University College London (UCL)
Aesthetics (Aesthetic Surgery) MS
London, United Kingdom
MSc
DURATION
2 years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time, Part time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
Sep 2026
TUITION FEES
GBP 33,000 *
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* international students: full time £33,000 - part-time £16,500/year | UK students: full time £16,000 - part-time £8,000/year. Additional fees may apply
This master's program focuses on teaching students the essentials of aesthetic and cosmetic surgery, combining practical skills with a strong theoretical foundation. It covers a range of procedures and techniques used in aesthetic surgery, helping students develop a clear understanding of facial and body contouring, skin rejuvenation, and other popular treatments. The course is designed to support learners in building their confidence and competence, preparing them to deliver safe and effective care in clinical settings.
Students will engage with a blend of lectures, clinical skills sessions, and research projects to deepen their knowledge. The program emphasizes evidence-based practice, ensuring that learners stay updated with the latest developments in aesthetic surgery. It also encourages critical thinking about patient safety, ethical considerations, and professional responsibilities. Overall, it provides a comprehensive pathway for those looking to enhance their skills or pursue a career in aesthetic or cosmetic surgery, with support from experienced faculty and access to modern facilities.
UCL Scholarships
There are a number of scholarships available to postgraduate students, including our UCL Masters Bursary for UK students and our UCL Global Masters Scholarship for international students. You can click the link below to search via the scholarships finder for awards that you might be eligible for. Your academic department will also be able to provide you with more information about funding.
External Scholarships
Online aggregators like Postgraduate Studentships, Scholarship Search, Postgraduate Funding and International Financial Aid and College Scholarship Search contain information on a variety of external schemes.
If you have specific circumstances or ethnic or religious background it is worth searching for scholarships/bursaries/grants that relate to those things. Some schemes are very specific.
Funding for disabled students
Master's students who have a disability may be able to get extra funding for additional costs they incur to study.
Teaching and learning
In a typical week, you will study 2-3 topics through live online lectures, pre-recorded content, and online resources. Each topic requires up to two hours of engagement with lectures and materials, plus an equal amount of time for independent study, formative and summative assessments, and participation in online Q&A sessions.
There will be one face-to-face teaching day per core module in Terms 1 and 2, plus 2.5 days of face-to-face cadaver-based interactive training during Terms 2 and 3 for pathway-specific modules. This hands-on experience, taught through simulations and work with cadavers, is a rich opportunity to work in small groups with peers and experienced surgical and technical instructors.
We use a variety of formative and summative assessments, which include:
- scenario-based online quizzes
- peer-marking
- coursework
- e-poster presentation
- virtual oral presentation
- critical reflective case study
- critical appraisal of existing literature
- Objective Structured Clinical and Practical Examination (OSCPE).
Your weekly schedule will depend on the duration of your programme.
- On the one-year, full-time programme, you will have approximately 12 hours of teaching and 10 hours of independent learning a week.
- On the two-year, part-time programme, you will have approximately six hours of teaching and five hours of independent learning a week.
- During the cadaver-based interactive session you will have six to nine hours of teaching a day.
The research project spans the entire academic year (or two years for part-time students). From November, you will meet regularly with your research supervisors to discuss progress and receive feedback. You will have opportunities to present your work to supervisors and peers and gain peer feedback.
A Postgraduate Diploma will be offered on successful completion of five taught modules (all core modules plus two pathway-specific).
Modules
Full-time
On the full-time programme, you will complete five taught modules: two in term one and three in term two. The modules are predominantly distance learning with selected in campus sessions as outlined below:
- One and a half days in term one (the half-day is for induction).
- One day in term two.
- Two sets of cadaver-based interactive trainings each belonging to one module and involving two and a half days of on-campus sessions. One set will be delivered in term two while the other set will be delivered after the Easter break.
The remainder of the academic year is used for assessment and examinations. All assessments are designed so they can be completed virtually except for the Objective Structured Clinical and Practical Examination (OSCPE) for two of the taught modules. This exam normally runs in one day for both modules during term three and you are expected to attend the college for this purpose.
You will also conduct a research project throughout the year. You will normally submit your summative assessments for this module in July or early August.
Please note that we continually review and improve our modules and that the content of our website is prepared in advance so the above information may be subject to change. Exact dates of on-campus sessions will be provided to all students at the start of the academic year.
Part-time
On the part-time programme, you will complete five taught modules over two years.
Year one
You will complete two modules in term one, and one module in term two. The modules are predominantly distance learning with selected on-campus sessions as outlined below:
- one and a half days in term one (the half day is for induction)
- one day in term two.
Year two
You will take the remaining two taught modules in term two. The modules are predominantly distance learning with selected on-campus sessions as outlined below:
- Two sets of cadaver-based interactive trainings, each belonging to one module and involving two and a half days of on-campus sessions. One set will be delivered in term two while the other set will be delivered after the Easter break.
The remainder of the academic year is used for assessment and examinations. All assessments are designed so they can be completed virtually except for the OSCPE for two of the taught modules. This exam normally runs in one day for both modules during term three and you are expected to attend the college for this purpose.
You will also conduct a research project throughout year two. You will normally submit your summative assessments for this module in July or early August.
Please note that we continually review and improve our modules and that the content of our website is prepared in advance so the above information may be subject to change. Exact dates of in-campus sessions will be provided to all students at the start of the academic year.
Compulsory modules
- Breast and Torso Aesthetic Surgery
- Head and Neck Aesthetic Surgery
- Skin in Aesthetic Practice
- Fundamentals of Aesthetics
- Principles of Aesthetics
- Research Project
Please note that the list of modules given here is indicative. This information is published a long time in advance of enrolment and module content and availability are subject to change.
There are two specialist pathways for students to choose from: MS Aesthetic Surgery and MS in Minimally Invasive Aesthetics. Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits. Upon successful completion of 180 credits, you will be awarded an MS in Aesthetics (Aesthetic Surgery). Upon successful completion of 120 credits, you will be awarded a PG Dip in Aesthetics (Aesthetic Surgery).
What this course will give you
This programme offers you the following benefits and opportunities.
- A prestigious institution: Study at a renowned university in the heart of London, affiliated with the Royal Free Hospital, a recognised centre of excellence in Plastic Surgery.
- Comprehensive curriculum: Engage with an extensive, regularly updated curriculum grounded in the latest evidence-based literature, ensuring you stay at the forefront of aesthetic surgery.
- World-class faculty: Learn from an internationally recognised faculty of leaders in education and research, supported by a dedicated team of clinical lecturers committed to providing the best possible student experience in aesthetic surgery.
- Research opportunities: Collaborate directly with experienced academics to develop a new research project or contribute to existing studies, with a focus on clinical applicability and career advancement.
- Global research collaborations: If based outside the UK, you can participate in research collaborations with local institutions, expanding your impact and network.
- Patient-centred approach: Develop a mindset rooted in evidence-based practice, with patient safety as the central focus of all aesthetic surgical procedures.
- Professional networking: Build a robust network with fellow professionals, laying the foundation for future innovations and collaborations in the field.
The foundation of your career
In an increasingly competitive landscape, a qualification of this calibre from a world-leading institution will distinguish you from other practitioners. It provides clinicians with a significant advantage when seeking advanced training programmes in aesthetic surgery. Additionally, this qualification opens doors for you to contribute to the delivery of specialised short courses or engage in research in aesthetic surgery, should you choose to pursue this career path.
Employability
With the potential introduction of new regulations and guidelines in aesthetics, our programme will equip you with a professional competence framework in aesthetic surgery. You will graduate with enhanced core skills, including critical thinking, scholarly writing, independent learning, and a solid grounding in the scientific method, all of which will benefit your current and future career.
As a graduate, you may also have the opportunity to return to the programme as a tutor or supervisor, contributing to the next generation of aesthetic surgeons. Many of our graduates go on to present at national and international conferences and publish in leading journals within the growing field of aesthetic surgery. If you intend to pursue further education, such as obtaining a PhD, our international team of lecturers and tutors will provide guidance and support throughout the process.
Networking
Our programme offers regular networking opportunities, including events featuring expert speakers, where you can gain valuable insights and connect with leaders in the field. We encourage students to enhance their skills and expand their professional networks by attending and participating in conferences, providing further opportunities to engage with the broader aesthetics community.