by Module full-time programme if you require a visa for study.

• There are no international scholarships available at present for this programme.



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.

• You are exempt if you completed undergraduate or postgraduate studies full-time in the medium of the English language (three or more years, cumulatively).



Read more about minimum English-language requirements at: https://www.rcsi.com/dublin/postgraduate/policies-and-guidelines/english-language-requirements

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 interest below and you will be notified via email when applications open.

2 years. Mode of delivery Hybrid - Part-time.

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.