MSc Surgical Skills & Sciences
|
Awards: |
Pg Diploma/MSc in Surgical Skills and Sciences |
Course Overview
This unique MSc accelerates surgical training and improves surgical skills that are essential for building confidence in clinical practice. The course offers the opportunity to develop or extend expertise in the established and rapidly developing areas of Laparoscopic Surgery and Gastrointestinal Endoscopy.
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 allows novice learning and skill mastery to occur in a low-stress, high-feedback environment while protecting the patient from procedural inexperience.
You will gain a clear understanding of the concept and theories surrounding the issues of research and critical appraisal along with academic writing.
Teaching Methods
Many different teaching methods are employed during the course, including lectures, seminars and practical classes and demonstrations using surgical simulators in the BCI Teaching Centre.
In addition, you will be attending and participating in the multidisciplinary cancer management meetings and the Surgical Grand Round and have the opportunity to observe in theatre.
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.
Learning outcomes
On completion of the course you will have ability to perform the following on simulators:
- Perform basic and advanced laparoscopy tasks
- Perform laparoscopic suturing
- Perform laparoscopic Cholecystectomy
- Perform endoscopy (Gastroscopy & Flexible Sigmoidoscopy)
Through studying the research methods module you will also able to understand the tools and methodologies for conducting research.
Career prospects
- Accelerates your surgical training and improves technical skills.
- Enhances future career prospects in General Surgery.
- An excellent foundation for MRes/PhD studies.
Programme Structure
| Module Names | Type | Unit Value |
|---|---|---|
|
Compulsory |
2 | |
|
Compulsory |
1 | |
|
Compulsory |
1 | |
|
Compulsory |
2 | |
|
Compulsory |
2 | |
| Core | 4 |
Each unit will have approximately 30 hours of contact time and will require 120 hours of self study.
Research Skills
The module focuses on the methods, tools and techniques to conduct research, how to critically assess and evaluate literature and findings, and how to apply the academic theory.
Laparoscopic Skills
This module will provide you with a broad understanding and practical skills on Laparoscopic instrument manipulation.
Practical exercises to include the following:
- Basic laparoscopy skills
- Camera manipulation
- Eye-hand coordination and 2D - Depth perception - Advanced laparoscopy skills
- Tissue cutting and clipping
- Tissue dissection
- Advanced bimanual skills
- Laparoscopic instrument manipulation
Suturing Skills
This module teaches proper skills on laparoscopic needle handling and extracorporeal and intracorporeal suturing.
Practical exercises to include the following:
- Laparoscopic Needle Handling
- Extracorporeal Suturing
- Intracorporeal Continuous Suturing
- Intracorporeal Interrupted Suturing
Laparoscopic Procedure Skills
This module is aimed at developing judgement andlearning interpretation of anatomical and operative findings of Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy. You can practice complete Lap Cholecystectomy with life like sensations that mimic the feel of an actual lap procedure.
Endoscopy Skills
This module is to develop psychomotor skills required for performing flexible endoscopy. The training exercises will help enhance the hand-eye coordination required for precise manipulation of endoscope camera and tools for performing diagnostic Gastroscopy and Flxible Sigmoidoscopy.
Practical exercises to include the following:
- Cyberscopy - Basic Endoscopy Skills
- Endobubble – level 1 & 2
- Endobasket – Level 1 & 2 - Full Procedure
- Flexible Sigmoidoscopy
- Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscopy – Gastroscopy
Dissertation
Your dissertation will usually be based upon laboratory or clinical work, within a programme of research, but it may be a review of a particular clinical topic, provided that there has been a comprehensive literature review, with independent conclusions draw.
Entry Requirements
Both UK and overseas doctors with a degree in medicine are eligible to apply. Some postgraduate experience is desirable but not essential.
If English is not your first language, you will be required to meet the following standards in one of these English language examinations:
| | Examination | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IELTS | TOEFL | IBTOEFL | PTE Academic | |
| Level Required | 6.5 | 580 | 92 | 62 |
Application:
You will need to provide the following for your online application:
- 2 References
- Copies of transcripts
- Copies of qualifications (where appropriate)
- English language examination results and certificate (if applicable)
- Personal statement
- CV
Applications are accepted all year round, but there are limited places so please apply early to avoid disappointment.
Fees:
| Surgical Skills and Sciences Programme of Study | Home/EU | Overseas |
|---|---|---|
| MSc Full Time | £13,850 | £25,350 |
Fees are per annum and provisional for 2012 entry.
Please refer to the QMUL fees page for more information.
Student Profile
Marcus Lim
Year of Intake: 2010/11
In the current climate of government targets, Modernising Medical Careers programme and European Working Time Directive as a foundation doctor, I personally find it difficult, in terms of opportunity and freedom, to broaden and strengthen my career interests. Coupled with the ever-escalating level of competition that future doctors face, I see an MSc as an absolute necessity. An MSc in Surgical Skills and Sciences not only provides me with a taste of various surgical skills including basic skills, laparoscopy and endoscopy, but also an excellent opportunity for research. All of this will provide me with the fundamental knowledge and skills that I can build upon throughout my career.
Having obtained my Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery from St. George’s University of London, I am familiar with the world-renowned status of the University of London. Barts, being the only one to offer the combination of Surgical Skills and Science, appealed to me greatly. Living in London and being able to study full time for one year, proved to be an attractive bonus as I would be able to dedicate myself fully without the distraction of other work commitments. Last but not least, Queen Mary is home to the London Surgical Simulation Academy, and I am incredibly excited about being able to train in a controlled simulated environment without the risk of harming a real patient. This will allow me to push myself further and accelerate the process of learning.
I enjoy the practical aspects of the course as well as the formal and informal lectures provided by the tutors, which are highly engaging and informative. Throughout the course so far, my tutors have been extremely supportive, helping me to work through challenges I have faced and encouraging me to push myself and succeed.
I have really enjoyed the unlimited opportunities to practice various surgical skills, including, laparoscopic simulators, laparoscopic box trainers and gastrointestinal endoscopy. These opportunities have served to reinforce my desire to continue my surgical training.
Graduate Profile
Sarit Badiani
Graduated 2009
With a background in surgical training, I was interested in undertaking a Masters programme where I could acquire both research and practical skills. Having extensively looked at the various MSc courses available I believe this was the only programme available that covered both these aspects. I was aware of the high reputation of Queen Mary University, in particular the institute of cancer was excited to be part of such a highly recognised institution.
This MSc is unique in the way it provides an opportunity to be part of, as well as undertake academic research along with its practical elements involving the use of endoscopic and laparoscopic surgical simulators. This is a very well structured course involving timetabled academic teaching and weekly practical sessions.
This is an extremely enjoyable masters programme. There has always been a high level of support from all members of the department making this an even more pleasant experience. I would strongly recommended this MSc for anyone wishing to pursue any surgical career.
I hope to enter into higher surgical training to specialise in a field of general and laparoscopic surgery. I believe that the practical skills I have achieved through this course will be something I can take with me to progress even further in my career.
