Surgical Sciences (Online Learning) MSc, PgCert, PgDip

The programme is delivered in an online environment that provides a dynamic and collaborative learning experience. You will become part of an online community bringing together students and tutors from all over the world.

We make use of a blend of online learning methods, such as discussion forums and live tutorials.

Experienced tutors will support you through every stage of the programme, and you can engage with fellow students through supportive and constructive online networks. The flexible learning environment means you learn at the times and locations that suit you best within given timeframes and deadlines. This makes this programme suitable for busy professionals who want to update and extend their knowledge.

Online Master Brochure

The following outcome awards are offered by this Surgical Sciences programme:

• Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert: 60 credits)
• Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip: 120 credits)
• Master of Science (MSc: 180 credits)

All courses are delivered online using methods that are fully supported by the University’s award-winning online learning environments.

Year 1: Postgraduate Certificate

Core courses

• Cardiorespiratory Science
• General Surgery
• Locomotor, Urology and ENT/OMFS

Year 2: Postgraduate Diploma

Core courses

• Principles of Surgical Management
• Communication and Care
• Academic Surgery, Orthopaedic & Trauma

Year 3: Master of Science

You must complete 60 credits in Year 3. You have two options in Year 3:

• Dissertation
• Evidence based surgery

Course options

The dissertation course is a single, in depth, piece of original research. You have latitude to choose your own research topic and methodology. You will develop a research question; collect analyse and critically appraise your own data; and write this up in the form of a substantial project report.

The evidence based surgery course starts with an introduction to the skills involved in implementing a research study. This is followed by a project phase where you will plan, execute and write up of your own research project in the form of a manuscript. The evidence based surgery project is shorter in duration and length compared to the dissertation project and can involve methods that do not require primary data collection.

Find out more about compulsory and optional courses

We link to the latest information available. Please note that this may be for a previous academic year and should be considered indicative.

The Certificate, Diploma and Masters programmes are designed to let you study towards your MRCS in a flexible way.

• See testimonials from former students

These entry requirements are for the 2025/26 academic year and requirements for future academic years may differ. Entry requirements for the 2026/27 academic year will be published on 1 Oct 2025.

An accredited medical degree (MBChB or equivalent).

You should not yet have achieved Membership of the Royal College of Surgeons (MRCS or equivalent), before starting the programme. However, applicants who have already passed MRCS Part A but have yet to sit the MRCS Part B will be considered for admission.

You must be in a supervised clinical environment for the duration of your studies, such as a Junior Doctor position, CT1, CT2, etc.

Your application should include information about your MRCS, any postgraduate titles achieved, any ongoing studies, your current clinical positions, and planned future clinical rotations.

If you apply for the MSc programme, you will still be able to exit the programme at an earlier stage with a PgCert or PgDip award if the award criteria are met.

Students from China

This degree is Band D.

• Postgraduate entry requirements for students from China

International qualifications

Check whether your international qualifications meet our general entry requirements:

• Entry requirements by country

English language requirements

Regardless of your nationality or country of residence, you must demonstrate a level of English language competency which will enable you to succeed in your studies.

English language tests

We accept the following English language qualifications at the grades specified:

• IELTS Academic: total 6.5 with at least 6.0 in each component. We do not accept IELTS One Skill Retake to meet our English language requirements.
• TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition): total 92 with at least 20 in each component. We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements.
• C1 Advanced (CAE) / C2 Proficiency (CPE): total 176 with at least 169 in each component.
• Trinity ISE: ISE II with distinctions in all four components.
• PTE Academic: total 65 with at least 59 in each component. We do not accept PTE Academic Online.
• Oxford ELLT: 7 overall with at least 6 in each component.

Your English language qualification must be no more than three and a half years old from the start date of the programme you are applying to study, unless you are using IELTS, TOEFL, Trinity ISE or PTE, in which case it must be no more than two years old.

Degrees taught and assessed in English

We also accept an undergraduate or postgraduate degree that has been taught and assessed in English in a majority English speaking country, as defined by UK Visas and Immigration:

• UKVI list of majority English speaking countries

We also accept a degree that has been taught and assessed in English from a university on our list of approved universities in non-majority English speaking countries (non-MESC).

• Approved universities in non-MESC

If you are not a national of a majority English speaking country, then your degree must be no more than five years old at the beginning of your programme of study.

Find out more about our language requirements:

• English language requirements

Deposit

You must pay a non-refundable deposit before an unconditional offer can be made.

• £500 (this contributes towards your tuition fees)

Find out more about tuition fee deposits:

• Tuition fee deposits

Tuition fee deposits can be paid using the University's online payment facility, ePay:

• Pay a tuition fee deposit

Tuition fees

Funding for postgraduate study is different to undergraduate study, and many students need to combine funding sources to pay for their studies.

Most students use a combination of the following funding to pay their tuition fees and living costs:

• borrowing money
  • taking out a loan
  • family support
• personal savings
• income from work
• employer sponsorship
• scholarships

Explore sources of funding for postgraduate study

Scholarships

The University of Edinburgh offers a small number of scholarships to outstanding candidates. These are very competitive. We publish data on the success rate for scholarship applications to help you understand the level of demand.

• Scholarship applications - success rates

UK government postgraduate loans

If you live in the UK, you may be able to apply for a postgraduate loan from one of the UK’s governments.

The type and amount of financial support you are eligible for will depend on:

• your programme
• the duration of your studies
• your tuition fee status

Programmes studied on a part-time intermittent basis are not eligible.

• UK government and other external funding

Other funding opportunities

• Online Learning Scholarships

Search for scholarships and funding opportunities:

• Search for funding