Study Masters in Surgery in UK

Britain offers highly specialised surgical training compared to most countries. Nearly 74% of doctors in hospital and community health services (HCHS) are British. This is a lower proportion than in all other NHS staff groups.

Around 12% (12,928) of doctors report an Asian nationality; of those, two-thirds are from the Asian subcontinent countries. However, the process of becoming a surgeon in the UK is quite long and requires careful planning. Now, let us discuss the specifics of studying surgery in the UK.

Why Study a Master in Surgery in the UK?

The UK has an extremely long history of education in medicine, and most of its surgical programmes are very well recognised all around the world.

Here is why it is one of the best choices to study surgery in the UK :

• World-class medical education: For years, the UK has been hosting some of the oldest and most prestigious medical schools that offer advanced surgical training.
• Global recognition: Surgical qualifications from the UK are greatly valued all over the world and bring international opportunities right to the doorstep.
• Excellence in research: The majority of the universities in the UK are leaders in surgical research; therefore, the best of innovation is exposed to students.
• Clinical exposure: British medical schools are known to offer adequate opportunities for practical surgical training in hospitals of repute and world-class order.
• Patient care: The UK healthcare system is patient-oriented. A surgeon with a holistic approach is shaped by it.
• Quality of Life: The UK is a country with a very high quality of life, with vibrant cities, beautiful countryside, and an amiable culture.

All these factors combined make the UK an inviting area for aspiring surgeons who would like to improve and enhance their knowledge.

Top UK Universities for Master's in Surgery

The UK has several institutions that are very famous in the world for their surgical training programmes. Here are some of the top universities for surgery in the UK:

Masters in Surgery in the UK: Specialisations and Syllabus

A Master of Surgery in the UK enrols the student for advanced training in a subspeciality of surgery, often referred to as a surgical residency or fellowship. It includes a practical curriculum with major inputs in the areas of clinical skills, surgical techniques, and the process of patient management.

Some of the popular surgical specialisations are:

• General Surgery: A wide range of surgical procedures is covered.
• Cardiothoracic Surgery: Diseases and disorders of the heart, lungs, and related structures.
• Orthopaedic Surgery: Disorders in the musculoskeletal system.
• Neurosurgery: Concerned with disorders of the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves.
• Plastic Surgery: Restores defects of the face and body.
• Ophthalmology: Concerned with disorders of the eye and vision.
• Otorhinolaryngology: Concerned with diseases of the ear, nose, and throat.
• Urology: Deals with disorders of the urinary system and the male genitalia.
• Gastroenterology: Deals with disorders of the digestive system.
• Vascular Surgery: Concerned with disorders of blood vessels.

Model Syllabus for Surgical Training

Though the exact course content may vary at different universities and specialisations an outline of the course syllabus is given below:

• Advanced Surgical Techniques: Advanced training in surgical procedures and techniques.
• Surgical Anatomy: Anatomical structures that are related to the speciality in detail.
• Surgical Physiology: Physiological changes during and after surgery.
• Surgical Research: This course provides opportunities for research and other scholarly activities in Surgical sciences.
• Patient Management: Management of surgical patients from the stage of pre-operative intraoperative to post-operative management.
• Clinical Rotations: Practical experience of students in the surgical setting.

Eligibility and Admission Requirements to Study Masters in Surgery in the UK

The admission requirements for surgery in the UK are quite simple. Given below is an overview of the general eligibility criteria and the admission process:

• Primary Medical Qualification: The applicant must hold a medical degree in MBBS.
• Internship or Housemanship: Most courses expect a one-year internship or equivalent practice.
• Additional Postgraduate Medical Qualifications: Some programmes require additional qualifications like MRCS or equivalent.
• The PLAB test is required to study a surgery- or MBBS-related degree.
• Language Proficiency: English Language Test: Most institutions require an English proficiency certificate from IELTS or TOEFL. The minimum marks depend on the respective institutes.
• Academic Transcripts: Official mark sheets of the medical degree.
• Letters of Recommendation: Letters written by professors or supervisors who are well acquainted with the student.
• Personal Statement: An interesting statement that includes the academic and career goals of a student.
• Curriculum Vitae: Detailed resume including academic and professional experience.
• Proof of Funds: Proof of the ability to pay for tuition fees and other living expenses.
• Medical Registration: The programme will require the student to be registered with the General Medical Council.

Here is the admission process for the postgraduate surgery programmes in the UK.

• Suitable surgical programmes will have to be identified, keeping in consideration the options chosen.
• All documents will then have to be collected and prepared according to the specifications given by the university.
• Applications will then have to be forwarded to the chosen universities before their respective deadlines.
• Some of these programmes will require interviews. Then, one has to wait for the universities' decisions and accept them if offered.
• Apply for a Tier 4 (Student) visa to study in the United Kingdom.

Cost of Studying Master's in Surgery in the UK for International Students

The cost of studying a Master's in Surgery in the UK for international students depends on the programmes they choose. Here is the breakdown of the cost of studying surgery in the UK:

• Tuition Fees: Tuition fees for the various universities and specialisations that one would go for in the surgical training programmes range anywhere between GBP 23,000 and GBP 52,000 per year.
• Living Costs: The cost of living varies across cities. In this regard, the cost can range between GBP 12,000 and GBP 16,000 per annum (based on UKVI requirements of £1,334/month for London and £1,023/month outside London).
• Other Expenses: Other than the tuition and living costs, the following are some other expenses that need to be considered.
• Health Insurance: GBP 776 per year (Immigration Health Surcharge for students).
• Books and Supplies: approx. GBP 300 - GBP 500 per year
• Travel:
  • Flights: approx. GBP 600 - GBP 1,200 (round trip)
  • Visa Charges: GBP 490 (Standard Student Visa fee for applications made outside the UK).
  • Travel Insurance: approx. GBP 100 - GBP 200) per year
• Professional Registration (GMC Fees): approx. GBP 500 - GBP 800

Masters in Surgery Scholarships in the United Kingdom

A scholarship will greatly help in covering the high cost of pursuing a Master's in Surgery in the UK. Here is an overview of some of the UK scholarships for International medical students available:

Career Scope After Studying Masters in Surgery in the UK for International Students

The Masters in Surgery from the UK university opens several diverse job opportunities. Studying surgery at a UK university means the way to a successful career, given that the UK healthcare system is one of excellence and prominence.

For medical education, the UK is second to none globally; surgical training programmes stand beyond comparison. Its long history of medical innovation and care for patients helps render a transformational experience for surgeons-to-be. Studying postgraduate Surgery Programmes in the UK equips students with advanced surgical skills, deep knowledge, and a global outlook.

Ready to take your surgical career to the next level? Explore the top Master’s in Surgery programmes in the UK with AECC! Our expert advisors will guide you through every step, from choosing the right university to securing scholarships and visas. Contact us today to start your journey toward becoming a leader in surgery!