Surgical Skills and Sciences – (M.Sc.)

The MSc in Surgical Skills and Sciences is run by the Barts Cancer Institute, an approved Royal College of Surgeons training centre and a Cancer Research UK Centre of Excellence.

The MSc Surgical Skills and Sciences is a unique practical course that you the opportunity to develop or extend expertise in the established and rapidly developing areas of Laparoscopic Surgery and Gastrointestinal Endoscopy. This MSc accelerates surgical training and improves surgical skills that are essential for building confidence in clinical practice.

The course will provide you with a unique opportunity to gain postgraduate training and development in cognitive and motor skills using the surgical simulators. The state-of-the-art Virtual Reality Surgical Simulation Centre removes the patient from the equation to allow novice learning and skill mastery to occur in a low-stress, high-feedback environment while protecting the patient from procedural inexperience.

You will also be taught techniques of secure suturing, knot tying and bowel anastomosis using non-biological materials.
You will gain a clear understanding of the concept and theories surrounding the issues of research and critical appraisal along with academic writing.

This programme is designed to enhance your future career prospects in surgery. If you perform well and express an interest you may be given the opportunity to proceed to MD(Res) or PhD studies.

Programme outline
The programme comprises of the following surgical skills areas and a research/literature project.

Core modules:
-Basic Laparoscopic Skills
-Advanced Laparoscopic Skills
-Laparoscopy Procedural Skills (Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy)
-Basic Endoscopy skills
-Endoscopy Procedural skills (Flexible Sigmoidoscopy)
-Endoscopy Procedural skills II (Upper GI Endoscopy)
-Research Methods
-Dissertation
Assessment
You will be assessed in a variety of ways: Practical Skills Assessments carried out through simulation and certification by the course tutor; a final written theory exam consisting of short and essay questions; continuous assessment through essay writing, critical appraisals and presentations; and a dissertation project write-up and presentation.

Entry requirements
This programme is aimed at surgeons in training, trainee and specialist registrars, non-carrier grade Surgeons, associate specialists. A medical degree from a recognised institution is required and some postgraduate experience in surgery is desirable. The programme does not involve any direct contact with the patients so GMC registration is not required for overseas doctors.

Location:
The Barts Cancer Institute is based on the beautiful Charterhouse Square Campus, in the heart of the City of London.
Our Teaching Centre along with our research laboratories and clinical trials centre are located primarily on this campus, within minutes of the new Barts Cancer Centre, one of the most advanced cancer centres in Europe.
Charterhouse Square is 1 of 3 Queen Mary University of London campuses, all based in the East End of London. Rich in history and diversity, it is in one of the most vibrant and exciting areas of London.
For further information about the course, the Barts Cancer Institute and what it’s like to study with us, please visit our website:
General enquiries:
Barts Cancer Institute
Teaching Centre Tel: +44(0)20 7882 2081
email: cancercourses@qmcr.qmul.ac.uk
For informal enquiries, please contact:
Mr Bijen Patel, Course Director:
email: B.Patel@qmul.ac.uk
The Barts Cancer Institute is part of Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry,
Queen Mary University of London.