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This programme is designed to allow overseas doctors to take part in training analogous to the Core Surgical Training offered by the Joint Committee on Surgical Training (JCST). This forms the first stage of generic training for most doctors in surgery. The Masters in Surgery (MSurg), is benchmarked to the level of training required for Membership of the Royal College of Surgeons (MRCS). Students will be strongly encouraged to sit for the MRCS Part A and Part B OSCE exams during their two years on the MSurg programme. The MSurg alone is not sufficient for entry onto speciality training (ST) programmes at ST3 level. On completion of MSurg and 2 years training, a Certificate of Readiness for Specialty Training can be issued if required.

Some doctors holding a primary medical degree from a recognised medical school may not have GMC registration, and such candidates may enter the programme by passing PLAB I and II or through GMC Sponsorship as the MSurg is a GMC accredited programme for sponsorship.

Masters in Surgery (MSurg) up to 2 years

The programme is designed to deliver core training by acquisition of knowledge and skills as assessed by the work-place based assessments, which are benchmarked to MRCS standards. This programme is also designed to allow overseas doctors to take part in training analogous to the Core Surgical Training offered by the Joint Committee on Surgical Training (JCST). The training pathway for achievement of MSurg is two years, although candidates may sit the MRCS exam at an earlier stage. The programme will be broad based consisting of two to four placements in Surgical specialties. These placements must include direct involvement in the acute surgical take. Students completing the programme will have a solid platform from which to continue into Specialty Training after obtaining a Certificate of Readiness for Specialty Training (CREST) training. However, it must be recognised that attainment of MRCS is a requirement for entry into specialty training at ST3 equivalent.

The key features of the MSurg are:

- Student led – we will use an ePortfolio to encourage a learner-centred approach with the support of educational supervisors. The ePortfolio contains tools to identify educational needs, and enables the setting of learning goals, reflective learning and personal development.

- Competency based – the curricula outline competencies that trainees must reach by the end of the programme. The curriculum is directly linked to the ePortfolio as it defines standards required for good medical practice and formal assessments.

- Continuation of Good Medical Practice – building on existing training the curriculum contains important emphasis on generic competencies necessary for practice as a surgeon.

- Supervision – each student has a series of supervisors with clearly defined roles and responsibilities overseeing training including their Clinical Supervisor, Educational Supervisor, University Tutor, Pathways to Postgraduate Training in Surgery Director, and Dean of Postgraduate Medicine.

- Appraisal meetings with supervisors – regular appraisal meetings and review of competence progression are set out in the ePortfolio.

- Dissertation – Literature review of 10,000 words.

Workplace-based assessments
Regular workplace-based assessments are conducted throughout training. These include:
- CBD (Case Based Discussion)

- CEX (Clinical Evaluation Exercise)

- PBA (Procedure-based Assessment)

- DOPS (Direct Observation of Procedural Skills in Surgery)

- Multi Source Feedback (Peer Assessment Tool)

- Assessment of Improvement Project

- Observation of Teaching.

Please note: This specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the programme and the learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if he/she takes full advantage of the learning opportunities that are provided. More detailed information on the learning outcomes, content and teaching, learning and assessment methods of each course unit/module can be found in the departmental or programme handbook. The accuracy of the information contained in this document is reviewed annually by the mini´«Ã½ and may be checked by the Quality Assurance Agency.