Healthcare professionals discussing file in hospital hallway

Master of Surgery (by module)

MCh
Surgery and medicine

Course details

Applications now open - September 2024 intake

RCSI is pleased to announce that applications for our established part-time Master of Surgery (MCh) by Module programme is now open for September 2024 intake

Registration: Please click here to apply

The Master of Surgery (MCh) by module is the first in Ireland to incorporate a taught component in addition to the research dissertation.

Available over one year on a full-time basis or two years part-time, programme modules are designed to equip you with a versatile skill set that will help you better meet the demands of higher surgical training.

The programme greatly benefits medical graduates planning a surgical career in obtaining a higher degree in surgery. This programme can be undertaken before, during or on completion of a structured surgical training programme.

This programme is 80% online with 20% face to face days on campus. Each module will have at least 1- or 2-days face to face. 

Please email mcht@rcsi.ie with any queries.

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Learning outcomes

This programme will provide you with the skills and knowledge to:

  • Understand the major principles of healthcare ethics and law and their application to a surgical setting.
  • Understand the legal, regulatory and ethical requirements in the conduct of human subject clinical research.
  • Recognise issues and circumstances in healthcare practice and clinical research that raise potential legal liability.
  • Understand the frameworks necessary to analyse and critically evaluate claims based on expert knowledge.
  • Develop an idea into a comprehensive research strategy.
  • Recognise and manage errors in surgical practice due to human error or medical/surgical devices.
  • Understand the medical device design and development process, from concept to commercialisation.
  • Comprehend the role of surgery in global health and policymaking in emerging health systems of developing countries.
  • Analyse stakeholders and organisational culture within the organisation or service which they work.

Modules

Our Master of Surgery (MCh) by Module programme has a diverse range of modules tailored to support the career development of non-consultant hospital doctors in Ireland. 

We have 3 core modules and a choice from 8 optional modules. An MCh award requires completion of 90 ECTS.

Scholars must complete 3 mandatory modules totaling to 55 ECTS and then select 4 optional modules from a range of 8 totaling 35 ECTS. These consist of 3 x 10 ECTS Modules and 1 x 5 ECT Module.

 

Mandatory modules - 55 ECTS

Research Methods: Protocol Design, Research and Analysis - 15 ECTS This module will equip you with the tools to prepare, manage, and design a substantial research project.
Healthcare Ethics, Law and Clinical Research - 10 ECTS This module aims to provide surgeons in training with an opportunity to gain a deeper and more systematic understanding of ethical and legal issues both in principle and in practical aspects of health care and clinical research.
Research Dissertation - 30 ECTS In order to successfully achieve the qualification of a Master of Surgery, you must complete a substantial research dissertation in a specialty of your choice. The dissertation must be original scholastic work, though not necessarily lab- based, suitable for peer-reviewed publication in a journal of high impact. You will consult with supervisors at regular intervals throughout the research process and will have at least six months to complete the dissertation.

Optional modules - Scholars must select 4 optional modules from a range of 8 totaling 35 ECTS. These consist of 3 x 10 ECTS Modules and 1 x 5 ECT Module.

Medical Devices, Technology and Innovation - 10 ECTS The aim of this module is to provide scholars with hands-on experience in the industry of medical invention, from identifying un-met needs to developing clinical and market strategies. The module will also seek to build the participants awareness of the various roles of clinical professionals (surgeons) in the design and development of medical devices.
Clinicians as Educators - 10 ECTS This module aims to support and promote the development of your role as a teacher and assessor in clinical practice

Professionalism and Advanced Communication - 10 ECTS

 This module aims to support the development of the core skills below through exploring the concept of professionalism and the principles and practice of advanced communication.
Global Surgery -  5 ECTS The aim of this module is to introduce surgeons in training to the global healthcare context and specific issues relevant to the surgical profession. You are expected to gain awareness of surgical needs unique to developing countries and in humanitarian crises.
Lean QI and Healthcare - 5 ECTS This module aims to develop an understanding of the evolution and guiding principles of lean healthcare and the link between 'lean', your patients and patient value.
Leading and Managing your Organisation - 10 ECTS The aim of this module is to provide you with hands-on experience in the industry of medical invention, from identifying unmet needs to developing clinical and market strategies. The module also seeks to build your awareness of the various roles of clinical professionals (surgeons) in the design and development of medical devices.
Primary Care (Orthopaedics) I - 10 ECTS This module aims to enhance a student's capacity to assess and manage musculoskeletal conditions that commonly present to GPs and in primary care, to conduct a clinical assessment and to perform therapeutic procedures (e.g. joint injections) with use of diagnostic imaging where appropriate and available.
Primary Care (Orthopaedics) II - 10 ECTS This module follows on from the Primary Care (Orthopaedics) I module.