Proposed MSc in Surgical Sciences

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Introduction

The University of Oxford’s Nuffield Department of Surgery and the Department for Continuing Education are working on the development of a new part-time Master’s programme in Surgical Science (working title).

This unique postgraduate programme aims to equip future senior clinicians with:

• The skills and knowledge to evaluate clinical research evidence critically and understand how it should be interpreted and applied to their own context and practice;
• An overview of how to design, conduct and evaluate teaching and training for postgraduate clinicians, and how to assess curricula and teaching programmes;
• A comprehensive understanding of financial and quality management ideas and methods for analysing and re-organising the systems in which they work;
• Valuable baseline practical training in minimally invasive and robotic surgical techniques;
• Training in the teamwork, leadership and communication skills required for effective and safe working in a modern surgical environment.

Structure of the proposed Master’s programme

The Master’s programme, designed for surgeons in training, is structured to accommodate the needs of working professionals and will be available to study on a part-time basis over 2-3 years. The Master’s will involve the study of six taught modules (and the completion of associated assignments) and a research project and associated dissertation.

Modules will normally comprise one-week’s intensive teaching in Oxford through the use of lectures, workshops, seminars and practical sessions (including simulated operating theatre time and use of the Da Vinci robot to perform simulated surgical tasks and procedures). This will be supplemented by self-directed learning and access to online resources and support via a dedicated Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). The VLE will operate as a key communications tool for project and group-based work and help build an online academic community, while also providing remote access to essential course materials. The research project (comprising one third of the Master’s) will provide students with the opportunity to plan, execute and analyse a significant piece of research in a specific area related to the syllabus.

The Master’s modules will also be available to study on a stand-alone basis as short CPD courses or for academic credit towards a Postgraduate Certificate or Postgraduate Diploma, requiring the successful completion of three or six modules, respectively.

Subject to University approval, the Master’s programme could be available to study from October 2011.

Feedback sought

As part of the development process we are keen to obtain feedback on, and gauge potential interest in, the proposed Master’s Programme and would be most grateful if you could spare a few minutes to answer some questions. The survey should take no more than 15 minutes.