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Surgery (MCh)

Masters in Surgery (MCh)

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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. 

Scholarships available
Find out about our Postgraduate Scholarships here.

Applications and Selections

Applications are made online via the University of Galway Postgraduate Applications System. 

Who Teaches this Course

Content delivered by Senior Academic Scientists and Clinicians.

Requirements and Assessment

Assessment is via continuous assessment, evaluation of contribution to group discussions, module projects and research thesis.

Key Facts

Entry Requirements

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.

Additional Requirements

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Duration

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

Next start date

September 2025

A Level Grades ()

Average intake

35

QQI/FET FETAC Entry Routes

Closing Date

 Please view the offer rounds website.

NFQ level

Mode of study

ECTS weighting

90

Award

CAO

Course code

MCH-SUR

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).

Module details for full-time course

Module details for part-time course

Curriculum Information

Curriculum information relates to the current academic year (in most cases).
Course and module offerings and details may be subject to change.

Glossary of Terms

Credits
You must earn a defined number of credits (aka ECTS) to complete each year of your course. You do this by taking all of its required modules as well as the correct number of optional modules to obtain that year's total number of credits.
Module
An examinable portion of a subject or course, for which you attend lectures and/or tutorials and carry out assignments. E.g. Algebra and Calculus could be modules within the subject Mathematics. Each module has a unique module code eg. MA140.
Optional
A module you may choose to study.
Required
A module that you must study if you choose this course (or subject).
Semester
Most courses have 2 semesters (aka terms) per year.

Year 1 (90 Credits)

RequiredMD551: Informatics II : Research Methods


Semester 1 | Credits: 10

The focus of this module is to introduce learners to the key concepts and operationalisation of research methods. Including philosophical principles, ethical issues, and fundamentals of research study design.
(Language of instruction: English)

Learning Outcomes
  1. Understand the philosophical principles and ethical issues of health research
  2. Explain the role of research methods in answering a research question
  3. Differentiate between different types of research design
  4. Recognize validity concepts and understand the principle of reliability
  5. Know how to conceptualise a research project
Assessments
  • Continuous Assessment (100%)
Teachers
The above information outlines module MD551: "Informatics II : Research Methods" and is valid from 2024 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

RequiredMD565: Research Thesis


15 months long | Credits: 30

This module is designed to provide the learner with skills and techniques to review and publish a scientific literature review on their chosen surgical topic. The programme director will meet with each candidate to discuss the topic of your Thesis.
(Language of instruction: English)

Learning Outcomes
  1. Produce a comprehensive research proposal
  2. Write a scientific literature review
  3. Prepare a manuscript for publication
Assessments
  • Research (100%)
Teachers
The above information outlines module MD565: "Research Thesis" and is valid from 2023 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

RequiredMD550: Informatics I : Retrieval & Appraisal of Scientific Literature


Semester 1 | Credits: 10

This module serves as an introduction to scientific research and the use of evidence based medicine in clinical settings. Learners are introduced to the key components of research and the steps needed to formulate a research question and how to use electronic databases.
(Language of instruction: English)

Learning Outcomes
  1. Perform competent electronic database and internet searches.
  2. Critically appraise a research paper
  3. Use EndNote to store and organise references
  4. Construct a literature review and research proposal
Assessments
  • Continuous Assessment (100%)
Teachers
The above information outlines module MD550: "Informatics I : Retrieval & Appraisal of Scientific Literature" and is valid from 2023 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

RequiredMD1550: Translational Research


Semester 2 | Credits: 10

This module focuses on the role of laboratory-based analysis of biological specimens in genetic and pathological assessment of disease, and how this analysis impacts decisions of clinicians regarding therapeutic strategies. Learners will be introduced to key components of the Translational paradigm, from the molecular basis of disease detection, to development of personalised therapies that make an impact at a population level.
(Language of instruction: English)

Learning Outcomes
  1. Describe each stage of the Translational Paradigm, from target discovery through to changing standard of care at a population level.
  2. Define the key components of a clinically-relevant Biobank, highlighting the ethical and infrastructural requirements
  3. Recognise the characteristics of a robust biomarker of disease
  4. Describe the clinical applications of nucleic acid and cellular therapies in a variety of disease settings
Assessments
  • Continuous Assessment (100%)
Teachers
The above information outlines module MD1550: "Translational Research" and is valid from 2022 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

RequiredMD6107: Surgical Education


Trimester 3 | Credits: 10

This module is designed to provide the learner with a working knowledge of the technical and non-technical skills required to be a competent surgeon and the training and teaching methods currently in use to achieve competence as well as the newer assessment modalities.
(Language of instruction: English)

Learning Outcomes
  1. Know the classification of non-technical skills in surgeons and their uses in everyday practice
  2. Know the different types of learning styles and the teaching methods best employed to appeal to them
  3. Be aware of the technological advances in surgical education and assessment
  4. Identify the different simulation modalities in use in the surgical education and assessment
  5. Know the legal requirements for valid consent and the areas where medical negligence can occur
  6. Understand the roel of leadership and decision making in surgery
Assessments
  • Continuous Assessment (100%)
Teachers
The above information outlines module MD6107: "Surgical Education" and is valid from 2023 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

RequiredMD6108: Patient Safety & Human Factors


Semester 2 | Credits: 10

This module is designed to provide the learner with a foundation in human factors as they related to surgery with the purpose of positively influencing future patient safety and quality of care as the learner progresses in their surgical career.
(Language of instruction: English)

Learning Outcomes
  1. Explore the concepts of human factor and human error and why they are relevant to surgery.
  2. Have an appreciation of the concept of situation awareness, and the factors which can influence it.
  3. Recognise different of types of decision making, and outlined the situations to which each type is applicable
  4. Recognise the critical role of communication in any team working environment and understand how to communicate more effectively.
  5. Identify the difficulties associated with making decisions in a team environment.
  6. Develop effective leadership skills for a surgical environment.
  7. Recognise stress and fatigue how they affect performance.
  8. Understand how equipment design and ergonomics can contribute to errors in the operating theatre.
Assessments
  • Continuous Assessment (100%)
Teachers
The above information outlines module MD6108: "Patient Safety & Human Factors" and is valid from 2023 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

RequiredMD552: Biostatistics I : Critical Appraisal of Published Statistics


Semester 2 | Credits: 10

This module is designed to provide the learner with a clear and stimulating introduction to many of the essential features of medical statistics. The focus of this module will be on the interpretation, evaluation and presentation of published statistical data. The module will feature practical interactive learning of statistical skills using computer software.

Learning Outcomes
  1. Explore and interpret statistical data in published research papers
  2. Develop skills to critically appraise a research paper
  3. Select appropriate statistical tests for required research
  4. Input data and perform analysis
  5. Write an appropriate statistical methods section
Assessments
  • Department-based Assessment (100%)
Teachers
The above information outlines module MD552: "Biostatistics I : Critical Appraisal of Published Statistics" and is valid from 2023 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

Why Choose This Course?

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.

Who’s Suited to This Course

Learning Outcomes

Transferable Skills Employers Value

Work Placement

Study Abroad

Related Student Organisations

Course Fees

Fees: EU

€8,640 full-time; €4,390 part-time p.a. 2025/26

Fees: Tuition

€8,500 full-time; €4,250 part-time p.a. 2025/26

Fees: Student levy

€140 full-time; €140 part-time p.a. 2025/26

Fees: Non EU

€17,140 p.a. (€17,000 p.a. including levy) 2025/26


Fees: Non EU ( Part time)
€8,640 p.a. (€4,390p.a. including levy) 2025/26

For 25/26 entrants, where the course duration is greater than 1 year, there is an inflationary increase approved of 3.4% per annum for continuing years fees.

Postgraduate students in receipt of a SUSI grant – please note an F4 grant is where SUSI will pay €4,000 towards your tuition (2025/26).  You will be liable for the remainder of the total fee.  A P1 grant is where SUSI will pay tuition up to a maximum of €6,270. SUSI will not cover the student levy of €140.

Find out More

Programme Manager
Dr Micheál Newell
E: micheal.newell@universityofgalway.ie

 

SHORTLISTED

 National Postgraduate Course of the Year (Health Science) 2014

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