General Surgery (Online Learning) ChM (General Surgery)
Online
DURATION
2 Years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Part time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
22 Aug 2025
EARLIEST START DATE
08 Sep 2025
TUITION FEES
GBP 7,600 *
STUDY FORMAT
Distance Learning
* estimated tuition for general surgery (ChM)
Introduction
This two-year, part-time master's programme is offered jointly by the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh and the University of Edinburgh and is taught entirely online. Both institutions have combined well previously to deliver an award-winning Master’s programme to support early surgical training and continue to serve as a powerful brand in surgery.
You will be taught by experienced tutors – all leading clinicians in their field – and you will have access to well-defined and managed learning resources and educational material, including an unparalleled online library facility.
Illustrative cases will cover technical skills and procedures as well as core knowledge and clinical skills.
Awards
ChM (General Surgery).
Program Outcome
The Master’s in General Surgery programme allows you to select advanced modules that match your declared subspecialty, and supports your study towards the Fellowship of the Royal College of Surgeons (FRCS) examinations.
On completion of this programme, trainees will be able to:
- Demonstrate in-depth knowledge of their chosen surgical subspecialty, 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 sub-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
Career Opportunities
The ChM provides advanced training for surgeons preparing for the intercollegiate fellowship examination and those approaching consultancy.
Curriculum
Based on the UK Intercollegiate Surgical Curriculum, this program allows you to select advanced modules that match your declared subspecialty and support your study towards the Fellowship of the Royal College of Surgeons (FRCS) examinations.
Year 1
Compulsory modules will cover the basic elements of subspecialties, for instance, emergency surgery and critical care including the assessment and the pre-/peri-/post-operative care of the surgical patient.
These modules will be taught and assessed using a clinical problem-based approach, supported by a systems-based review of the course material.
Year 2
Academic modules will explore research and teaching methodology, whilst enabling students to develop the ability to analyse published evidence and enhance their interactive and written clinical communication skills. Students will also have the opportunity to complete an academic research project in Year 2 e.g. Original research or a Systematic Review in a relevant area of work. Following completion of the programme, students are encouraged to seek publication of their study in a peer-reviewed journal.
Students are supported throughout the programme through asynchronous discussions with e-tutors who are all leading clinicians in their field. Students also have access to a large learning resource, including subscriptions to key online books and journals.
Admissions
Scholarships and Funding
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
- Taking out a loan
- Family support
- Personal savings
- Income from work
- Employer sponsorship
- 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.
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.
Program Tuition Fee
Student Testimonials
Program delivery
Online learning
Our online learning technology is fully interactive, and award-winning and enables you to communicate with our highly qualified teaching staff from the comfort of your own home or workplace.
Our online students not only have access to Edinburgh’s excellent resources but also become part of a supportive online community, bringing together students and tutors from around the world.
Program Admission Requirements
Show your commitment and readiness for Grad school by taking the GRE - the most broadly accepted exam for graduate programs internationally.