Vascular and Endovascular Surgery (Online Learning) Programme closed

The Master of Surgery degree programme is delivered entirely online by The University of Edinburgh in partnership with The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh.

• As one of the top 25 universities in the world (QS World University Rankings 2024), the University of Edinburgh has a strong historic and trusted reputation within academic surgery and particularly online surgical education.
• The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh has a unique international reputation as the oldest Surgical College in the world- with around 30,000 members in 100 countries, almost half of whom are overseas, touching every stage of the career path from medical student to consultant.

The Master of Surgery programme exploits the strong synergies between both parties, ensuring that teaching insights and material are contemporary and at the cutting edge of academic surgery practice.

Benefits of studying online

We provide interactive online learning technology which enables you to communicate with our teaching staff from the comfort of your own home or workplace.

Online students not only have access to Edinburgh’s extensive online library, but also become part of a supportive online community, bringing together students and tutors from around the world.

Our global student population comes from a variety of backgrounds and enjoy a rich learning experience while studying on the programme.

Studying online at Edinburgh

Find out more about the benefits and practicalities of studying for an online degree:

• Postgraduate online learning

The programme runs on a semester basis over 2 years and involves approximately 20 hours of study each week.

• Credit rating: 120 credits at SCQF level 12

Courses within the programme are offered as Continuous Professional Development (CPD).

Year 1

Compulsory courses:

• Principles of Vascular Practice
• Endovascular Practice
• Open Surgery & Infection in Vascular Practice
• Vascular Imaging; Aneurysms
• Chronic Limb Ischaemia & Complications of Diabetes
• Renal & Mesenteric Vascular Disorders
• Cerebro-vascular Disorders
• Acute Limb Ischaemia & Vascular Trauma
• Upper Limb & Non-atheromatous Lower Limb Disorders
• Venous & Lymphatic Disorders

You will be taught through a clinical problem-based approach using asynchronous discussion boards to cover technical skills and procedures relevant to the cases as well as core knowledge and clinical skills.

Each semester, courses are taught concurrently such that you may be engaged in 5-6 asynchronous discussions at any one time (one per course). You will spend 10-15 hours on programme-related study each week (activities include reading the discussion thread, reading around the topic, contributing to the discussion).

Year 2

Compulsory courses:

• Critical Care & Emergency Surgery
• Core Academic Activity (Research Methodology and Study Design)
• Specialist Academic Activity (Research Project)

You will have the opportunity to develop skills in academic surgery and undertake an independent research project. The programme offers an alternative to a dedicated research fellowship for those who do not wish to take time out of clinical practice or training.

On completion of this programme you will be able to:

• demonstrate in-depth knowledge of their chosen surgical sub-specialty, and be able to apply this knowledge to the systematic assessment and management of surgical patients in the elective, urgent and emergency clinical setting
• recognise the leadership contribution and responsibilities of the surgeon in the multidisciplinary management of complex surgical disease
• critically reflect upon day-to-day surgical practice in the context of recent advances, and engage in critical dialogue with peers and experts in other specialties
• apply the general principles of clinical study design, ethics, and statistics to critically evaluate the scientific literature in surgical research, and make informed judgements on new and emerging issues in surgery
• exercise a high level of autonomy and initiative in professional activities at a level of independent surgical practice

Studying for a Master of Surgery in Vascular & Endovascular Surgery at the University of Edinburgh can offer various career benefits:

Specialisation: This programme allows you to develop your specialist knowledge of vascular and endovascular surgery which can make you highly sought after in the medical field.

Enhanced Patient Care: Your advanced knowledge and clinical decision-making skills in vascular and endovascular surgery will enable you to provide better care to patients with vascular conditions, which can be personally rewarding and enhance your reputation as a medical professional.

Research Opportunities: The University of Edinburgh is renowned for its research. As part of your Masters study, you will have the opportunity to engage in independent research in vascular surgery, which can open doors to careers in academic surgery.

Networking: Being part of the University of Edinburgh's medical community allows you to build a strong professional network with peers, professors, and medical practitioners. Networking can lead to collaborations, job opportunities, and mentorship.

International Recognition: A degree from the University of Edinburgh carries international recognition and prestige. This can be advantageous if you plan to work in different countries or collaborate with medical professionals worldwide.

Career Advancement: With a specialised master's degree, you may qualify for advanced positions within your field, such as consultant or attending surgeon roles. It can also open up opportunities for leadership roles in healthcare institutions.

Teaching Opportunities: If you have an interest in academia, this degree can prepare you for teaching positions in medical schools or surgical training programmes.

Continuing Professional Development: The field of medicine is constantly evolving. Pursuing a master's in vascular and endovascular surgery ensures that you stay up-to-date with the latest advancements and techniques, enhancing your career longevity.

Personal Fulfilment: Finally, the satisfaction of mastering a complex and challenging field of medicine can be a significant personal benefit. If you have a passion for vascular and endovascular surgery, pursuing this degree can be personally fulfilling.

Remember that the specific career benefits may vary depending on your individual goals and aspirations, but overall, a Master of Surgery in Vascular & Endovascular Surgery from the University of Edinburgh can provide a strong foundation for a successful and rewarding career in this specialised medical field.

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.

A medical degree (MBChB or equivalent) recognised by the General Medical Council in the UK or an equivalent national body, and must have acquired MRCS (or equivalent assessment milestone).

UK applicants must be an Advanced Trainee in Vascular Surgery (UK ST 3/4) and be based in a supervised surgical training programme at the time of enrolling.

Applicants from outside the UK must have completed a minimum of 2 years basic training in surgery and 2 years specialty training in Vascular Surgery before enrolling for the ChM.

Surgeons who have a consultant or career grade post (or equivalent) in Vascular Surgery are also eligible for entry.

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

Read our general information on tuition fees and studying costs:

• Fees and costs

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

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