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University of Melbourne

  • 37% international / 63% domestic

Master of Surgical Science

  • Masters (Coursework)

The Master in Surgical Science is designed for doctors who plan a career in surgery or a proceduralist speciality The Master of Surgical Science will provide students with foundational knowledge and skills relevant for entering surgical training as w

Key details

Degree Type
Masters (Coursework)
Duration
3 years part-time
Study Mode
In person

About this course

THERE ARE NO INTAKES TO THIS COURSE IN 2020.Course Description

The Master in Surgical Science is designed for doctors who plan a career in surgery or a proceduralist speciality

The Master of Surgical Science will provide students with foundational knowledge and skills relevant for entering surgical training as well as the opportunity to complete a minor thesis.

Core study areas

You'll receive formal and structured learning in the nine competencies the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS) expects of surgeons: medical expertise, judgment (clinical decision-making), technical expertise, professionalism and ethics, health advocacy, communication, collaboration and teamwork, management and leadership and, scholarship and teaching (RACS, 2012).

Designed for you if you're enrolled in or still considering surgical training

Specifically designed for students not already enrolled in a surgical training program and those who have recently commenced surgical training, the Master of Surgical Science provides the ideal platform to complete a research project and maximise the benefits of combining work with formal study.

Please note: Some subjects require clinical experience.

Multiple pathways to training in surgical and other medical specialities

The course structure of the Master of Surgical Sciences has been specifically designed to provide students with a tiered qualification structure. After one year, students can exit with a Graduate Certificate in Surgical Science and after two years, with a Graduate Diploma in Surgical Science.* Or you can continue on to complete the Masters program.

Learn from renowned experts in the field

Most teaching staff are practicing surgeons from the Department of Surgery. Content experts will also contribute to the program from the disciplines of psychology, sociology, ethics, human factors, leadership and education.

Please note: The course does not give you the status and privileges of a surgeon, nor does it guarantee entry to surgical training programs.

What you will learn

Knowledge and Skills you'll gain

Subjects require attendance at up to two study days and up to two webinars each semester.
Gain expertise in surgical knowledge, skills and practice knowledge.

Surgical knowledge:

Develop the fundamental principles of surgery drawing on biomedical and clinical sciences. Learn to describe a range of surgical presentations representing examples of trauma, sepsis, hemorrhage, malignancy and tissue ischemia and luminal obstruction. You'll also gain knowledge on the fundamentals of wound healing and care.

Surgical skills:

Learn a range of basic surgical skills, including: handling instruments, incisions, handling tissue, local anaesthetic techniques and tying sutures etc.

Surgical practice knowledge:

While developing a level of professionalism in surgical practice, gain knowledge of core approaches to surgery - open, endoscopic/endoluminal and laparoscopic/natural orifice - and their general indications. Learn how to apply basic biomedical science knowledge to clinical surgical scenarios. Develop knowledge in the application and interpretation of imaging techniques. And, learn to describe features of contemporary surgical practice from a socio-politico-economic perspective.

Research knowledge and skills

Gain a particular interest in surgery and develop the skills to implement and write up surgical research project through appraisal of literature relevant to surgical research project. And then through this, learn to evaluate research data in light of what is known on your topic. Furthermore, learn to evaluate ethical issues, challenges and manage all phases of your research.

Degree Structure

The Master of Surgical Science is the highest level award (150-points) with exit points at Graduate Diploma in Surgical Science (100-points) and Graduate Certificate in Surgical Science (50-points). Students must obtain 70% or more in their subject scores at Graduate Certificate and Graduate Diploma to progress to the Master of Surgical Science.

Career pathways

Access to world-class teaching staff awaits those who undertake the Master of Surgical Science. Designed as a vital pathway to becoming a recognised procedural surgeon, this program balances formal and structured theoretical knowledge with clinical practice.

Clinical and industry opportunities

As a graduate from the Master of Surgical Science you are well equipped to enter into Surgical Education and Training (SET) programs, and continue your journey to become a specialist in the field of surgical science.

The strong surgical network that you develop throughout this Master program - both with fellow students and practitioners - is highly beneficial and can lead to exciting career opportunities upon graduation.

Whether it's a rewarding career in academia, research or as a surgical practitioner, the University of Melbourne's Master of Surgical Science provides a world of opportunities.

Balancing practice with a world-class education

With all key competencies of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS) formally taught in this program, you and your fellow graduates will possess the building blocks to becoming a qualified surgeon. You'll be able to balance your clinical schedule with intensive study, supported by a world-class teaching faculty to help you grow and improve your practice.

With a flexible combination of online and on-campus study, the Master of Surgical Science will leave you with greater purpose, practical skills and the knowledge you need to pursue a career in surgery.

How to apply

THERE ARE NO INTAKES TO THIS COURSE IN 2020.